Subscription Boxes: Fulfilment Services for a Growing Market
As a UK fulfilment centre, we’ve seen a rise in the number of subscription companies enquiring about our services. They want to focus time and effort on sourcing goods, marketing and creating an online community. To do this, they need an experienced e-commerce fulfilment team to ensure that orders are processed with accuracy and efficiency.
What is a Subscription Box?
Magazine subscriptions are a familiar concept. You sign up and pay in advance, before receiving a monthly delivery of the latest edition through your letterbox. It makes for a great gift, as well as being a convenient way to ensure you get your favourite read.
In recent years, the range of products that you can subscribe to has multiplied. It is now possible to sign up for a wonderful array of goodies including food, toiletries, craft kits, plants, stationery, wine and pet treats.
There are a number of differences between a subscription box and an e-commerce purchase. Firstly, you typically sign up to receive a recurring delivery over a minimum of 3-months. The boxes bring an element of surprise, as you never quite know what’s going to be inside and they often contain samples of new products, tips and advice or other added extras.
The aim is often to build brand loyalty and those companies with the greatest success tend to build a sense of community around the product. With a focus on niche interests, storytelling and information, this offers far more than a standard commercial transaction.
Increasing Subscription Box Market
The Royal Mail commissioned a report titled UK Subscription Box Boom in 2018. The data collected provides a clear insight into the subscription market. In 2018, a quarter of UK consumers were already signed up to at least one subscription service, with Welsh consumers averaging 4.3 subscriptions per person. This is forecast to grow by 72% by 2022.
If you think that this method of shopping offers convenience to those living in rural communities, you may be interested to know that half of all Londoners pay for subscription boxes. Whilst 95% of Londoners and 98% of customers in Yorkshire and Humberside are buying for themselves, 55% of the generous customers in Northern Ireland subscribe for a gift – considerably higher than the 25% average.
Setting Up a Subscription Service
If you are considering setting up or expanding a subscription company, a read of the Report is recommended. The data would suggest that product ranges that attract the 25-34 age group will allow you to tap into the most lucrative market. Interestingly, there are also more males signed up to subscriptions than females, which bucks many other retail trends.
This isn’t a case of simply picking and packing goods: you need to engage with your subscribers and share a passion. This takes time and care, but the efforts will be rewarded with repeat custom. As a reliable UK fulfilment centre, Fulfilment Matters can take charge for processing and shipping orders, giving you time to focus on adding value and a unique twist.
We understand that you are likely to start small, but may experience rapid growth. Our fulfilment services are flexible, so we can adapt to your changing fortunes.
If you would like to find out more, get in touch with our friendly team on 01296 531600 or email hello@fulfilmentmatters.co.uk. Based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, we offer personalised services in a responsive and professional manner.
