If you’re an entrepreneur who’s looking to start a subscription box business, you’re in for a treat. In this blog post, we’ll give you all the information you need to set-up and run a successful subscription box business. So, whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in the game for a while, read on for some valuable tips. Thanks for reading!
Are Subscription Boxes Really That Successful?
Successful stories of entrepreneurs who started subscription box businesses and went from rags to riches
In recent years, the subscription box model has become increasingly popular, with a wide range of companies offering boxes tailored to everything from makeup to books to pet supplies. This business model has proved to be extraordinarily successful for many entrepreneurs.
One of the most notable examples is Birchbox, a company that delivers monthly boxes of beauty samples to its subscribers. Founded in 2010, Birchbox quickly grew in popularity, and today it boasts more than 1 million subscribers. The company has been incredibly successful, generating over $485 million in revenue in 2018 alone.
Another example is Blue Apron, a meal kit delivery service that went public in 2017. Since then, the company has continued to grow, reaching an annual revenue of $1.6 billion in 2018. These stories show that the subscription box model can be extremely profitable for entrepreneurs who are able to build a loyal customer base.
What are the benefits of starting a subscription box business?
Running a subscription box business can be a great way to build a loyal customer base and earn a steady income. There are several key benefits of starting a subscription box business, including the ability to reach new customers, offer unique products, and create a recurring revenue stream. Perhaps the most important benefit of starting a subscription box business is the ability to reach new customers.
By shipping boxes of carefully curated products to subscribers each month, you can quickly expand your reach and grow your customer base. In addition, subscription box businesses have the ability to offer unique products that are not available in stores. This can be a great way to differentiate your business and attract new customers.
Finally, subscription box businesses typically enjoy recurring revenue streams. This means that customers will keep coming back month after month, providing a reliable source of income for your business. Overall, starting a subscription box business can be a great way to build your brand and earn a steady income.
What do you need to consider before starting a subscription box business?
Before starting a subscription box business, there are a few important things to consider as you start your own small business. First, you need to choose a niche. What type of products do you want to include in your boxes? There are subscription boxes for everything from makeup to books to pet supplies.
Once you’ve decided on a niche, you need to determine what kind of products your customers will want to receive. Will they be full-sized products or samples? Will they be brand-new items or gently used items? You also need to consider your shipping costs and frequency. How often do you want to send out boxes, and how much will it cost to ship them?
Finally, you need to think about your marketing strategy. How will you let potential customers know about your boxes, and how will you keep them coming back for more? By taking the time to answer these questions, you’ll be in a good position to launch a successful subscription box business.
Now comes the fun part:
Create a catchy and memorable name for your subscription box business
Your business name is one of the first things potential customers will notice, so it’s important to choose something that is both catchy and memorable. Here are a few tips to help you come up with the perfect name for your subscription box business:
1. Keep it short and sweet. A long or complicated name will be difficult for customers to remember.
2. Use puns or wordplay to create a name that stands out.
3. Use relevant keywords that describe what your business offers. This will help customers find you more easily online.
4. Brainstorm with friends, family, and colleagues to get some creative ideas flowing.
5. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, try out a few potential names by holding a focus group or conducting market research. This will help you gauge whether people react positively to your chosen name.
6. Make sure the URL for your business name is available and that it’s not too similar to another competitor’s business name, so you don’t run into trademark issues.
Determine your legal structure for your subscription box business
Before starting any business, it’s important to choose the right legal structure. The type of business you have will determine which legal structure is best for you. For example, if you’re starting a sole proprietorship, you’ll be the only owner and responsible for all debts and liabilities. If you’re starting a partnership, you’ll share ownership with one or more partners and be equally responsible for debts and liabilities.
A limited liability company (LLC) offers protection from personal liability for business debts and liabilities. And a corporation is a separate legal entity that’s owned by shareholders. Each type of legal structure has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for your business.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a legal structure for your subscription box business. First, think about how much control you want over the business. If you’re the only owner, you’ll have complete control, but you’ll also be solely responsible for all debts and liabilities.
If you choose to partner with someone, you’ll have to share control and decision-making power. And if you form an LLC or corporation, you’ll have even less control because there will be other shareholders involved. It’s also important to consider how easy it is to form and operate each type of legal structure.
For example, sole proprietorships and partnerships are easy to set up, but they offer no personal liability protection. LLCs and corporations are more complex to form, but they offer personal liability protection for their owners.
Finally, it’s important to consider the tax implications of each type of legal structure. For example, sole proprietorships are taxed as personal income, while corporations are taxed as corporate entities.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing a legal structure for your subscription box business – it depends on your individual circumstances. But taking the time to choose the right legal structure will help you avoid problems down the road.
Related: The best small business loans to apply for now
How do you set-up your subscription box business model and pricing structure?
When it comes to subscription boxes, there are a few different business models that you can choose from.
The most common type of subscription box is the curated box, which contains a selection of products that have been hand-picked by the company. This type of box usually has a higher price point, as it requires more time and effort to put together.
Another option is the mystery box, which contains a random selection of items. This type of box is often cheaper, as it doesn’t require as much curation.
Finally, you can also offer a customizeable box, where customers can select the specific items that they want to receive.
Pricing your boxes can be tricky, as you need to balance the cost of the contents with what customers are willing to pay. However, you can start by looking at similar businesses and seeing what they charge for their boxes. You should also consider offering discounts for longer subscriptions, as this will help to encourage customer loyalty.
How to source products for your subscription box
If you’re thinking of starting a subscription box business, one of the first things you’ll need to do is source products for your boxes. There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when sourcing products, such as cost, quality, and whether the product is unique or time-sensitive.
One way to find products is to attend trade shows and meet with vendors. This can be a great way to see a wide range of products and get a feel for what’s out there. You can also search online for wholesalers or manufacturers that offer subscription box-friendly pricing.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to factor in shipping costs when you’re sourcing products, so it’s important to find suppliers that are located close to your target market. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect products for your subscription box business.
More ideas on how to source products for your subscription box:
1. Start by finding a niche for your subscription box
Before launching a subscription box business, it’s important to do your research and identify a niche market. There are subscription boxes for everything from makeup and fashion to dog toys and fitness gear, so it’s important to find an area that you’re passionate about and that isn’t already over-saturated.
Once you’ve identified your niche, you can start planning the products that will be included in your box. It’s important to curate items that are high quality and that your target audience will be excited to receive. With careful planning and execution, launching a successful subscription box business is within reach.
2. Source products from local businesses and artisans
When starting a subscription box business, it’s important to source products from local businesses and artisans. There are a few reasons for this.
First, it helps to build relationships with the local community.
Second, it helps to ensure that the products in your box are of high quality.
Third, it supports the local economy.
By sourcing products from local businesses and artisans, you can be confident that you’re providing your subscribers with the best possible experience. Plus, they’ll appreciate knowing that they’re supporting their community through your business.
3. Use social media to find new and upcoming brands
With the rise of social media, it has become easier than ever to discover new and upcoming brands. If you’re in the business of curating subscription boxes, then sourcing products from these types of brands can help you to stand out from the competition. There are a few different ways that you can use social media to find new brands to source products from.
One way is to do a search on Twitter or Facebook using relevant hashtags. For example, if you’re looking for natural beauty brands, you could search for #naturalbeauty or #greenbeauty. This will bring up a list of brands that are using these hashtags, which you can then research further to see if they would be a good fit for your subscription box.
Another way to use social media to find new brands is to follow industry influencers and experts. These people are often the first to discover new brands, so their accounts can be a great place to find leads. Additionally, many influencers and experts are happy to give recommendations, so if you reach out to them directly, they may be able to point you in the right direction.
Finally, don’t forget to check out social media accounts for existing subscription boxes. These companies are always on the lookout for new and exciting brands to feature in their boxes, so their accounts can be a great source of information. Plus, many subscription box companies will tag the brands they use in their posts, making it easy for you to click through and learn more about them.
4. Take advantage of online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon
As the subscription box market continues to grow, more and more entrepreneurs are looking for ways to source products for their boxes.
One great way to do this is to take advantage of online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon.
Etsy is a great place to find unique, handmade items that would make perfect additions to a subscription box. And because Etsy sellers are typically small businesses, you can often get items at a fraction of the cost you would pay through a traditional wholesale supplier.
Amazon is another great option for sourcing products. Because of the vastness of the Amazon marketplace, you can usually find just about anything you need. And because many Amazon sellers offer bulk discounts, you can often get items at a lower cost per unit when buying in larger quantities.
So if you’re looking for ways to source products for your subscription box, be sure to check out Etsy and Amazon. You’ll be glad you did!
5. Attend trade shows and industry events
If you’re looking for new products to include in your subscription box, trade shows and industry events are a great place to start. At these events, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with manufacturers and suppliers, learn about new products, and get a feel for what’s trending in the industry.
To find events that are relevant to your business, start by searching online or checking out trade publications. Once you’ve found a few events that look promising, reach out to the organizers and ask for more information.
Then, make sure to set aside some time to attend the event and explore all the options that are available. By sourcing products from trade shows and industry events, you’ll be able to keep your subscription box fresh and exciting for your customers.
6. Work with distributors to get the best prices on products
When you are sourcing products for your subscription box, it is important to work closely with distributors in order to get the best prices. There are a few different ways to do this.
First, you can ask for quotes from multiple distributors and compare the prices. This will give you a good idea of who is offering the best deal. You can also negotiate with distributors for better rates. If you are able to purchase in bulk, or if you are willing to commit to a long-term contract, you may be able to get a discount.
Finally, it is always worth checking for any promotions or special deals that distributors may be offering. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can ensure that you are getting the best possible price on the products that you need.
Where is a reliable place (good websites) to find distributors to source products for my subscription box business?
There are a few reliable places to find distributors for your subscription box business. The first is Alibaba. Alibaba is a wholesale marketplace where you can find manufacturers and suppliers for your products. You can search for suppliers by product category, and then contact them directly to discuss pricing and shipping.
Another option is to use a dropshipping service such as Dropship Direct or Dropship Factory. These companies will source and ship products directly to your customers on your behalf.
Finally, you can also contact local businesses or distributors in your area who may be able to provide the products you need. By doing some research and shopping around, you should be able to find the right distributor for your business.
Do you need a fulfillment company for your subscription box business or can you ship the boxes yourself?
When starting a subscription box business, one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is whether to ship the boxes yourself or use a fulfillment company. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.
If you choose to ship the boxes yourself, you’ll have more control over the packing and shipping process. However, you’ll also need to invest in shipping supplies and equipment, and you’ll need to make sure your team has the time and expertise to handle the fulfillment process.
Using a fulfillment company can be more expensive, but it can also save you time and hassle. fulfillment companies specialize in packing and shipping boxes, so they can usually do it more efficiently than you could. And if there are any problems with an order, the fulfillment company will be responsible for fixing them.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to ship the boxes yourself or use a fulfillment company depends on your specific needs and preferences.
How to choose a fulfillment company for your subscription box business
1. What to look for in a fulfillment company for your subscription box business
There are a few key things to look for when choosing a fulfillment company for your subscription box business.
First, you’ll want to make sure that they have experience with subscription boxes. This will ensure that they understand the unique needs of your business and can provide the level of service you need.
Second, you’ll want to choose a fulfillment company that has a good reputation. Ask other businesses in your industry for recommendations, and check online reviews to get an idea of what others have thought of their experience with the company.
Finally, be sure to ask about pricing. You’ll want to get quotes from several different companies so that you can compare and find the best deal. By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure to find the right fulfillment company for your business.
2. The benefits of using a fulfillment company for your subscription box business
If you’re running a subscription box business, using a fulfillment company can be a great way to save time and money. Fulfillment companies specialize in storing and shipping products, so they can handle all of the logistics for your business.
This means that you can focus on running your business, without having to worry about packing and shipping orders. In addition, fulfillment companies often have relationships with major shipping carriers, so they can get discounts on shipping rates.
This can save you a significant amount of money, particularly if you’re shipping heavy or bulky items. And because fulfillment companies typically ship orders within 24 hours, your customers will be happy with the quick turnaround.
So if you’re looking for a way to streamline your subscription box business, using a fulfillment company is definitely worth considering.
3. Questions to ask when choosing a fulfillment company for your subscription box business
When you’re running a subscription box business, fulfillment is a critical piece of the puzzle. You need to make sure that your orders are fulfilled quickly and accurately, and that your customers are happy with the service they receive. To that end, there are a few key questions you should ask when choosing a fulfillment company.
First, what kind of experience does the company have? How long have they been in business, and how many clients do they currently work with? It’s important to choose a company that has a good track record and is well-established in the industry.
Second, what kind of infrastructure does the company have in place? Do they have their own warehouse space, or do they outsource to third-party providers? What kind of order tracking system do they use, and how accurate is it? Make sure you choose a company that has the necessary infrastructure in place to provide a high level of service.
Third, what are the company’s rates? Make sure you get a detailed breakdown of all fees so there are no surprises down the line. In general, you should expect to pay more for a comprehensive fulfillment service than for a basic one. However, the extra cost is often worth it for the peace of mind and increased efficiency it can provide.
By asking these questions upfront, you can be sure that you’re choosing the right fulfillment company for your business.
4. Tips for working with a fulfillment company for your subscription box business
When you start a subscription box business, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a fulfillment company. The fulfillment company you choose will be responsible for storing your inventory, packing and shipping your orders, and providing customer service. So it’s important to take the time to find a company that’s a good fit for your business. Here are four tips to keep in mind when you’re looking for a fulfillment partner:
1. Make sure they have experience with subscription boxes. There are special considerations that come with fulfillment for subscription boxes, so you want to make sure your partner is familiar with those.
2. Compare their pricing and services. Fulfillment companies offer a variety of services, and they all have different pricing models. So you’ll need to compare them side-by-side to see which one makes the most sense for your business.
3. Check their references. Ask other businesses in the subscription box space who they use for fulfillment, and then reach out to those companies to get a sense of their experience working with them.
4. Tour their facility. If possible, schedule a tour of the fulfillment company’s facility so you can see how they operate and what their processes are like. This will give you a better sense of whether or not they’re a good fit for your business.
How do you market your subscription box business and attract customers?
1. What are some creative ways to market your subscription box business and attract customers?
When it comes to launching a subscription box business, marketing is key. You’ll need to find creative and effective ways to reach your target audience and convince them to sign up for your service.
One way to do this is to partner with other businesses that serve similar customers. For example, if you’re launching a subscription box for pet owners, you could partner with a pet food company or pet supply store. You could also offer discounts or free trial periods to attract new customers.
Additionally, it’s important to create a strong social media presence and use targeted advertising to reach potential subscribers. By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful subscription box business.
2. What are some common marketing strategies that subscription box businesses use to attract customers and grow their business?
Subscription boxes have become increasingly popular in recent years, as consumers look for convenient, hassle-free ways to try new products. For businesses, subscription boxes offer a unique way to market their products and build brand loyalty. Common marketing strategies used by subscription box businesses include social media marketing, influencer marketing, and email marketing.
Social media marketing involves promoting the business on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. This can be done through paid ads, sponsored posts, or simply by sharing quality content that will interest potential customers. Influencer marketing involves partnering with popular social media users who have a large following.
These influencers will promote the business to their followers in exchange for a fee. Email marketing involves sending promotional emails to potential and existing customers. This is an effective way to keep them updated on new products, special offers, and other important news. By using these marketing strategies, businesses can reach a wide audience and promote their subscription boxes effectively.
3. How do you know which marketing strategies will work best for your subscription box business and reach the right audience?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to marketing a subscription box business. The best way to determine which marketing strategies will work best is to start by identifying your target audience. Who are you trying to reach with your product?
Once you have a good understanding of your target market, you can begin to develop a marketing plan that is tailored to their needs. For example, if you are targeting millennials, you might want to focus on social media marketing and word-of-mouth referrals. If you are targeting families, you might want to invest in TV or radio advertising.
The key is to experiment with different marketing channels and see what works best for your specific business. By taking the time to create a well-rounded marketing plan, you can ensure that your subscription box business reaches the right audience and generates the desired results.
4. What are some tips for creating a successful marketing campaign for your subscription box business?’
If you’re thinking about starting a subscription box business, or you’re already running one and looking for ways to improve your marketing, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
First, it’s important to make sure that your target market is well defined. Who are you trying to reach with your boxes? What are their interests and needs?
Once you have a good understanding of your target market, you can start creating content that will speak to them directly. This could include blog posts, social media posts, or even e-books or whitepapers if you’re targeting businesses.
In addition to creating great content, it’s also important to make sure that your website is optimized for SEO. This will help potential customers find you when they’re searching for keywords related to your business.
Finally, don’t forget the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Make sure that your current customers are happy with your service and that they’re telling their friends about you. If you can do these things, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful marketing campaign for your subscription box business.
5. What are the key considerations for maintaining a successful subscription box business?
Many people dream of starting their own subscription box business, but there are a few key considerations that must be taken into account in order to be successful.
First, it is important to choose a niche market and build a strong brand that appeals to that market.
Second, the subscription model must be carefully designed in order to provide value and encourage customer loyalty.
Finally, it is essential to have a robust fulfillment system in place in order to avoid delays and disruptions. By taking these factors into account, you can give yourself the best chance of success when launching a subscription box business.
Key points to remember when starting a subscription box business:
Create a catchy and memorable name for your business
Set up the business legally (LLC or Corp)
Know your target audience
Create a brand that resonates with your target audience
Choose the right products to include in your box
Source high-quality products at a fair price
Price your boxes affordably
Invest in quality packaging
Package and ship your boxes on time, every time
Market your business effectively online and offline
Respond to customer feedback and make changes as needed
Next Steps
Now that you understand the basics of starting and running a subscription box business, it’s time to get started on your own. But before you do, we want to remind you of a few things.
First, always remember to put your customers first. Offer them products and experiences they will love and be sure to communicate with them regularly. Second, stay organized! This is key to keeping your business running smoothly. Finally, have fun with it!
Building a successful subscription box business is hard work but if you enjoy what you’re doing, it won’t feel like work at all. Are you ready to start your own subscription box? We can’t wait to see what amazing ideas you come up with!
Erika Finn, founder of Stacking Acorns, is an attorney who graduated from law school at University of California, Berkeley. She was a member and editor of the California Law Review and won the Prosser Prize for Legal Accounting. She holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University- Bloomington. Stacking Acorns is a personal finance website for women by women. We help mid-life women achieve financial freedom through real estate investing and other streams of passive income.
