Today, there’s a subscription box for everything. From groceries to clothes, makeup, toys, and jewelry, there’s something for everyone. Especially during the pandemic, the subscription box industry grew exponentially. According to IMARC, The global subscription box market size reached $32.9 Billion in 2023. But there are some subscription boxes where the value just isn’t there. Here, we’ll discuss what boxes to avoid so you won’t be disappointed or waste your money.
1. FabFitFun
FabFitFun has a few things going for it. They include full-size products in their boxes and deliver a fun unboxing experience. However, while there are a few products that may be worth it, most of them just take up space. FabFitFun allows you to customize your boxes, but many customers find that by the time they are able to customize, most of the products they want are sold out. Other customers reported that they were dissasatified with their customer service, especially when they asked to cancel or receive a refund.
2. Every Plate
Marketed as the most affordable meal subscription box, Every Plate leaves a lot to be desired. It may be a cheap and convenient option, but you may be bored quickly. If you subscribe for a while, there are a lot of repeat recipes and not a lot of variety. Plus, sometimes items aren’t the freshest. Their customer service is very responsive if you do run into an issue. Overall though, there are better meal subscription boxes if that’s what you’re after.
3. Misfit Market
Misfit Market is a sustainable way to save on produce that may not be cosmetically perfect. Many customers like Misfit Market, but say that it’s not a replacement for grocery shopping. Items are more limited than a traditional grocery store and vary from week to week. Sometimes items are missing from boxes even when they were ordered. While meat and fish are available, they aren’t sold in fixed quantities, which can make shopping difficult.
4. Lovevery
Lovevery is a toy subscription box that focuses on appropriate toys for each stage of your child’s development. If you get the box delivered every two months it’s $80 per box. The price tag is steep. We question whether the value is there. Some of the toys are very well made, and others don’t live up to the quality of the rest of the box.
5. Bump Box
Bump Box is marketed to pregnant moms-to-be. Each box is supposed to be worth $150. Customers liked some of the boxes, but there are a lot of repeats. Like every month there seems to be the same snack. The value doesn’t seem to be consistent with this box and can probably be skipped.
6. Ipsy
Ipsy used to be the go-to subscription box for trying new makeup products. However, the quality of the mini-sized products has gone down. Now there are a lot of off-brand sample-sized products. Even at just $17 a month, many customers are canceling their subscriptions.
7. Stitch Fix
We all would love to have a personal stylist who sends us the most perfect outfits. Stitch Fix just isn’t that. The boxes are supposed to be filled with clothes based on your style preference. In reality, the clothes are too expensive and if you don’t buy anything, you owe a styling fee. Stylists don’t get it right often even when you are very specific about your taste. We have to pass on this subscription box.
8. Bookish
There are so many book subscription boxes to choose from with multiple ways to subscribe. Bookish uses a special edition model for their subscription service. They highlight popular books every month. You can choose from either Young Adult or Romance novels. Customers are often frustrated with the shipping and quality of the books they receive. Customer service isn’t very helpful and boxes have been delayed for up to three months. Avoid the headache and find another book subscription box.
9. Scentbird
Scentbird is a perfume subscription box. Depending on your membership tier, you can try one sample-sized scent for $16.95 every month or up to three for $37 a month. Customers enjoy the quality and accessible price. However, some fragrances are labeled as premium and come with an additional $15 charge. Also, can you really use that much perfume every month? We suggest saving your money and getting free samples at the mall.
Subscription Boxes You’ll Likely Cancel
We all want convenient personalized products. Subscription boxes make it exciting to explore new products or recipes, but most are overpriced and don’t deliver. Every company will offer you an amazing deal for the first month to try to draw you in. The reality is you’ll probably forget to cancel after the first month and be stuck with a box that you don’t want. Before jumping on the subscription box wagon, do your research. There are plenty of honest reviews online, but make sure the influencers aren’t getting paid to promote the subscription box! What’s the worst subscription box you’ve received?