The Numbers That Matter: 5 Metrics Every Box Owner Must Track | EP 204

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When was the last time you really looked at your numbers?

I’m not talking about follower count or how many likes your last reel got. I mean the real numbers in your business. The ones that actually tell you if your subscription box is healthy, sustainable, and built to grow.

If the idea of diving into your numbers makes you want to run and hide, this episode is for you! Because today, I’m walking you through the five most important metrics every subscription box owner needs to track. I’ll break down what they are and how to calculate them, and explain what they mean for your business and how to use them to make smarter decisions starting today.

Whether you’re brand new or scaling toward your next milestone, these numbers will give you clarity, confidence, and control.

1. Retention Rate & Churn Rate

Your churn rate is the percentage of people who cancel each month. Your retention rate is the percentage who stay. For example, if you start the month with 100 subscribers and lose 10, your churn rate is 10% and your retention rate is 90%.

Don’t just track these numbers, dig into the story they’re telling. 

Grab the free Retention Rate Calculator HERE to start tracking this right away.

2. Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)

LTV tells you how much one subscriber is worth to your business over time. If your average box is $50/month and your average subscriber stays for 8 months, that’s $400 in Customer Lifetime Value.

LTV shifts your focus from short-term sales to long-term growth. And that’s where smart businesses thrive.

3. Profit Margin Per Box

Revenue is a vanity number. Profit is reality.

If you’re sending out a beautiful box and only making a few dollars in profit (or none at all), something has to change. Start by calculating your profit margin per box. 

Your goal is to get to a 60% profit margin as you grow. Starting at 40% is fine, but it’s not where you should stay.

Use the free Subscription Box Budget Calculator found HERE to get a clear picture of where you stand.

4. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

CAC is what it costs to bring in one new subscriber.

If you spend $400 on ads and get 10 new subscribers, your CAC is $40.
Now compare that with your LTV. If your LTV is $400 and you’re spending $40 to get that subscriber, you’re getting a 10X return. That’s a win.

Your CAC helps you decide what’s working in your marketing strategy and whether it’s time to adjust.

5. Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)

Your MRR is the baseline revenue you’re bringing in from active subscribers every single month. For example, 300 subscribers paying $50/month = $15,000 MRR.

This number helps you forecast revenue, plan inventory, and confidently reinvest in your business.

Ready to Take Action? Start Small.

Don’t feel like you have to track everything all at once.
Pick one number and start there.

Maybe this month, you track your retention rate. Next month, add Customer Acquisition Cost. Then plug in your numbers for LTV.

In this Friday Fuel episode, I’m breaking down the 5 metrics that matter most and how to start tracking them (without the overwhelm). Don’t ignore your numbers because they feel confusing or overwhelming. Because clarity? That’s power.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Free Retention Rate Calculator
• Box Budget Worksheet
• Launch Your Box Training Library (members only)
  Inside Launch Your Box, we take this even further, teaching you how to track, interpret, and use these numbers to scale your subscription box business. If you're ready to stop guessing and start making decisions based on data, we’re here to help.