What’s In The Box?
Monthly subscription boxes with samples or products have been around for a few years now. With everything on offer from food to cosmetics to baby items, companies seem to have the whole market covered. We decided to take a look at what’s available in Spain and ask whether they’re worth the money.
According to an article on the BBC, Birchbox started the sample box trend by accident with the idea of offering cosmetic samples in order to get customers to buy the full-size products on the Birchbox website. However, other companies soon decided that it was a good idea just to offer the monthly boxes instead! Here’s a list of some that can be found in Spain.
Enolobox
What is it? Enolobox offers 3 different wines every month.
Cost? Month 21€ (plus 3.90€ shipping for mainland Spain or 9.90€ for the Balearic and Canary Islands).
More info: Wines have a guaranteed 30% discount compared with retail prices. If you have an Avios (Iberia air miles card) you’ll get additional points when you sign up. By answering online questionnaires you’ll also get ENOpuntos (points) that you can exchange for free gifts. Previous boxes can be seen on their website. Enolobox offers the possibility to purchase gift cards with a 2, 3 or 6-month subscription.
Teterum
What is it? Teterum sends different teas every month with instructions on how to correctly prepare each one.
Cost? 3 different box contents options (prices per month): 2 teas for 10€ or 5 teas every month plus an additional tea every quarter for 15€ or choose this second option but caffeine-free.
More info: You can cancel your subscription at any time. Website has videos showing how to prepare different teas.
Glossybox
What is it? Glossybox offers five cosmetics products every month from top brands; women’s or men’s option available.
Cost? Women: Month 15€, quarter 43€, half-year 82€, year 165€. Men: quarter 15€, year 60€, 18 months 90€.
More info: Monthly subscription can be cancelled at any time; other options can be renewed every 3/6/12 months.
Degustabox
What is it? Degustabox offers food products with between 8 to 12 different items each month, some of which aren’t available in stores.
Cost? Month 14.99€, or choose their 6-month option for 12.99€/month. You can also check for special promos on their Facebook page.
More info: Cancel at any time. See contents of previous boxes to get an idea of products included.
Mumumio
What is it? Mumumio has ecological food & drinks direct from producers. Choose from different “clubs”: meat club, cheese club, beer club and bread club.
Cost? Depends on whether you join a single club or a mix, and length of subscription.
More info: Website not as clear as other “box” companies due to multiple offers and prices. When you click on the registration button you’ll be offered a 5% welcome discount and sometimes there’s a pop-up with a 10% discount offer.
PetSecret
What is it? PetSecret offers items for your dog or cat including foods, treats and more.
Cost? Month 10€, quarter 25€, half-year 50€, year 100€
More info: Can cancel at any time. There’s also a points system to get free boxes.
Nonabox
What is it? Nonabox is for expectant mums or new mums, every month boxes contain between 6 and 9 products for mum & baby.
Cost? Month 25€, quarter 70€, half-year 130€, year 250€.
More info: According to their website items that go into the monthly boxes are chosen by mums, in other words they’re not simply promotional products offered by companies. On their website you can see what was sent in previous months. Subscription can be cancelled at any time.
Conclusion
Studies have shown that boxes with food and drink products tend to be consumed in their entirety, however with other boxes, such as cosmetics, once the novelty has worn off then subscribers will often not use some of the products. Additionally with cosmetics it could be argued that why should you pay for some items that you can often get free anyway? It’s probably a good idea to sign up first for a short period and then if you’re really convinced by the products and service you can pay for a longer subscription to take advantage of the lower monthly rate.
MSS Tip: Google these sample box companies as they sometimes have promos on that come up at the top of results list (adverts box).
