In the past few years, subscription boxes have become a popular commodity among consumers. These well-packaged delights contain an assortment of items from a particular brand, and customers pay a set amount every month to get their fix of happiness in a box. When it comes to subscriptions, products like clothing, cosmetics, food, wine, and toys are among the crowd favorites. It is safe to say, however, that even quirky picks have their fair share of subscribers.
Anywhere in the world, subscription services are overtaking magazines and newspapers when it comes to the operation of subscription-based services. Subscription boxes, in particular, are a hit among consumers checking out online stores. Hitwise’s 2017 report notes the subscription-based industry’s monthly website visits reached a growth of 831 percent. That number is just about equal to having over forty million visitors monthly.
People are spending money on subscription boxes, so businesses should at least consider the lucrativeness of subscription-based services, but why? Find out below.
The Safety and Convenience of Online Shopping
Today, social distancing and health safety are primary considerations when shopping. People are encouraged to limit their grocery runs to avoid exposure to the coronavirus, and this is why subscription services are helpful. You do all your shopping online and make cashless payments, so you don’t need to wait in line with other people or touch coins and paper money. You can track your orders online while you wait for your box to be delivered at your home.
The Unboxing Experience
YouTube is rife with videos of vloggers opening boxes of items they’re supposed to review, and the unboxing itself is an experience that viewers and consumers look forward to. The intricacy and storytelling that go behind the assembly and production of subscription boxes does not only highlight the creativity of the design team. An artistically designed box is also an indicator of excellent customer service.
Brands get only one chance to make a beautiful first impression, so it is crucial for them to get the design right the first time around. Why does it matter what the box looks like when, ultimately, it’s the contents that really matter? The answer is simple—a gorgeous-looking box gives the impression that its contents are of high value and quality.
The Beauty of Variety and Randomness
Subscription-based services may have their own way of selecting the items that go in a box. Although customers can expect a certain theme, the element of surprise remains. The products may come in full sizes or sample sizes, and customers don’t always get to know the exact contents of the box. Customers get to try many things all at once and may discover new favorites, leading them to buy the full-size versions eventually.
The Thrill of Anticipation
The mystery behind each subscription box builds the anticipation for something pleasant, and if customers have a positive experience on their first purchase of a subscription box, they can expect that subsequent purchases will be equally wonderful or even better. Businesses can use the positive feedback from customers to improve their offerings and how they reach out to their target audience.
The Timelessness of Self-Care
The pandemic has drastically changed everyday life, and it is unavoidable for people to feel distressed, scared, or anxious because of the uncertainties and other negative effects of the lack of social interaction. For that matter, treats like self-care subscription boxes can add some cheer into an otherwise-dreary day. Pampering oneself and establishing healthy habits during stay-at-home periods will help people maintain some semblance of normalcy or at least some way of easing the stress.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Subscription boxes are a timely shopping alternative that helps people fulfill their shopping needs even while they’re in the safety of their own home. The appealing features (e.g., ease of shopping online, pretty packaging, varied contents) of subscription boxes keep customers coming back for repeat purchases. Businesses will also do well to remember that self-care will always be in enormous demand. It is the combination of these reasons that make the subscription-based business profitable and rewarding. However, shipping strategies should be solid as these subscription boxes are supposed to arrive at regular intervals and specific days.
Subscription Boxes Shipping
If you’re running a subscription box service, you’ll need to make sure you got shipping sorted out. Subscription boxes fulfillment is therefore very important. Products have to arrive at specifics days as promised on your website. If it doesn’t, you will get negative feedback from your customers.
Floship is an ecommerce order fulfillment provider based in Hong Kong, with warehouses in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Europe and the United States. We are the leading fulfillment provider in Asia, specializing in helping mid-market and larger ecommerce brands, crowdfunding campaigns and subscription box sellers store, pick, pack and ship worldwide.
Reach out to Floship today for a free consultation with one of our solution specialists. At Floship we don’t just ship, we sit down with you to understand your business and needs, creating a custom solution for you per market. We’re consultants first and foremost. That’s how we add value.
About the Author
As the content relations manager for Packlane, Kayla Bennet is the brains behind some of the best ideas on creating product packaging that uniquely communicates a brand’s vision to the audience. She values client relationships and making enduring connections. She is the parent of Sheva, an adorable collie who likes taking walks with her.
Photo source: https://unsplash.com/photos/0dyenqUMjqs
Photo source: https://unsplash.com/photos/6dfYAFmdoY4
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