Some girls may know of the Birchbox. The company started in 2010 shipping monthly boxes to women across the nation.
What are in these boxes, you may ask? Every month companies like Birchbox send samples of high-end grooming, beauty and lifestyle items to the doors of customers. Birchbox was just the start.
Subscription boxes can range in price from $10 to $40 a month. The items within the box are a surprise to the subscriber. This allows the receiver to sample a product they normally wouldn’t feel confident in buying.
Huyen Nguyen says she is interested in beauty boxes if the price is right, “I think it’s a good idea if they are super affordable,” the senior radiological technology major said.
Customers can choose subscriptions on a 1, 3, 6 or 12-month basis. Most companies throw in free shipping and some even have reward programs.
“It’s a great concept, letting you try new products without purchasing the full size, but only if you’re open to trying new brands,” Nguyen said.
Boxes have a wide variety to fit just about anyone’s style. Whether they are a cosmetic guru, health fanatic or into luxury items there is a box out there. These boxes aren’t just for women; companies create boxes for women, men and even pets.
Emily Benton says she doesn’t enjoy sampling makeup in stores, this allows her to have her own surprise samples on a continioual basis.
“It’s a great concept and it’s so low cost to have your own samples. It’s like a surprise gift to yourself each month, I love it,” said Benton, a junior mass communications major.
Julibox is for the Brian Flanagan in every man. This box contains spirits and mixes for four cocktails.
So if Bud Light is getting a bit old, this box subscription is the solution. The downfall is the price, at $40 a month, is living the dream as a bartender worth it?
For food and health lovers there is Klutchclub. A mix of health, wellness and fitness products with links on their website to purchase full-size items. Juices, nutrition bars and even workout videos can be within this monthly subscription.
Pet owners can check out Barkbox suited for dogs. Just choose the box suited for their size between “Small and cute,” “Just right“ or “Big and bold.“ Prices range from $19 to $29 depending on how many months one would want to receive a Barkbox.
Items may include toys, bones or all-natural treats suited for the size of the pup. And if there are any cat lovers out there, Pawalla will have what cats are looking for.
Subscription boxes are great ways to try new products. But is the price worth the four to six samples every month? The answer is to do a trial run. Purchase a one-month subscription and see if the samples are worthwhile.
