So, you've just discovered subscription boxes? Or maybe you've tried a couple and didn't like them and are looking for something new. There are a lot of different ones out there and new ones are constantly popping up. The choices out there can be a little overwhelming and a bit intimidating. You want the most for your money and you want items of quality.
I just discovered them myself in January 2015 and I learned quickly what I liked and what I didn't like. I learned that some people are content with getting a box of over priced junk. I am on disability, I already have limited funds after paying bills each month. So, if I am going to subscribe to a subscription box, I want to get items and collectibles of decent quality for my collection. I am going to share with you how I rate boxes based on their content, quality and value to rate them as better boxes that are worth the money. This is just my personal rating system. Anyone can tweak it to fit their own personal needs as to what they are seeking in a subscription box. Hopefully my tips will help newbies to subscription boxes to not get ripped off and feel like they didn't got their money's worth.
First thing I seek out in a subscription box is if it comes with a t-shirt every month. Some subscription boxes do, such as Nerd Block, CollectibleGEEK, Super Geek Box, 1UP Box and Geek Fuel. There are no shirts in the kid's Nerd Block Jr., however. Others, such as Loot Crate, only have them occasionally. So, if you are like me and all about getting a geeky themed shirt every month, then there are boxes that include a shirt. Keep in mind that the majority of subscription boxes shirts don't run bigger than a 2XL, so if you want a shirt that is bigger than that, that could be an issue. Nerd Block shirts run up to 4XL and CollectibleGEEK run up to 5XL, only costing a minimal amount extra. They have excellent shirts with excellent designs...its worth the little extra!
THEMES: Do you like a box to have a theme? Some boxes have monthly themes. Some boxes do not. Nerd Block's Classic Block has a monthly theme though its Horror Block is a theme within itself, for example. Every box service is different. They typically announce on their new themes on social media, if they have one. So, if you are heavily into themes, choosing a box service that is themed is a plus. Nerd Block has several themes to choose from...Horror, Arcade, Comic and Classic can contain a little of them all. Some of the other subscription boxes out there are a mix of themes, genres and fandoms as well. There are a few subscription box services for just horror lovers. Maybe you just want a box that is graphic novels, food or candy?
NEXT STEP: Then I value the items in the box itself. Most decent subscription boxes are going to offer a value above what you pay for the box. Period. If they don't, then you aren't going to get your money's worth. If I get a box with a shirt, I value a shirt $12-$15, more for the bigger size shirts since you pay more for the up sizing. So, if you receive a box with a shirt, you have a fairly good value from the start. You still have to hold other items accountable for overall value. Many boxes contain “filler” items such as pins, stickers, prints. These items wouldn't get more than $1-$2 each (unless they are limited edition). Items such as vinyl figures from companies like Funko or Titan do tend to appear in numerous boxes, especially the better boxes, and they definitely up the ($) value. You should also expect those items to come in good condition (there are sometimes mailing damage issues), especially if you are an "in-box" collector. Contact them if the item comes damaged, otherwise your box loses its value. Other Funko items such as Dorbz, Pocket Pops, Mopeez, Mystery Minis are also starting to be pretty common in boxes as well. I definitely jump on boxes when these come around. Other items may include signed items, DVDs/blu-rays, books, magazines, comics, plush figures, drinking/kitchenware, other assorted apparel. Some boxes will also get items exclusive to them. However, sometimes they will say an item is exclusive to their box only to later turn up in retail market, which is quite disappointing.
But all in all, the possibilities are endless as to what a subscription box can contain, and at the end of the day you want to get what you paid for. Many of the boxes will give you well over what you paid for and in most cases, close to double that. Use online resources to value items. Google, Amazon, eBay and other online retailers to give you an idea what these items or similar items retail for.
So, if you are looking for a subscription box with the best value for the money and don't mind paying a little more, then services like Nerd Block and CollectibleGEEK are two great boxes. However, CollectibleGEEK isn't a true subscription box. You sign up each month, it isn't renewed on its own as most subscription boxes. That can be a big positive for some people as you can elect to sign up when you like a certain theme. If you are looking for a moderately priced box but still has good value, Geek Fuel and Loot Crate could fall in that category. And if you are looking for something on a smaller budget but want a box that still has good items, boxes like Box Of Dread (horror themed), Super Geek Box and 1Up Box are also good choices. Some subscription box services like Nerd Block are currently offering a "Welcome Block" to new subscribers with a box of goodies valued at over $20. Many also sometimes will have one off box sales of overstock items of their previous boxes at an excellent price.
Don't miss the results of our Second Annual 'Attack of the Mystery Boxes' to be announced on October 23!
I have to say one more thing that makes a box's value important to me. And it is a huge one. That is its Customer Service. If a company has good customer service, that makes a big difference. However, I know everyone's experience is different with these companies. So, I can only speak for myself. I've experienced issues with some of these companies. Personally not bad enough to stop subscribing to some of them. You should definitely hold customer service to high standards with any company out there. That is often more valuable than what is in that box. So, definitely keep that in mind!
I have tried a LOT of boxes. There are a LOT more boxes I want to try. I have learned a lot in the last year and have become part of an emerging YouTube sub-box community. I look forward to trying more boxes and sharing what I learn with others. Check out my YouTube channel for some of my unboxings. Get an idea of the products and the items that come in these boxes. Take the necessary leisure time to watch other YouTubers unboxing videos for various boxes and associated values -- and if that particular box is worth the money to you before ordering, go for it! Be informed before purchasing.
Finally, keep in mind that these are random mystery boxes. You don't know what you are going to get in them. They can be hit or miss. You might like everything in the box. You might not. People get really upset if they don't like something in a box. If you are easily disappointed, mystery boxes might not be for you! I personally see it in a couple different ways. I can learn about a new fandom, an opportunity to be open to something new that I might like. If it's a fandom I already know and I don't like it, then I can either re-gift it or there are tons of groups on Facebook for buy/sell/trading subscription box items, and there is always eBay. It can be a total win/win either way.
Here is a list of some of the most popular subscription boxes, the ones with a star are ones I subscribe to (or have) and only the ones I think carry a decent value. Others I have not subscribed to yet but based on overall reviews of others deserve a mention.
Nerd Block * (Classic, Horror, Sci-Fi, Comic, Girls, Jr – but have others to choose from)
CollectibleGEEK*
Geek Fuel*
Loot Crate*
1Up Box*
Super Geek Box*
Comic Bento* (all graphic novels only)
Box Of Dread*
Fugitive Toy's FBOX* (currently suspended but may return)
Marvel Collectors Corps
Owl Crate (book and other geeky collectibles)
Powered Geek Box (formerly Power Up Box)
Wrestle Crate
Betyo Bento (anime/Japanese themed)
Horror Dervs
Hero Crate
Kawaii Box (anime/Japanese themed)
ZBOX from Zavvi (UK geeky box)
Wizard World Comic Con Box
Pop In A Box (now in the USA!!!)
BoBos (Big Ol Box Of Stuff)
Boxy Chan
J&K Box Of Stuff
Smuggler's Bounty (not yet available but a Star Wars themed box!!! So much yes!)
There are many more out there but these are the ones I wanted to highlight based on reviews and popularity. Join us on Facebook for continued coverage and conversation!