Over the past few years, you most likely saw many companies worldwide creating monthly or quarterly subscription boxes. These are designed to bring customers unique items from the manufacturer/box creator. And many times, those items are exclusive to the box. The subscription box system has grown considerably because it has a sense of inclusiveness, as only a select group can grab those items. In some cases, subscription boxes can have a good resale value too.

 

How does the subscription box system work?

 

When you buy an item from a website, they get paid, ship it to you, and you know exactly what you are getting. Maybe you even use a service like KeiKash and receive some cash back. But the subscription box model is a bit different. The company tells you the overall topic/category for the box, but you rarely know all the items inside the subscription box.

That adds to the suspense and is also one of the main reasons people buy subscription boxes. They like the unknown and the gambling aspect, and the fact that most of these subscription boxes guarantee more value than what you pay them also helps a lot.

That doesn’t mean subscription boxes are safe. You always want to work with a company with a proven track record for subscription boxes. You also don’t want to spend a significant amount first; if it’s your first time working with that company, you want to opt for the most minor purchase.

 

Are subscription boxes a reliable way to buy items?

 

It depends on what you want and what the subscription box creators disclosed. Generally, most subscription boxes are safe to buy, and the companies creating them are consistent. But some companies don’t offer much value or trust, so you must be careful. You must perform your due diligence and understand what you are risking, what you can do, and how to avoid some of these problems.

 

The benefits of going with the subscription box model:

 

• Maybe the best thing about subscription boxes is that they are a mystery. People love mysteries. They like the idea of being surprised. It can be very successful if the subscription box is set up correctly. After all, who doesn’t want to receive an affordable gift every single month without knowing what’s inside? I would, and I am sure others would as well.
• Usually, you will know what’s inside, at least regarding the theme. So, you have some information that will allow you to cancel a subscription. Sure, some of these subscription box companies might offer deals if you go for a yearly subscription. But you can also go for a month-by-month option.
• Many of these subscription boxes are curated, catering to the interests of a specific audience. This is good because it produces a much better result for those who buy such a product.
• Generally, subscription boxes have consistent pricing, and that does help quite a lot. Yes, it is challenging to know that firsthand, but for the most part, these systems are safe. Still, it does help if you study the market yourself just to prevent any issues.
• You can find subscription boxes for pretty much anything. There are boxes for pets, food, entertainment, pop culture, and anything else you might be interested in. So there’s a lot of diversity on the market here, which is great because you can pick whatever you want.

 

The downsides of the subscription box system:

 

• Surprises can be great, but they can also be an issue if you get less than expected. So yes, the subscription box system is a double-edged sword because you often don’t understand what will be in the box until you get it.
• Not every company takes the subscription box system seriously. Some will just throw stuff in to add many items, but you might end up with less value than expected, which will be a problem.
• Companies that create subscription boxes tend not to always have the best policies, especially regarding returns. That’s why you always want to read their terms and see what kind of restrictions or requirements they might have.
• If value is not provided with every box, people will fall off and try to find alternatives. So, this is a type of business that can be volatile. Even if, at face value, you think you’re getting an excellent return, that might not always be the case.
• For some people, subscription boxes can lead to addiction because they are always looking forward to the next one. So, in some cases, it might be hard to get off the hype train. That’s even if the value provided is not exactly the best, which is something you have to keep in mind.

 

Should you buy any subscription boxes? 

As always, the value is in the eyes of the beholder. Some people love getting surprised with a box full of goodies every month. Others will see them as an unnecessary expense. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is ensuring you get the value you paid for or more.

Everyone must realize that subscription boxes will not always include items you want or need. You might like some of them but will generally have some filler items. However, if you like being surprised and the subscription boxes are not overly expensive, you can find them a fun way to gamble for some sweet presents every month or occasionally. One thing is sure, subscription boxes have their spot on the market, but it’s up to you whether they are necessary or something you can easily skip!