If you’re into fashion, the chances are that you subscribe to a clothing service. If you don’t know what it is, a clothing subscription box is a service that sends you a box of fashionable clothing and accessories right to your door. The boxes often include trendy pieces that you might not pick out yourself. In other words, they provide the perfect fashion fix for those times when you need some new duds.
Regardless of whether or not you have one in mind, there are many benefits to subscribing to a clothing service. These include:
- You’ll get the latest trends before anyone else;
- You’ll get discounts on high-end clothes, shoes, and accessories;
- You’ll get the chance to try new items without having to spend a fortune on something you may not like.
There are plenty of choices available in the marketplace, so consider a few things before jumping off the deep end and subscribing to the first service you come across online. As it turns out, there are certain things that you should keep an eye out for to ensure that you get the best quality service possible.
1. Ask what your needs are.
Every fashionista has her favorite brands.
Perhaps you love the classic look and fit of J. Crew pants, or you can’t help but gawp at photos of all the dreamy clothes on Instagram from Everlane.
A subscription box lets you enjoy your fave brand without paying a full-price markup, and it also saves you from having to hunt for hot new styles or seek out the good deals in stores. For most subscription boxes, though, the thrill of opening and trying on new clothes fades after a few months of receiving monthly deliveries. You may find yourself asking (or moaning), “Why do I keep getting the same things?”
Before you sign up for another fashion subscription box, take some time to think about what you like and what you don’t.
2. What do you like to wear?
Do you prefer statement-making pieces or classic styles? Are high-end brands more your thing or are budget buys more exciting? Are you drawn to bright colors, neutral designs or both?
The best fashion subscription boxes will offer a mix of pieces that speak to your preferences—so look for one with a great variety.
3. What type of clothing do you already have?
Let’s say you’re looking for budget buys and hate waste (awesome!). You’ve found a fantastic box that sends accessories, shoes and bags every month, but deep down inside, you know you’re going to be disappointed because you don’t wear those kinds of items very often.
4. Do you want something that’s personalized?
If you like having a say in every aspect of your purchases, you may want to opt for a service that allows for customization. With customizable options, you can choose everything from how frequently you receive new clothing – is it three times per month or once per month? – to what types of clothing styles you want to wear and even what sizes you want to wear.
5. Cost
The next thing to consider when shopping for a fashion subscription box is the cost. The monthly rate may seem small, but when added up over time, it adds up and can create a dent in your wallet. For example,MaterialGirl Box, Le Tote, and Material Edition are three of the current hottest fashion subscription boxes.
While MaterialGirl focuses on bringing you one style item each month, Le Tote does not require a monthly commitment but instead asks for a fee for each piece you choose to keep from their selection of items.
Material Edition is somewhere between these two subscription models; one item every month is shipped for a flat rate of $29.95, which makes this option super affordable if you’re looking to get more bang for your buck.
6. Maintaining a Set Schedule.
If you’re a busy executive with appointments throughout the day, going to stores to shop might not be the easiest option. Many subscription boxes allow you to schedule a date when your package arrives. This is convenient because you don’t have to worry about rushing home to receive your parcel, and it also helps prevent theft because thieves are less likely to target a parcel outside the home.
Tip: Look for companies that send different items each week. This variety will help keep you from getting bored with the same product each month, and every month will feel like an exciting discovery.
7. Does It Pass the Test?
Subscription boxes are meant to introduce you to new brands or trendy items you might not have discovered otherwise, so look for boxes that offer various products.
8. Team It Up With Your Stylist
Be sure to read reviews from other customers who have subscribed to the box before deciding on one. You want to be sure you’re getting the correct box for your taste. Look for feedback on how the pieces fit, the quality of the clothing, and if they matched the style profile, they sent out in their monthly letter.
9. Check online reviews
Check the subscription box reviews on Google before investing in any particular one. You don’t want to invest in a product and find out later that it doesn’t come with any information about how to cancel or return items, or if it doesn’t include photos of past boxes, so you can see what you’ll be getting into before you sign up.
Whatever your taste or budget, there’s an option for you.
10. Stitch Fix
If you aren’t already familiar with the concept of a subscription box service, Stitch Fix is one of the best-known outfits offering a clothing subscription box. Rakuten, the #1 subscription box fulfillment, has been at the forefront of supporting companies like StichFix to smoothly fulfill monthly orders to subscribers.
Each month users can choose what they want to receive in their’ stitch fix’ box and then track the status of their order until it is delivered right to their doorstep. This seamless process is possible because Rakuten handles all logistics and support to ensure that the process is easy and convenient.
For entrepreneurs looking to start a subscription box service, finding the best way to begin your operations can be challenging. Rakuten, the #1 subscription box company in North America, can help you start your business with a comprehensive plan that meets your needs.
11. How much will it cost?
Costs vary depending on the nature of the subscription box brand and include items such as shipping supplies, boxes and envelopes, customer service and online customer support. A customer service representative for each subscription box subscription is also recommended for customer support and satisfaction.
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