5 Things I Wish Subscription Box Owners Knew Before Launching | EP 191
May 09, 2025
Subscribe: SarahsPodcast.com | Apple Podcast | Spotify | IHeartRadio | Stitcher
Starting your subscription box? Or maybe you’ve already launched—and now you’re realizing there’s a lot more to it than you expected?
You’re not alone.
In this quick, 10-minute Friday Fuel episode, I’m sharing five lessons I wish I could go back and tell myself before launching my own subscription box. These are the things that catch new box owners off guard—and if you know them early, they’ll save you stress, money, and momentum down the road.
This episode isn’t about perfection. It’s about being intentional—making smart choices that set your business up for long-term success instead of early burnout.
Subscription Box Success Starts with a Shift in Perspective
One of the biggest mindset shifts new subscription box owners need to make?
Your box isn’t about you.
You might be curating products you love (and that’s great!), but your box has to be about your subscriber. What does she need? What makes her smile? What problem are you helping her solve?
When you build your subscription box with your customer in mind, everything else—from your messaging to your retention strategy—becomes so much easier.
Engaged Waitlists Lead to a Successful Launch
A strong, engaged waitlist is what makes a successful launch possible. If you skip the relationship-building part and jump straight to selling, you’re likely to be disappointed.
Retention Is Where the Money Is
Most new box owners focus almost entirely on getting subscribers—and forget about keeping them. But if you want your subscription box to be profitable, retention matters just as much as growth.
In this episode, I’m sharing a simple mindset shift that will help you boost retention without spending more on product. You’ll be surprised at how small touches can make a big impact.
Your First Box Will Cost More Than You Think
It happens every time—new box owners underestimate how much that first box will cost. Between product, packaging, shipping, and all the little things (like tissue paper and filler!), the expenses add up fast.
That’s why it’s so important to budget with margin—and expect the unexpected.
Playing the Long Game
The subscription box business isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon.
When you give yourself permission to grow steadily and build a strong foundation, you set yourself up for long-term success.
Your Friday Fuel Challenge
This week, I want you to take 10 quiet minutes and ask yourself:
“Am I building my subscription box for me… or for my ideal customer?”
Look at your product selection, your messaging, and your social posts. Are they focused on you, or are they truly speaking to the person you want to serve?
Refocus your energy—and you’ll see a big difference.
Want to keep your subscribers longer?
Grab my free guide: 10 Ways to Surprise & Delight Your Subscriber
Or just text SURPRISE to 940-204-0023
Grab your Box Budget Calculator!
Learn from me:
- Subscription Box Blueprint eBook: This $10 ebook covers logistics from product selection to packaging to shipping. Plus a 90-day launch plan and bonus ‘Instant Scripts’ for your social media.
- Launch Your Box: My complete training program that walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business.
- Launch Your Box Podcast: I share tons of practical tips and strategies to help you start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. You’ll also hear from industry experts and current Launch Your Box members who are crushing it - get ready to get inspired!
- One Box at a Time: Inside my book One Box at a Time, I show you the steps you need to follow to start and launch your subscription box. To turn your dream into reality. This book is filled with proven teachings, valuable resources, best practices, and action steps for you to take.
Find me on social:
-
Facebook: @SubBoxwithSarah
-
Instagram: @howtostartasubbox
- YouTube: @sarahwilliams5836
Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join our waitlist and we will notify you when the group reopens.
Hear from Sarah each week!
Do you want weekly tips for starting, launching, and growing a subscription box? Subscribe to get our latest content by email.