7 Subscription Box Success Stories [2023]

Updated: July 24th, 2023
Start A Subscription Box

Imagine a surprise-filled package arriving at your doorstep every month. This is the idea behind a subscription box business. In simple terms, a subscription box is a recurring delivery of niche products curated around a specific theme. These can range from beauty and grooming products, to unique snacks, books, or even fun crafting items.

A well-executed subscription box business can create a unique unboxing experience that captivates customers. It combines the excitement of a surprise gift with the convenience of home delivery. By selecting unnoticed or under-appreciated products, you can help small businesses gain exposure while providing customers with a unique experience they crave.

The recurring revenue model also provides you with a steady stream of income. Be it monthly or quarterly, every new box dispatched promises repeat revenue. That's not mentioning the potential for upselling, as satisfied customers might opt for more premium selections or gift subscriptions.

Subscription boxes may require some upfront work, such as sourcing products and negotiating deals. But once the process is set up, it can be quite rewarding. Best of all, platforms like Cratejoy make it easy for you to set up your subscription box business. So, now is the time to start curating.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a subscription box:

1. Blue Coffee Box ($780K/year)

Jon Butt (from Canterbury, UK) started Blue Coffee Box about 6 years ago.

Revenue
$65K / month
Team
2 founders / 3 employees
Location
Canterbury, UK

Case Study

My name is Jon Butt and, with my son, Harvey, we own Blue Coffee Box in the UK.

Right now, we generate around $14,000 a month and it increases month on month, no matter what marketing we do.

this-father-and-son-created-a-coffee-subscription-business

Learn more about starting a subscription box:

Where to start?

-> How much does it cost to start a subscription box?
-> Pros and cons of a subscription box

Need inspiration?

-> Examples of established subscription box
-> Marketing ideas for a subscription box

Other resources

4. ConseCrate ($12K/year)

Connecting to Apple Music

Ruth E. Hetland (from Minnesota City, MN, USA) started ConseCrate about 3 years ago.

Revenue
$1K / month
Team
1 founders / 1 employees

Case Study
  • Ruth E. Hetland curated ConseCrate in the summer of 2020. ConseCrate is the subscription container and a present unusual marketplace for the clergy and ministry members.

  • ConseCrate subscription box contains books, ministry gear, well-being products, sustainable solutions, and diverse treasures, & get the right of entry to online media & education from different and out-of-the-box minds.

  • Ruth launched ConseCrate after trying numerous side hustles that never took off. After serving as a pastor for over two decades, she decided to try something new.

  • She got the idea of ConseCrate from ministers and decided to dig in deep. She researched how to start a subscription box and what to put into the boxes.

  • She focused on sending attractive and lightweight boxes to save on postage.

  • In August 2020, she started taking pre-orders because she did not want to invest her savings. Taking Pre-orders for three months enabled her to raise enough money to launch her first box.

  • Ruth received 175 orders of her first gift box, and by the time her first order shipped out, she had already made her first $1,000 because her startup cost was minimal.

  • Within a few months after launch, ConceCrate ships 500 boxes monthly.

  • Her business grew organically through **Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

  • To expand her business, she focuses on providing gift boxes for conferences & retreats.

article

5. GQ

homepage | The latest tips and advice for men on style, grooming, fitness, best products, travel destinations and more. Find politics, sports and entertainment news.

  • Website traffic: 8.33M/month
  • Business rank: #5.71K

Check out their full website ➜

6. Cratejoy

Cratejoy is home to hundreds of monthly subscription boxes for all hobbies, interests, and passions. Discover a curated experience to treat yourself or a loved one on Cratejoy!

  • Website traffic: 1.21M/month
  • Business rank: #13.9K

Check out their full website ➜

7. My Subscription Addiction

Monthly subscription box reviews from boxes like Birchbox, Glossybox, Popsugar, and more. Get reviews, spoilers, coupons, updates and more about your favorite subscription boxes.

  • Business rank: #31.1K

Check out their full website ➜

Pat Walls,  Founder of Starter Story
Want to find more ideas that make money?

Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.

Get our 5-minute email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.

Starter Story
Unlock the secrets to 7-figure online businesses
Dive into our database of 4,418 case studies & join our community of thousands of successful founders.
Join thousands of founders