top of page
Articles Library

The eCommerce Subscription Trend Is a Gift to Small and Medium-Sized Businesses


Image source: Gift Box Market


The gift box subscription trend has seen a significant rise in recent years. With the rise of eCommerce and the ease of delivering products directly to consumers, gift boxes have become a popular way for people to discover new products, treat themselves, or send a thoughtful gift to someone special.


According to an article by Digital Media Solutions, from January 2012 to June 2019, the sales of subscription businesses grew 18.2% compared to only 3.6% growth for S&P 500 companies and 3.7% for retail sales. This significant growth in subscriptions compared to other sales is a testament to the impact subscriptions have had on the economy.


Why Are Gift Box Subscriptions So On-Trend?

Gift box subscriptions offer a variety of benefits for both the consumer and the business. For the consumer, gift boxes provide a convenient and hassle-free way to receive a curated selection of products, often at a discounted price. The recipient can enjoy the surprise of discovering new products and trying new things without committing to buying a full-sized product.


For businesses, gift box subscriptions offer a new sales channel and an opportunity to showcase their products to a wider audience. They also provide a way for businesses to reach new customers, build brand awareness, and increase repeat business through recurring subscriptions.


Gift box subscriptions range from beauty and grooming products to food and snacks — even books and educational products. Subscribers can choose to receive boxes monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly.


The gift box trend has also opened up new opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses. By partnering with gift box subscription companies, small businesses can reach a wider audience and increase their brand exposure.


According to Statista, the market size of the digital subscription economy was forecasted to reach 687 billion U.S. dollars by 2025.


Image source: Statista


According to Statista, the market size of the digital subscription economy was forecasted to reach 687 billion U.S. dollars by 2025.


What about Gift Box Subscription Packaging?

Packaging plays a crucial role in the subscription market. It is often the customer's first touchpoint with the brand and directly impacts product sales and brand perception. Here are some significant reasons why packaging is so important in the subscription market:


Brand recognition: Since the product packaging is the customer's first impression of the brand, it needs to be impactful and memorable. The packaging should reflect the brand image and help to build brand recognition.


Functionality: Effective packaging not only protects the product from damage, breakage, or spillage but also plays several other crucial roles in the marketing of the product.


Look and feel of the box: The look and feel of the subscription box are just as important as its contents. The packaging should create excitement and anticipation for the customer and make the unboxing experience memorable.


Packaging plays a critical role in the subscription market and can make or break the success of a product or brand. Businesses should pay close attention to the design and functionality of their packaging to create a positive customer experience and build brand recognition. Partnering with a company specializing in custom packagings, such as Gift Box Market, could benefit small and medium businesses by allowing them to create a unique and memorable product experience for their customers.


Sending Subscription Boxes Sustainably

Eco-friendly subscription boxes allow companies to promote sustainable living by selecting products from their own or other businesses with strong commitments to sustainability.


According to a survey by the World Economic Forum, 66% of all respondents and 75% of millennial respondents said they consider sustainability when making a purchase. So, sending gift boxes that use eco-friendly materials and shipping methods is perfect for consumers who want to incorporate more sustainable products into their daily lives.


While the contents of the box may or may not be recyclable, the packaging can be. The gift boxes are often beautiful and can be reused by customers in several ways — they can be great for storage, repurposing, or re-gifting. Plus, they offer an opportunity for consumers to swap out their regular-use plastic items with reusable or biodegradable alternatives.


Where to Start with Sending Subscription Gift Boxes?

Businesses can start adding subscription boxes to their marketing strategy by focusing on their target customer and having a niche focus for their brand.


Here are a few things to consider before your business jumps in:


  • What is the source of the items in your subscription box? Will you use products you currently sell or manufacture or select items from different suppliers?

  • How frequently will you send out your subscription box? Is it best to choose a monthly, quarterly, or biannual delivery schedule that suits you and your customers?

  • How will you present the subscription box? The unwrapping experience is often a significant aspect for subscribers, so you need to find a gift box supplier that can work with your company to design your perfect, personalized packaging.

  • What is your plan for promoting the subscription box? Will you use social media influencers, referral programs, or affiliates? Do you have a budget set aside for advertisements on Facebook and Google?


The gift box subscription trend is here to stay. With its growing popularity, businesses should consider incorporating gift boxes into their sales strategy. By offering a convenient and fun way for customers to discover new products, companies can increase brand exposure and reach new customers.


22 views

If you enjoyed this article, receive free email updates!

Thanks for subscribing!

Join 20,000 subscribers who receive our newsletter with
resources, events and articles

Thanks for subscribing!

bottom of page