Chances are you’re familiar with the subscription box model that recently took the online shopping world by storm. If not, the concept is relatively simple. For a monthly cost, you sign up for a box of goodies that is delivered to your doorstop each month. The contents vary from beauty products to clothing to prepackaged meals. There are now dozens of companies adopting this model, so it can be confusing to know which box could be the right fit for you.
Beauty subscription boxes, such as BirchBox or GlossyBox, offer sample sizes of high-end beauty products for as low as $10 a month. If you’re on a tight budget, these boxes probably won’t save you much money and wouldn’t be a smart expense. However, if you can afford to spend a bit each month trying small versions of luxury cosmetics rather than spending much more money on full-size products, it could be a smart purchase. The total worth of products included in the box each month is almost always well over the cost of your subscription. If you’re in the market for new makeup or hair products, then it can be an affordable way to sample different types until you settle on the kind you like best.
For other categories of subscription boxes, here’s where you can find the best value:
Shave your spending on razors:
Dollar Shave Club is a subscription box that delivers razors monthly for as low as $1 a month plus shipping. They offer three different types of razors at varying prices, and the two more expensive razors ship free. You can also add on various other shaving products and moisturizers to your subscription. Over time, this box could save you money on your shaving costs, as well as provide added convenience to your routine.
Cook up your savings:
You can also subscribe to a number of meal delivery services for ready-to-cook dinners with no shopping necessary. Companies like Blue Apron and Plated package up fresh ingredients needed for two or three meals each week.
Here’s what to consider if you think a meal subscription box might be right for you: The monthly cost won’t replace your grocery shopping completely, as most boxes only provide a few meals a week. A one or two-person plan could be a good option for households that aren’t cooking for more than two people. Shopping for recipe ingredients can often mean spending more money than needed or wasting unused food when you are cooking for one or two, so a recipe box that gives you precise portions could help alleviate that issue.
But, if you are a picky eater (or live with one), these boxes might be a challenge, as they often aren’t completely customizable. You could end up wasting food and, as a result, money.
Gift a subscription:
Subscription boxes are a great gift idea. You can choose a box and a plan that suits your budget; opt for a three or six-month subscription, depending on the service. Most companies offer an easy way to get their boxes delivered on your behalf, accompanied by a celebratory note. And the best part is your friend or loved one will have a surprise on their doorstep each month!
If you’re considering trying a subscription box, it’s worth asking yourself a few questions before you sign up: Is it saving you money by replacing something you usually spent more money on? Is it saving you time by delivering goods to your doorstep that you normally would need hours to shop for? If you answered yes to both, then you might want to give it a try. Just make sure you cut out the spending you were doing beforehand to make the savings count.
Lastly, signing up for a subscription to the products you are buying normally — and frequently — can definitely save you time and money. For instance, Amazon offers Subscribe & Save, where you can choose from their endless database the items you buy the most, and decide when you want to receive them. Amazon says you can save up to 15 percent on your entire order, as well as free shipping.
With a multitude of options, you may just find the box that suits your needs!
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Subscription Boxes That Save You Money originally appeared on usnews.com
