You work hard to curate, pack, and ship your subscription box each month. But when you check your bank account, the numbers don’t add up. Sound familiar?

If you’ve been wondering why you’re selling more boxes but still struggling with cash flow or not paying yourself, it’s time to get serious about your pricing.

So many subscription box owners start out underpricing, and it’s not always intentional. You want to be affordable. You don’t want to scare people away. You tell yourself you’ll raise prices later.

Underpricing is costing you more than you think.

When you forget about packaging, shipping materials, transaction fees, your time, and even damages or reships, your “$10 profit” can quickly become $6… or nothing at all. Month after month, that tight margin leaves you stressed, resentful, and unable to grow.

Take Action: Audit your current price vs. your real total cost per box. Include everything: include tape, inserts, and your time.

Most box owners price from the bottom up. They add up products, tack on shipping, and call it good. But that strategy sets you up to struggle.

Instead, flip it around: start with your margin goals and build your box to fit.

If you charge $50 per box, that means your total cost (products, packaging, shipping, fees, fulfillment) should be no more than $20-$27.50. Once you know your limit, you can source and curate accordingly.

Take Action: Reverse-engineer your price. Decide your profit margin first, then set your product budget.

Even if your pricing looks solid, hidden costs can eat away at your profits. Things like:

Transaction fees (PayPal, Shopify, Stripe)

Shipping materials (not just postage)

Software and subscriptions (Klaviyo, Canva, Shopify)

Labor, including YOURS

Returns, damages, and inventory overages

“Small” surprises and freebies

These add up fast, especially as you grow. If you don’t account for them, your margin disappears.

Take Action: Do a hidden cost audit this week. Write down every recurring business expense and calculate what it costs you per box.

Realizing your price isn’t sustainable can feel scary. But raising prices doesn’t mean failure, it means leadership.

Be transparent with your subscribers about the reason for the increase.

Give them 30–45 days’ notice.

Decide if you’ll grandfather in current subscribers.

Consider a tiered option if needed.

Yes, you may lose a few subscribers. But the ones who stay will actually be profitable, and that’s how you build a business that lasts.

Profitable businesses don’t just change your life. They make it possible for you to keep serving your subscribers for years to come.

Take Action: Choose your new price based on margin goals, set an effective date, and start your communication plan.

You didn’t start your subscription box to break even. You started it to make an impact, create income, and build freedom. But that only happens if your pricing supports your profit. 

Download the free Box Budget Worksheet and run your numbers today. This tool makes it simple to plug in your costs, your price, and see exactly where you stand.

In this episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m walking you through the real cost of underpricing, how to set profit margin goals that actually work, and what to do if you need to raise your prices. 

Download the Box Budget Worksheet here: https://www.launchyourboxwithsarah.com/my-box-budget

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When a subscriber opens your box, do they instantly know what to do with what’s inside?

If the answer is “maybe” or “I’m not sure,” that’s a problem. Because when your box isn’t consumable, you’re leaving money – and retention – on the table.

In this Friday Fuel episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m breaking down what it really means to create a consumable subscription box and why it matters so much for retention. Plus, I’ll share five practical ways you can make your box easier to use, more engaging, and more shareable.

What Does “Consumable” Really Mean?

When I say your box should be consumable, I don’t necessarily mean edible or disposable.

Consumable means your box invites action. Subscribers know exactly what to do with what’s inside. They can use it, style it, or enjoy it right away.

If it’s a craft box, can they see what the finished product should look like?

If it’s a self-care box, do they know how to use the items included?

If it’s a lifestyle box, can they imagine where the item fits into their daily life?

Without those cues, subscribers are left guessing—and unused items quickly become clutter.

Why Consumability Matters

Making your box consumable isn’t just a nice idea. It’s a proven retention tool that: 

Increases retention.When subscribers use what’s in your box, they don’t want to lose that experience by canceling.

Builds momentum.Engagement with this month’s box creates anticipation for the next one.

Sparks word-of-mouth.People love to share what they’re using – and loving.

Reduces “too much stuff” churn.Boxes don’t feel like clutter when everything inside is being used and enjoyed.

5 Ways to Make Your Box More Consumable

Make sure your subscription box gets used, not stuck on a shelf by: 

Including a visual outcome.Show the finished project, styled look, or end result—whether in your insert, your group, or on social media.

Offering a simple, actionable insert.A “Start Here” card or checklist keeps subscribers from feeling lost.

Tying each item to a moment.Suggest when or how to use it: “Style this for your next brunch date” or “Keep this at your desk for a mid-day boost.”

Removing friction.Label what needs labeling and explain anything that might cause confusion.

Being the influencer.Don’t just curate. Model the experience. Show up using your own products on social media, in your group, or in emails.

Before you send out your next box, run it through this quick audit:

If I gave this to a stranger, would they know what to do with it?

Can my subscriber use at least 70% of this box within 7 days?

Have I clearly shown or explained how to use each item?

Have I included visual or verbal cues that invite action?

Have I modeled the experience myself in photos, videos, or inserts?

If you can’t answer “yes” to at least four of those questions, you have an opportunity to level up before shipping day.

A consumable box is a retention strategy. If subscribers use the items in your box, they’ll want more. If they don’t, they’ll forget it.

Audit your next box by asking yourself these five questions and watch how much more your subscribers engage. Because the more they consume your box, the longer they’ll stick around.

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The 5-Question Consumability AuditYour Action Step
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If you’ve been in business for any length of time, you’ve probably felt it: the sales rollercoaster. One month you’re celebrating record sales, the next you’re staring at your numbers wondering how to make ends meet. It’s exhausting. And it’s not the way you want to run your business long term.

In this episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m teaming up with Susan Bradley of the Social Sales Girls , an expert in brand collaborations, to share two powerful strategies that can help you finally step off that rollercoaster for good.

We’re talking about:

Why consistency matters when it comes to sales and cash flow.

Two proven pathways to consistency: growing your audience through collaborations and keeping customers buying through recurring revenue.

The biggest mistakes to avoid when starting with either strategy.

Simple, actionable tips you can take this week to start seeing results.

Why Consistency Matters

Most product-based business owners know the highs and lows all too well. Big spikes during launches or holidays, followed by long slow stretches. That’s stressful and unpredictable.

Consistency is what allows you to grow and scale. Consistent visibility brings in new customers, while recurring revenue keeps your cash flow steady month after month. You need both for a strong, sustainable business.

Pathway 1: Brand Collaborations

When you collaborate, you don’t just expand your reach. You also build credibility by being introduced through someone your audience already trusts.

Take Action: Identify three businesses with a similar audience but a different product. Brainstorm a simple joint promotion to share with both audiences.

Pathway 2: Recurring Revenue with Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes stabilize your revenue and keep customers coming back. A subscription box turns a one-time purchase into an ongoing relationship, giving your business the consistency you’ve been missing.

This strategy has transformed so many businesses, including mine. Predictable income means you can plan better, hire smarter, and focus on growth instead of chasing the next sale.

Take Action: Start with a product your customers already buy regularly and brainstorm how you could offer it in a subscription format.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best strategies can backfire if you approach them the wrong way.

Collaboration Mistakes:

Picking partners for their product instead of the audience they serve.

Not tracking and measuring results to see what’s really working.

Subscription Mistakes:

Overcomplicating your first box instead of starting simple.

Underpricing instead of building healthy profit margins from the start.

Ready to Go Deeper?

Susan is offering a Brand Collab Bootcamp where she’ll teach you how to find the right partners, pitch confidently, and create win-win promotions.

And if you’re ready to turn your products into predictable recurring revenue, join me for Subscription Box Coaching Week. I’ll help you outline what your subscription box could look like, how to position it, and how to create reliable monthly income.

Offers mentioned:  

Brand Collab Bootcamp - starting September 8th 

Subscription Box Week - starting September 28th 

Where to find Susan: 

Brand Collab Bootcamp

Social Sales Girls on Facebook

The Social Sales Girls on Instagram

The Social Sales Girls Website 

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Stop Blaming the Algorithm – Your Content Might Be the Real Problem

If your social media posts are falling flat, it’s time for a wake-up call.

It’s not the platform. It’s not the algorithm. It’s you.

In this Friday Fuel episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m breaking down why your content isn’t getting the engagement you want. And exactly how to fix it.

This isn’t about posting more, checking boxes, or chasing trends. It’s about creating intentional, connection-driven content that actually gets noticed.

Why Consistency Isn’t Enough

I’ve been there. Cranking out three posts a day just to stay “consistent” and getting nothing but crickets. Social media isn’t a chore list. It’s your marketing. And lazy marketing gets lazy results.

I challenge you to take a hard look at your last 30–60 days of posts. Which ones actually got likes, comments, shares, or messages? What made them different? Were they personal? Behind the scenes? Did they have your face in them?

If you’re posting more “deadweight” content than connection-building content, you’re holding your own reach hostage.

Quality Over Quantity Wins Every Time

Three low-effort posts a day won’t grow your subscription box business. One thoughtful, engaging post will.

Here’s what to share instead:

No more Canva flyers filling your feed. No more “Here’s what’s in the box” and disappearing until next month.

A Simple Engagement Hack

Don’t bulk reply to comments.

Spread your responses out over a few days to push the post back into your followers’ feeds and extend its reach.

You’re not shadowbanned. Your audience isn’t broken. You just haven’t given them enough reason to engage. When you post with intention, people respond. And sales follow.

Your challenge this week: This week, post less. But post better. Audit your content, find your winners, and create one real post that makes your audience stop, feel something, and connect with you.

Join me for this episode to learn how to fix your social media content and start building the kind of engagement that leads to sales.

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If you’ve been “almost ready” to launch your subscription box for months – or even years – this episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast is for you.

I get it. I spent 18 months sitting on my own subscription box idea, watching others launch, endlessly researching, tweaking, and dreaming. I thought I was preparing. But when I finally launched, I learned more in that first month of taking action than I had in all those months of planning.

The truth? All that research, note-taking, and idea-tweaking feels productive… But it’s keeping you from what you really want: customers, sales, and momentum. In this episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast, I’ll help you break out of perpetual learning mode so you can finally start selling your subscription box. 

How to Tell If You’re Stuck in Perpetual Research Mode

Some of the biggest indicators include:

You’ve gathered endless information but haven’t acted on it.

Your launch date keeps moving.

You redesign your branding more than you talk to potential customers.

You’re constantly switching your box idea after seeing others’ boxes.

You’re waiting for the “perfect” product before you launch.

Staying in research mode feels safe. There’s no risk of rejection, no hard deadlines, and no uncomfortable decisions. But every week you stay there is a week without customers, feedback, or income.

The Hidden Reasons You Haven’t Launched Your Subscription Box

Being “not ready” is rarely about needing more time or more information. Often, what’s really keeping you stuck is one of these:

Fear of Failure – Worrying no one will buy or that people won’t like your box.

Fear of Success – Wondering how you’ll handle it if things actually take off.

Perfectionism – Believing everything must be flawless before you launch.

Comparison – Feeling behind because your box doesn’t look like someone else’s Year 5 version.

Comfort Zone + Lack of Clarity – Staying in familiar territory instead of testing your idea with real people.

In the episode, I share stories from my own business journey and why messy action is always better than perfect inaction.

You can’t research your way into a successful subscription box business. You have to sell your way there. Imagine 30 days from now: your first boxes shipped, real customer feedback in hand, and a clear plan for month two. That only happens if you start now.

Stop waiting for perfect. Start building the business you’ve been dreaming about.

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Are you selling a product or a promise?

You’ve poured your heart into your subscription box. You’ve found the perfect items, created beautiful packaging, and started showing up consistently online.

But the subscribers aren’t coming. Or people buy once, but they don’t come back. Sound familiar?

Frustrated and wondering what you’re doing wrong? This might be the missing piece:

The problem isn’t that your product isn’t great. It’s that your audience doesn’t understand why they should subscribe.

In this Friday Fuel episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m breaking down the difference between selling a one-time product and offering a subscription people actually want to stick with.

A subscription is a relationship, not a transaction

When someone buys a product, they’re saying, “This looks good.”

When someone subscribes, they’re saying, “I trust you to keep delivering value.”

That means your subscription box offer needs more than great items. It needs a clear, compelling reason to subscribe. And to stay subscribed.

Real Example: A Coloring Book Box That Transformed

Inside Launch Your Box, I worked with Chantal, who sells adult coloring books. She had custom designs, thoughtful themes, beautiful packaging… But she wasn’t getting the sales she wanted.

So I asked her one question:

“Why would someone subscribe to this rather than just buy a coloring book on Amazon when they feel like it?”

That one question changed everything.

Together, we identified ways to create value beyond the book:

Exclusive monthly themes

A private Facebook group for connection

Calming playlists and printable bonuses

Encouragement to make coloring a monthly habit

Suddenly, Chantal wasn’t just selling a product. She was offering stress relief, creative rhythm, and community. And her audience felt that difference.

This Week’s Action Step

Write down 3 reasons your box is better as a subscription. 

Ask yourself:

What do subscribers get that one-time buyers don’t?

How is a subscriber’s life better after 3 months?

What promise can I confidently deliver on?

Because when your benefit is clear, your offer becomes magnetic.

Your copy improves.Your conversions increase.Your subscribers stay longer.

Ready to rethink how you're positioning your box? This episode will walk you through real examples, simple shifts, and practical questions to help you clarify the benefit of your subscription – and make your offer irresistible.

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If you want a strong Q4, your work starts now.

Too many subscription box owners treat the 4th quarter like it starts in November. But if you want October sales to be strong – and if you want to ride that momentum straight through the holiday season – your prep needs to start in late summer.

In this episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m walking you through four things you can do right now to set yourself up for your best Q4 yet. Whether you’re running a subscription box, selling one-time products, or offering holiday gift subscriptions, these steps will help you plan, promote, and sell with confidence, instead of scrambling.

And because I know this can feel overwhelming, I’m also inviting you to join me inside my Ultimate Q4 Planning Workshop, where we’ll spend one focused day mapping out your entire quarter, together.

Q4 is the biggest sales quarter of the year. Some small business owners make half their annual revenue between October and December. But here’s the mistake most people make:

They think Q4 starts when they post their first Black Friday sale.

By that point, you’ve already missed valuable weeks of visibility and momentum. 

The truth? Q4 success starts at the end of Q3.

Before October arrives, you should already know:

Which promotions you’ll run and when

What products (and how much) you’ll need to make them happen

How you’ll market each offer

If you can’t answer those questions yet, you’re already behind.

Step 1: Plan Your Q4 Promotions Now

Start with the end in mind when you answer the question, “What are you going to sell?”

Step 2: Grow Your Following + Your Email List

You need both visibility and ownership heading into Q4.

Step 3: Warm Up Your Audience

Don’t wait until you’re ready to sell to show up. If someone joins your list in August and doesn’t hear from you until November, they’re not likely to buy.

Warm-up content builds trust and anticipation so that when you do make your offer, people are ready to say yes.

Step 4: Keep Your Plan Simple, But Real

You don’t need to create every caption, email, or ad today. But you do need to know what you’re promoting, when you’ll promote it, and how you’ll promote it.

That’s exactly what we’ll do together in my Ultimate Q4 Planning Workshop. In one day, we’ll:

Plan your promotions

Map your marketing calendar

Identify the emails and posts you’ll need

Forecast inventory and shipping timelines

You’ll walk away with a complete Q4 roadmap. Ready to execute, no scrambling required.

If Q4 usually feels like chaos, this episode will show you how to change that. Listen in for practical steps you can take this week to get ahead. And find out how to join me for the Ultimate Q4 Planning Workshop, so you can head into the busiest season of the year feeling confident and in control.

Join the Ultimate Q4 Planning Workshop: September 5, 2025 – Live on Zoom. 

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Think Facebook ads are too expensive, too complicated, or too risky? You’re not alone. I thought the same thing for a long time.

But 18 months ago, I made a decision: I was going to learn how to run ads myself. No more guessing, no more outsourcing without understanding. Just simple strategies I could test, tweak, and teach.

In this week’s Friday Fuel episode, I’m sharing the three types of ads every subscription box owner should be running. Yes, even if you’re brand new. You don’t need a big budget. You don’t need expert status. You just need to get started.

1 - Page Like Ads

Start here if you’re building your audience (and you should always be building your audience). Page Like Ads are low-cost, low-risk, and easy to run. I always have one of these running in the background.

What to include:

A photo of you and your product

Simple copy that introduces you to your ideal subscriber

Meta’s Advantage+ audience to find more people like your current followers

Set your budget at $5–$10/day and watch your page grow.

2. Opt-In Ads

If you’re not building your email list, it’s time to start. Opt-in ads help you grow a warm audience before launch day.

Need ideas? I’ve used downloadable phone wallpapers, checklists, and printables. Anything your audience would find valuable and fun can make an effective opt-in.

Make sure you have:

A clear landing page

A freebie that fits your niche

A message that invites them to grab their free gift

These subscribers are more likely to buy from you when launch time comes.

3. Sales Ads

These ads introduce your offer to the world. Whether you’re selling a one-time box or your monthly subscription, this is where you go all in. Your goal is to get the sale.

Use:

Behind-the-scenes packing videos

Customer unboxings

Short product demos or strong lifestyle photos

Start with $10/day and scale up as your results improve. I recommend running these alongside page like and opt-in ads for best results.

Tips for Effective Facebook Ads

Keep your captions short with ONE call to action

Use Canva for branded graphics

Don’t overthink targeting. Let Meta help

Give your ad 3–4 days before making changes

Use ChatGPT to help with hooks and headlines!

Your Action Step

Pick ONE ad and run it this week.

Want to build your audience? Try a Page Like ad

Want more email subscribers? Try an Opt-In ad

Ready to sell? Try a Sales ad

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about getting started. The only ad that doesn’t work? The one you never run.

Need help deciding which type of Facebook ad to try first? Tune in to the full episode for all the details.

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I’m excited to bring you this interview with my good friend Cindy Manly of Art Shattered. Cindy has a successful membership with over 1200 members and has been selling one-time art supply kits for the past few years. If you’ve been selling one-time boxes and are wondering if a subscription is for you, you’re going to want to hear Cindy’s story! 

Cindy is an artist who specializes in glass and resin art. She makes beautiful, unique pieces of 3-D art that her followers LOVE. She also teaches her followers how to create their own art through her online membership. Cindy started her membership in 2018 and now has over 1200 members. 

When some of Cindy’s members started asking where to get the supplies they needed to create the pieces she was teaching - and others mentioned they were having a hard time finding the right supplies - she started selling one-off kits. Every time she offered up a kit for sale, she sold out. When she offered kits during her membership pre-launch, she sold 800 full kits and 500 partial kits. 

Cindy and I have been friends for several years and I’ve been telling her almost that long that she needed to start a subscription box. She resisted the idea for a long time. But after selling 1300 kits during her pre-launch, she was convinced. 

Armed with the launch plan she learned inside Launch Your Box and as a member of my Mastermind and backed by her audience of raving fans, Cindy launched her subscription box in June. 

The result? She sold out of all 500 available spots in her quarterly subscription! And she used four strategies to do it. 

Cindy originally wanted to only plan for 200 boxes, but I convinced her she could absolutely do more. And she did! She’s also an absolute genius who packed her subscription boxes ahead of time and had them ready to ship BEFORE she launched! That meant when she was exhausted from her launch - and if you do it right, you will be exhausted - Cindy headed straight to the beach! 

500 subscribers means additional financial security for Cindy, the satisfaction of knowing she is serving her loyal audience in yet another way, and steady employment for her team. I can’t wait to watch Cindy’s subscription box continue to grow. 

Join me for this episode as Cindy walks us through her journey of moving from offering one-time boxes to launching a subscription box and welcoming 500 new subscribers.  

Find and follow Cindy: 

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Should your subscription box be available all the time or only during specific launch windows?

It’s one of the most common questions I get inside Launch Your Box. But here’s the truth…

It’s not about whether your cart is open or closed.

It’s about whether you’re giving people a reason to subscribe right now.

In this week’s Friday Fuel episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m breaking down the difference between open cart and closed cart subscription models, the pros and cons of each, and what really moves the needle when it’s time to grow your subscriber count.

I also share a simple strategy that works with either model to create urgency and excitement: the launch bonus with examples you can use without spending a fortune.

Open Cart Subscription Model

Your subscription box is always live, and subscribers can join at any time.

It’s simple and steady, but it lacks urgency. You have to create your own momentum.

Closed Cart Subscription Model

You open the cart for a limited window a few times a year. It builds buzz and urgency, but only if you show up and promote it well.

Both work. I’ve used both. But the most important thing?

YOU are the one who creates urgency.

It’s about how you talk about your box, how you show up, and whether or not you give people a reason to say yes this week.

When I launched my Monogram Box™ in April, I offered a free monogram tee to anyone who subscribed that week. That bonus helped me sell out 432 spots.

The bonus worked again during my July teacher launch, when I offered a personalized “Teacher” tee to new subscribers. That simple extra created urgency and excitement. And brought in results.

Whether your cart is open or closed, a bonus can help you say,

“This week matters. Here’s why.”

Try one of these subscriber-worthy extras:

Your bonus doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to be timely and thoughtful.

Your Friday Fuel Action Step

Map out your next launch bonus.

Ask yourself:

Write it down. Plug it into your calendar. And remember: when you’re excited, your audience will be, too.

Join me for this episode and find out why it’s not about whether your subscription box is open or closed – it’s about getting people to say yes.

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