It’s become an addiction. Every month, a cheery little box of handpicked goodies arrives on our doorsteps, and we can’t get enough. For some people, the excitement of unboxing a subscription is worth the cost. What is it about subscription boxes that keep us coming back month after month? And are they truly worth it?
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It’s new
One great thing about subscription boxes is that you get to try new products that you would never have otherwise. When it comes to taking a risk and buying something, some of us can be hesitant, but we’re more likely to put our faith in experts who have already tested a particular product and know whether or not it works.
It’s curated
A good subscription box isn’t simply thrown together. Expert curators think long and hard about the kind of products that are right for you. And whether it’s for beauty products, jewelry, vaping supplies, or themed collectables, many subscription boxes give you the option to customize the box a little to your personal taste and style, so you’re much more likely to receive products you actually like and want to use.
It’s exclusive
For some companies, a subscription box isn’t just about products – it’s about selling a part of the brand, and they go above and beyond to give you a real treat and include products that aren’t usually available in stores. If you’re into vaping, for example, the Auster vape subscription comes in a box designed and curated by a different artist each month, and as well as e-liquid and vaping supplies, past boxes have contained artist ‘zines, scarves, postcards, and beauty products. With each box designed with a particular aesthetic in mind, it’s a gorgeous monthly gift that’s not just about topping up your vaping needs.
It’s convenient
We work longer hours than our parents, and many of us just don’t have the time to browse websites online or walk up and down the aisles getting our regular monthly purchases. There’s plenty of subscription boxes out there that supply essentials that we frequently replenish, like groceries or razor blades, and while they might not be a surprise every week or month, it’s nice to know that someone’s taken care of the shopping for us!
However, it’s tough to figure out whether or not subscription boxes are actually getting you a bargain. Most claim to be discounted from a retail value, but the value assigned to individual goods in a box is sometimes heavily inflated. You can find a bargain if a box contains an end-of-line or clearance product, but think about it – the curators selecting the products, the designers creating the box, and the shipping all has to be paid.
It’s up to you to decide whether subscription boxes are right for you. For many busy working mothers and wives, the convenience – and surprise – of a monthly box of goodies is worth the markup. And after you watch a view unboxing videos online, it’s not hard to see why so many people are jumping in on the trend.
