Subscription boxes offer a unique format for a small business. They bring predictable income through recurring monthly subscribers and there are plenty of niches to fill in this industry. If you’re thinking about venturing into subscription services, here are some ideas to consider.
What are subscription boxes?
Subscription box companies feature a business model where you send out monthly boxes filled with products that appeal to a certain type of consumer. For example, a box subscription might target gamers, cosmetics users, or music lovers. The subscription model allows you to maintain a fairly stable customer base.
The subscription box industry
The subscription business started a few years ago. Although growth has slowed somewhat, there are still several successful subscription boxes in many industries. The industry is valued at around $22.7 billion as of 2021.
Subscription box ideas for your new business
If you’re thinking about launching a monthly box business, here are some of the best box and subscription ideas to consider.
1. Book subscription box
Book subscription boxes usually focus on a certain genre or a new themed box each month. For example, one subscription box might offer a romance novel or two each month, while others might focus on titles perfect for a monthly book club.
2. Coffee subscription box
Coffee subscription boxes are popular with those who like to try new flavors or types of coffee. For example, Atlas Coffee Club offers a new variety every month from different countries around the world. There are also coffee subscriptions where the customer chooses their monthly flavors.
3. Meal preparation business
Meal prep subscriptions tend to ship more frequently than other subscriptions. Instead of monthly deliveries, you can send a daily or weekly meal kit, filled with recipe cards and ingredients needed to make specific meals.
4. Fitness Box
For fitness enthusiasts, this type of membership can offer fitness equipment such as resistance bands, clothing and electrolyte packs to add to drinks. You can even combine it with a membership to an online business that offers virtual training or personal training.
5 Gluten-free subscription box
A gluten-free subscription business can offer a variety of snacks and food options with special ingredients to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.
6 Shave
People need razors and shaving cream regularly. So companies like Dollar Shave Club have simplified the process by sending these items automatically.
7. Box of pet supplies
Dog owners can subscribe to a box that offers regular dog food and treats. But there are also subscriptions available that send special items like toys and clothes to the dog owner who wants to try new products.
8. Candies
Candies are easy to ship and there are tons of varieties available. Companies like Candy Club allow customers to try new options monthly.
9. Wine
Wine clubs like Primal Wine Club rotate a gift box with a few bottles each month, allowing customers to sample new options regularly.
10. Pet grooming
A special option for pet owners, this subscription box idea can only include cleaning products like shampoo and brushes.
11. Subscription Flower
For those who enjoy a regular display of fresh flowers, flower subscription companies drop off bouquets or arrangements at their front door on a monthly or weekly basis.
12. Box of children’s activities
For parents, a children’s activity box can include toys or projects with instructions for children. So every month they have something new to try.
13. Clothes
Clothing subscriptions like Stitch Fix offer clothing tailored to each customer’s size and style preferences, with free returns for unwanted items.
14. Craft kits
Sell kits full of craft supplies to complete specific projects. Some craft boxes may focus on specific niches such as knitting or cross stitch. But others may allow subscribers to try different methods each month.
15. Gardening
Gardening boxes can include different seeds, garden tools and decorations to help gardeners get the most out of their outdoor space. This type of box can be seasonal, or you can simply change what is sent based on the time of year.
16. Local food
The idea of buying local has grown rapidly in recent years. Offer a box to people in a specific regional area that includes samples of various specialty foods from local vendors or farmers markets.
17. Kitchen equipment
Help home chefs try out new recipes and flavors with a box that includes unique tools, spices and ingredients. There are a lot of potentially fun topics within this niche. For example, your first box may contain some basic tools, and then each box may contain spices or tools from different parts of the world.
18. Vinyl records
CD clubs used to be great box subscription ideas. However, most people today download digital music files. Luckily, there are still some music lovers out there with a taste for nostalgia. So you could offer vinyl records in a specific genre.
19. Vitamins
Many people who take vitamins need a continuous supply, which makes them ideal for subscription trading. It allows subscribers to sign up for the vitamins they want to take each month, and then automatically sends them out on a specific schedule.
20. Cleaning material
You also need to order cleaning supplies on an ongoing basis. You can provide the same supplies as replacements or offer new options for customers to try.
21. Accessories
Accessories like jewelry and hair clips can be even easier to offer in subscription boxes than clothing because you don’t have to worry about sizes. You can even offer niche options such as new boxes with accessories for special occasions.
Get started with your new subscription business
If you’re ready to start your own business with a new box or subscription service, the ideas above should be a good place to start. To choose the perfect option, consider your interests, resources, and the target market you want to serve. Then you need to start buying high-quality materials or inventory and set up logistics for monthly delivery, including shipping materials and carriers.
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