Learn how to start a subscription box service so you can give that thrill of the bacon-of-the-month club to someone who needs it.

Remember the bacon-of-the-month club? Fruit-of-the-month club? Wine?

Yep, those were all great.

Guess what?

Some version of those are still functioning today and making a boat load every month.

And why wouldn’t they be? I don’t know many people who aren’t geeked out every month when they open the door and get a perfectly curated “present” just for them.

The thrill is there, and it’s what keeps people coming back for more.

If you are one of those people that love giving gifts, or have a flair for choosing just the right things for people, a subscription box service business just might be your ticket off the 9 to 5 train.

A subscription box service is one of those fun businesses that you can do as a solopreneur, from home, and completely online. You can even set up a lot of automations to make your work life not your whole life. And, it doesn’t have to be food or beverages, it can be anything that your little heart desires.

Enough convincing, let’s get into it…

This post may contain affiliate links. This means I could earn a commission if you purchase through my links, however, there is no cost to you. Rest assured, I only promote products that I use or think are great. Thanks for reading!!

How to Start a Subscription Box Service

1. Begin With a Theme

Before you dive into the world of subscription boxes, you’ve got to pin down your “thing.” You know, that one specific idea that makes you go “yep, that’s it.”

The key to a subscription box service is to make sure you have a theme. It’s kind of like finding your niche when you’re starting a blog or other online business.

(Read my post Believe the Hype: How to Start a Blog and Make Money if you want to know more on that.)

You don’t want to just send someone a bunch of random things that you think are cool. You gotta have your schtick. That category that you can build your business around.

When you’re thinking of your theme, I would suggest niche-ing down to a core set of people that are enthusiasts about something. People that are into specific sports or hobbies, or would love something enough to want to pay to explore new things they might not have thought of.

That’s why bacon and wine worked so well. They were specific and they had a group of very enthusiastic people wanting more.

And, those things are just plain fun.

Think about your interests as well. If you know a lot about it, you will want to share it with others, and it doesn’t hurt to know what you’re talking about.

Are you big on saving the planet? Maybe an eco-friendly products box. More of a foodie? Gourmet snacks could be it. How about a box that caters to the comic con crowd? Geeky merch is definitely in.

2. Source Your Products

Once you’ve locked down your theme, the next step is to stock up. But here’s where many newbie box-preneurs go wrong.

They think more is better.

Wrong.

Better is better.

If you want to learn how to start a subscription boy service properly, you need to hone in on quality.

Quality, my friends, always wins.

If you ship out shoddy stuff, don’t be surprised when subscribers jump off your bandwagon. Every item in that box is a reflection of you. Make sure it screams “class”, not “trash”.

If you want to be both savvy and supportive, team up with local artisans or small-scale manufacturers. This is a win-win. You get unique, high-quality items that make your box stand out.

Plus, you’re pumping cash back into local communities and supporting dreamers just like you. Pretty wonderful.

If you think you need help sourcing products, I would recommend checking out Steve’s How To Start a Profitable Online Store Course. He covers sourcing products for everywhere, including oversees. It’s not so much a course as it is a home base with a ton of information and videos to watch. You also get lifetime access. I’ve taken it and still reference years later.

3. Setting the Right Price

It’s time to don our mathematician hats.

Here’s the brutal truth – your box could be the bee’s knees, but if your price point makes people’s wallets cry, you’re in trouble.

Start with the basics. Add up the cost of products, packaging, and shipping. Now, atop that, slap on a profit that’ll make the hustle worthwhile.

And voila! You’ve got your price.

But (yes, there’s always a but) make sure it’s something your target audience can and will cough up for every month.

Also remember to calculate out any expenses that you have for just running the business – taxes, software, computers, licenses, etc… You want to add enough of a profit margin to cover any incidental costs.

I know you’re an incredibly nice person, but we’re not running a charity here. While competitive pricing is essential, don’t slash prices so much that you’re practically giving away boxes.

You’ve handpicked and curated those products. They aren’t just random items; they’re an experience, and experiences are priceless (or at least worth every penny you’re charging).

4. Design That Box

Imagine if you’ve got a date. They show up in a stained t-shirt, mismatched socks and their hair is greasy and uncombed.  

Are you going to go on a second date with them?

Slim to none chance for that.

It’s the same with your subscription box. That first impression really does count with a subscription box service.

Unboxing isn’t just opening a box.

Oh no, it’s a ritual. A tiny celebration. It’s that Christmas morning feeling, every month.

If your box looks like something the cat dragged in, no quality of contents will save you. A memorable unboxing experience will have subscribers itching for their next package.

Also think beyond the box.

It’s about the color, the texture, the design. Your logo isn’t just some random image – it’s your identity. Make it bold, make it iconic.

And sprinkle your company’s ethos everywhere. Whether it’s a catchy tagline on the lid or a thank you note inside, every little touch amplifies the experience and embeds your brand in their memory.

Remember, in the world of subscription boxes, it’s not just about thinking outside the box. It’s about designing the box.

5. Building Your Online Presence

Ok, here’s the deal. You’re going to need a website, and that website needs to be mobile friendly.

Shocker, I know.

We all live with smartphones attached to our hips. Your cousin, your grandma, and probably even your dog have one. So, when setting up a website, ensure it’s as smooth on mobile as it is on desktop. Nobody wants to pinch, zoom, and swipe in eight different directions just to see what’s in your box.

Not to worry, most website providers offer website themes that are mobile friendly that you can easily incorporate.

I either recommend starting a Shopify online storefront or a WordPress website with shopping cart functionality through Bluehost.

With Shopify, you will have a plug and play website platform that you can get up and running with fast, but you will always then be on Shopify’s platform. This is a great option if you aren’t that tech savvy and just want to get going.

With a Bluehost WordPress site, you buy a domain name and hosting with Bluehost and then you install a WordPress framework onto your website. You then pick a theme and install a shopping cart plugin like WooCommerce. The benefit here is that you completely own the site and are not beholden to a platform. The downside is that it might take longer to get up and rollin’.

You can check out Shopify here and Bluehost here.

Social Media Marketing

Social media is your playground and it going to be key to get the word out. It is also a main component of your online presence.

From Instagram visuals to TikTok unboxing videos – there’s a world of potential here. Be real, be authentic, and don’t go for a hard sell with every post. People can tell and will get annoyed…fast.

Also don’t shy away from influencer partnerships. A shoutout from the right person can skyrocket your subscriptions.

Email Marketing

A side note about email marketing.

An email list is your holy grail. These are your ride or dies and they will be your biggest cheerleaders – and customers.

When you are setting up a website, it is crucial that you have a sign-up form where people can opt-in to receive emails from you. Put that form on your home page, side bar or wherever you can think.

Once you get a list, use it.

Set up an automated email campaign and market your socks off. Subtly of course.

Setting up an email list and automation is easy. You’ll need a provider for this though. I use and recommend ConvertKit. I have found them to be extremely streamlined and simple to get into my website. You can check out ConvertKit here.

6. Managing Subscribers

Welcome to the beating heart of your operation – the subscribers. They’re not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They’re the lifeline of your business. The ones eagerly waiting by the mailbox every month.

Subscriber Management Tools

Unless you’ve got a secret twin or 36 hours in your day, manually handling subscriber details, shipping, and billing will wear you down.

Enter tools like Cratejoy and Subbly. These platforms streamline everything, ensuring your subscribers get their boxes on time, and you get your well-earned cash.

Feedback

When you’re learning how to start a subscription box service, you have to embrace feedback.

I love a good pat on the back as much as the next gal, but as much as I hate to admit it, I mess up. I’m going to venture a guess that this is you too.

A damaged product, a late shipment – you know what happens.

When it does, listen to your subscribers.

Positive feedback will make your day, but too much negative feedback could break your business.

7. Shipping and Handling

Let’s chat logistics. You’ve got this incredible box, full to the brim with amazing products, ready to blow some minds. But what good is it if it doesn’t reach your subscribers on time or (gasp!) arrives looking like it wrestled a gorilla?

Consistency is key, folks. If you tell your subscribers they’ll get their boxes by the 15th of each month, then come hell or high water, that box better be there.

Picking a fixed shipping date not only keeps things streamlined on your end, but also builds trust with your subscribers. They’ll be marking their calendars, waiting with bated breath.

Research your delivery options and choose one that is the most reliable. Cost isn’t the only consideration here.

Now, for the cherry on top. Think of a time when someone did something small, yet unexpected for you. Felt good, right? Apply that to your boxes.

A handwritten thank-you note, a surprise bonus item, or even just a funny sticker can transform the unboxing experience. It says, “Hey, I put thought into this. I value you.” Priceless.

8. Scaling Up

You’ve got the basics down. Your subscription box service is rolling, orders are coming in, and things are looking up. Time to scale up my friend.

When you’re learning how to start a subscription box service, you want to start lean, focus on delivering quality, but always, ALWAYS, have an eye on growth.

As your subscriber base swells (and, with your dedication, I know it will), you’ll find yourself in a position to strike better deals with suppliers, reducing costs and upping the quality. Making more profit.

Sure, treat yourself to something nice, you’ve earned it. But also consider channeling some of that cash back into the business.

Upgrade your website, introduce a new product category, or launch a referral program.

Adapt, innovate, and keep pushing forward. Your future self, lounging on a beach sipping something fancy, will thank you.

How to Start a Subscription Box Service

Learning how to start a subscription box service can seem overwhelming, but it really doesn’t have to be.

Start small. Keep costs down. Start a simple website. Use free social media marketing. Get some subscribers and email addresses.

Those first few boxes that you create and send out will probably make your stomach church, but once you do the first couple, you will have boundless confidence to keep going.

I love the concept of an online subscription box service. It’s fun, it’s presents.

Everyone is happy about that.