The 8 Subscription Services We Love
Apr 4, 2017Where are some of the best online shopping deals? Subscription service sites. These are popping up all over the place.
Subscription-based retail delivery companies like Stitch Fix, Dollar Shave Club and Birchbox have exploded and are changing the way consumers shop. A recent study shows subscription box sites have grown nearly 3,000% in the past three years.
So why the tremendous growth?
Convenience, savings and let’s face it – fun! Who doesn’t love getting a shipment with goodies inside? Subscription services have made shopping online easy to do – often with targeted products chosen specifically for you. This level of personalization is another reason subscription services have overtaken the online shopping industry.
According to Startek.com:
Subscription models are as much a source of data as they are a retail platform. Information collected from repeat orders help build strong customer profiles and create more opportunities for personalization. Brands can use the historic data to provide personalized orders based on unique preferences and customer data. Ultimately, fostering long-term relationships built on trust and brand loyalty. With consumers driving their own shopping experiences, the subscription model gives retailers both the flexibility and data needed to give customers what they really want.
Here is our list of favorites by category:
Beauty
For the best in beauty, look no further than Birchbox. For $10 per month (or yearly for $99) you get a monthly mini beauty box of 5 samples handpicked for you based on your hair, skin and style. This site features some well-known brands like Smashbox, Bumble&Bumble, Clinique, Kiehl’s and amica, to name a few. Boxes tailored for men and women can also be gifted! Who wouldn’t love that?
Started by YouTube beauty expert Michelle Phan, Ipsy was created to help the countless women around the world select the best products. Michelle and her team of stylists have selected products they love, for you to try. Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using through her beauty video tutorials – all for $10 per month.
Home
Handy around the house but need some new tools? Or maybe you have a screw loose and need some do-it-yourself inspiration? HandyBox does the hard work for you – at least getting the right tools in your hand. The Handy Box delivers a monthly box filled with the handiest tools and gadgets – from basic tools that everyone should have to useful gadgets that are just plain cool and handy. The Handy Box will contain 3-5 different items each month, with a total retail value of $40 or more. Choose a 3 ($83) or 6 month ($161) subscription. What’s in it? Check out their site to look at past boxes, like this one that included:
- 2 X Mychanic Magnetic Roadside
LED Flares - Tubing Cutter
- 2 X Ratcheting Tie Downs | 500LB
- Stubby Philips & Slotted Screwdriver Set
- 6 X Duracell AAA Batteries
The Homestead Box is not only a subscription box service, but touts itself as “homesteaders for homesteaders.” The company leans on a local community of gardeners, farmers, ranchers, and all around homesteaders for the best practices and ideas for a self-sufficient, sustainable, lifestyle.
“From small farm acreages, sprawling back yards, and full size green houses to back porches, small balconies, and urban rooftops, we strive to improve the skill set and knowledge base of our entire nation wide community.”
This service lets you choose between our two awesome box choices — Pioneer ($99 / month) or Classic ($49 / month). All boxes contain seasonal and project based items. While the company does not reveal what is in the boxes, they do post a monthly video on our YouTube channel to go through all of the items in the current month’s box.
Pets
For the lovable pets in your life comes this personal shopping service just for them. BarkBox is a monthly delivery of toys, treats and other doggie stuff that will keep your pooch pampered. Just like other subscription sites, you can send a gift to someone too or “re-fur a friend”- maybe a new pet owner. Just select your dog size (Small, Just Right, or Big and Bold) and order your box. Prices range from $21 to $29 / month. Can’t get enough of dogs? Their Stories Page will keep you entertained with dog tales, pictures and fun facts from around the world.
For feline fans, PurrPacks has everything you need in a great, customizable pack. They specialize in discovering and sharing new and innovative products for cats and their owners. You can customize your pack based on special requests, dietary preferences, color preferences and more. Packages can start at $24.99 / month for a Teaser Pack, to a Mega Pack for multiple cats at $39.99 / month. Each package includes toys, treats and surprises! Packs also are socially conscious, and each pack has a percentage donated to an animal shelter.
Footwear
The best way to grow your sneaker collection? Look no further than Sneakertub – the gateway to the best sneakers on the market! Each box SNEAKERTUB is a monthly mystery Sneaker subscription service delivering a curated package of Sneakers and sneaker accessories from top brands to your door step. Prices range from $34.99 to $259.99 / month. Want to see what you can get? Check out their picture page to see all the great stuff that might just show up for you next month.
Want new socks? In love with fun and funky styles? The SockBox is the best box for you. For only $12 / month, you will get socks delivered right to your door. SockBox has a highly-trained staff in the art of “sock curation” – choosing carefully and wisely and surprise you with cool new socks every month. Makes a great gift, too.
Give 10 Get $10: Stackry offers an easy way for customers to save money on international package shipping. Refer-a-friend to Stackry and they will receive $10 off their first international shipment. But they aren’t the only ones who luck out! After your friend ships with Stackry, we will automatically add $10 to your account too! Login and start shipping today.