The Rise of Subscription Boxes in 2024: How to Get Discounts and Use Coupons

Subscription boxes have been a growing trend over the past few years, providing a convenient way for consumers to sample new products on a regular basis. According to analysts, the subscription box market is expected to continue expanding in 2024 and beyond. More and more companies are launching boxes across various categories like food, beauty, clothing, books and much more.

Here at CouponXoo, we’ve noticed subscription boxes popping up everywhere we look. It seems like there’s a box for every interest these days! With so many options on the market, we decided to break down the state of the subscription box industry heading into 2024 and provide some tips on how savvy shoppers can save big.

Subscription Box Market Growth

Research shows the subscription box market reached $13.5 billion in annual revenues in 2022. Sources predict that number could balloon to over $20 billion by 2025 as more consumers adopt the subscription model. Food and snack boxes remain the most popular category by far, making up over 50% of the market. Beauty boxes come in second, followed by clothing/accessory boxes and then lifestyle-focused options.

Veteran subscription services like Blue Apron, Birchbox and Ipsy continue growing their customer bases. However, it’s interesting to note that many new-to-market boxes are launched by traditional retailers hoping to drive recurring revenue and customer loyalty. Examples include Sephora Play!, Amazon Subscribe & Save and Nordstrom Trunk Club.

This influx of new players has resulted in much more choice for subscribers. But it has also led to greater discount opportunities as boxes compete aggressively for new sign-ups.

2. The Most Popular Subscription Boxes in 2024

By now, there’s a subscription box for just about everything. Whether you’re into makeup, snacks from around the world, or even books, the variety is insane. Here are some of the hottest categories in 2024:

Beauty and Skincare

Beauty boxes have been around for a while, and they’re still going strong. Services like Ipsy, Birchbox, and Boxycharm deliver skincare products, makeup, and beauty tools each month. It’s a fantastic way to try new brands and products without splurging on full-sized items you might not love.

Food and Drink

Food subscription boxes are on fire right now. Meal kits like HelloFresh and Blue Apron make cooking a breeze by sending pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes. If you’re more into snacks, Universal Yums delivers tasty treats from all over the world. Or, if you’re a wine lover, Winc sends handpicked bottles to match your taste.

Fashion

Fashion boxes like Stitch Fix and Trunk Club offer personalized outfits delivered straight to your door. You try them on at home and only pay for what you want to keep. This service makes shopping easier, especially if you’re someone who hates spending hours in stores.

Lifestyle and Wellness

Subscription boxes in the wellness space are also gaining steam. These boxes might include fitness gear, healthy snacks, and self-care products. FabFitFun and Therabox are two popular options that send a mix of wellness and lifestyle goodies to help you stay on top of your health.

Niche Boxes

No matter how specific your hobby, there's probably a subscription box for it. Pet owners can treat their furry friends to BarkBox, while readers can discover new books through services like Book of the Month Club. There are even boxes for things like board games or houseplants!

3. How to Save Money on Subscription Boxes

Now, let’s get to the good stuff—saving money! Subscription boxes are fun, but costs can stack up fast, especially if you’ve got more than one. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get discounts and make sure you’re not overpaying. Here’s how:

Promo Codes and Coupons

The easiest way to save is by using promo codes or coupons. Many subscription services offer discounts for first-time users, giving you a nice percentage off or an extra product for free. Websites like CouponXoo are perfect for finding these deals. Always check for a code before hitting that “subscribe” button!

Take Advantage of Referral Programs

Lots of subscription boxes offer referral programs where both you and a friend can save. For instance, if you refer a friend to FabFitFun, you might both get $10 off your next box. If you know people who love subscription boxes as much as you do, it’s a win-win situation.

Sign Up for Newsletters

Companies often reward subscribers to their email newsletters with special deals and offers. Plus, it’s a great way to stay in the loop about upcoming sales or promotions. You might even get a discount just for signing up for their emails!

Flash Sales and Special Promotions

Holiday sales like Black Friday or Cyber Monday are golden opportunities to score discounts on subscription boxes. Many companies run flash sales during these events, offering deep discounts that aren’t available at any other time of year. Make sure to follow your favorite subscription services on social media to stay up to date on these limited-time offers.

Subscribe for Longer Periods

Many subscription boxes offer discounts if you commit to a longer plan. Instead of paying month-to-month, consider signing up for six months or even a year. While this requires a bigger upfront payment, it often reduces the cost per box significantly.

4. More Ways to Cut Costs

If you’re still looking for ways to save, there are a few other tricks you can use to bring down the cost of your subscription boxes:

Cashback Apps

Apps like Rakuten or Honey allow you to earn cashback when you make a purchase online, and many subscription services are partners. It’s not a huge discount, but getting an extra 5-10% back on your subscription is a nice bonus, and it all adds up over time.

Cancel and Resubscribe

It might sound strange, but sometimes canceling a subscription can actually lead to discounts. Some services will send you special deals to win you back, offering discounts on your next box or exclusive offers to tempt you into re-subscribing. This trick works best if you’ve been a customer for a while and are thinking about taking a break anyway.

Bundle Subscriptions

Some companies offer bundle deals where you can sign up for multiple boxes at a discount. If you’re into beauty and wellness, for example, you might find a service that lets you combine both for a lower total price. It’s worth checking to see if any of your favorite boxes offer this option.

5. Wrapping It Up

Subscription boxes can be a fantastic way to treat yourself or try out new products, but they can also become pricey if you’re not careful. By using promo codes, signing up for newsletters, and keeping an eye out for holiday sales, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—great products at a lower cost.

Resources like CouponXoo make it super easy to find discounts on all kinds of subscription boxes. So, before you subscribe to your next box, make sure to take a quick look around for deals. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save!