Birchbox October 2012

[considerately]

Oh LOL thank you!  I should have been able to figure that one out.

 

[brennn]

Reading through the BB facebook comments you'd think they'd have committed one of the gravest injustices known to mankind. I know FB company pages really bring out the crazy group-think thing, but after reading through a lot (I couldn't sleep!) it went from being sorta funny to just sad.  WIth all the threatening to cancel, adjective-rich disappointment sagas, and gloating about switching to ipsy, you'd think the complainers paid with their firstborn, not $10!

Looking over all the box variations many are definitely quite dismal and underwhelming but I was surprised how many people were furious about receiving essie nail varnish and the Mary Lou-manizer- two of the hottest items! There were quite a few people over the past couple weeks complaining that the Mary Lou was ONLY the size of a "small eyeshadow", that it should have been full size.  "How can BB call that a deluxe sample?"* hahaha.  And of course the "cheap" essies were in the most hideous, revolting, and unflattering shades of nail varnish ever made. "How dare BB send me full size $8 nail varnish knowing that the shade they are sending looks atrocious with my skin tone!"*

*paraphrasing only a little, sadly. 

 

[MissLindaJean]

Reading through the BB facebook comments you'd think they'd have committed one of the gravest injustices known to mankind. I know FB company pages really bring out the crazy group-think thing, but after reading through a lot (I couldn't sleep!) it went from being sorta funny to just sad.  WIth all the threatening to cancel, adjective-rich disappointment sagas, and gloating about switching to ipsy, you'd think the complainers paid with their firstborn, not $10! Looking over all the box variations many are definitely quite dismal and underwhelming but I was surprised how many people were furious about receiving essie nail varnish and the Mary Lou-manizer- two of the hottest items! There were quite a few people over the past couple weeks complaining that the Mary Lou was ONLY the size of a "small eyeshadow", that it should have been full size.  "How can BB call that a deluxe sample?"* hahaha.  And of course the "cheap" essies were in the most hideous, revolting, and unflattering shades of nail varnish ever made. "How dare BB send me full size $8 nail varnish knowing that the shade they are sending looks atrocious with my skin tone!"* *paraphrasing only a little, sadly. 

While not to that extent, we have our own fair share of unhappy subbers here, too.

 

[brennn]

Quote: While not to that extent, we have our own fair share of unhappy subbers here, too.


I've read through most of the pages of this thread as the month has progressed & know that many people are disappointed.  It was just a bit funny to see the overall rational and thoughtful discussion of this month's many box issues on MUT compared to the proverbial torches and pitchforks some unhappy subbers are raising over there.  

 

[MissLindaJean]

I've read through most of the pages of this thread as the month has progressed & know that many people are disappointed.  It was just a bit funny to see the overall rational and thoughtful discussion of this month's many box issues on MUT compared to the proverbial torches and pitchforks some unhappy subbers are raising over there.  

I agree that FB has the extreme vents and overboard reactions, but longtime subbers here are seemingly becoming more disenchanted with BB, from sample sizes to CS. I don't mean to imply anything bad, but there are a lot of growing grievances I'm noticing. There seems to be a combo of things adding to it, from sooo many subs available for comparison to lack of new companies/products to possible sub burnout, as well as the already mentioned issues. Expectations change.

 

[brennn]

I definitely agree with that. After seven months of BB, including the Teen Vogue and Gossip Girl boxes that I loved, July-September were all underwhelming in terms of sample size and quality (foil sachets, product repeats, CS, etc.).  I cancelled after September's but I'm keeping an eye on the boxes in case they improve- not looking good anytime soon.  

I think a vast majority of the grievances (I was only poking fun at some of the more ridiculous ones on FB) are entirely valid & I definitely have my fair share.  It'll be interesting to see how BB (and all the other sub services) handle the influx of complaints and competition in the next couple months. Some things will have to change.

 

[MissLindaJean]

I think BB should cap their memberships at this time. Deal with concerns, as they seem to be hiring more staff based around BB blog intros. Focus on retaining their original customer base by attempting to address concerns and grievances. Through the issues discussed here, there have been some interesting solutions brought up by ladies. I like the idea of adding an allergy q to the survey, X more foils for a better sample run if they're going to toss them in, etc.. I'm a happy subber, but it bums me out a bit so many are not.

 

[mellee]

Originally Posted by Babs /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Wow they are proactive. Will you tell them to answer my email? LOL but on a serious note, I would say that it's not up to them that some samples are foil packets because companies make them..not BB. That is something that is out of their hands.. and I get that. BUT and it's a big BUT.. while they might not have enough good sized samples or full size samples for all 100K of their subscribers, they can AT THE VERY LEAST put MULTIPLE foil packets (and i'm not talking 2) in punishment boxes so that we can actually try out the products on multiple days. It'll also make us feel better that we got let's say 5 packets of one time use eye cream while my BFF down the street got a beauty blender or some lucky gals on MUT got a full sized Essie. 

It may be up to the companies what they provide, but we're paying Birchbox.  In the end, it's Birchbox's product we're paying for, and their name and their business on the line.  They should have some standards they impose on the companies if they want their item to be the one in the box.  If the companies are offering crap for BB to send, BB should say "Oh, no, that's not going into our box!"  Plain and simple.

 

[Meggpi]

There was a poster here who also complained about the size of the Mary Loumanizer--I thought it was kind of funny because I thought it was exactly what a deluxe sample should be.  It's cutely packaged in a way that it can be shut, and for using on the inner corner of the eyes, cheekbones, and browbones there are several uses.  I think other companies should take note, like Stila when they sample a palette.  

Originally Posted by brennn /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Reading through the BB facebook comments you'd think they'd have committed one of the gravest injustices known to mankind. I know FB company pages really bring out the crazy group-think thing, but after reading through a lot (I couldn't sleep!) it went from being sorta funny to just sad.  WIth all the threatening to cancel, adjective-rich disappointment sagas, and gloating about switching to ipsy, you'd think the complainers paid with their firstborn, not $10!

Looking over all the box variations many are definitely quite dismal and underwhelming but I was surprised how many people were furious about receiving essie nail varnish and the Mary Lou-manizer- two of the hottest items! There were quite a few people over the past couple weeks complaining that the Mary Lou was ONLY the size of a "small eyeshadow", that it should have been full size.  "How can BB call that a deluxe sample?"* hahaha.  And of course the "cheap" essies were in the most hideous, revolting, and unflattering shades of nail varnish ever made. "How dare BB send me full size $8 nail varnish knowing that the shade they are sending looks atrocious with my skin tone!"*

*paraphrasing only a little, sadly. 

 

[MissLindaJean]

There was a poster here who also complained about the size of the Mary Loumanizer--I thought it was kind of funny because I thought it was exactly what a deluxe sample should be.  It's cutely packaged in a way that it can be shut, and for using on the inner corner of the eyes, cheekbones, and browbones there are several uses.  I think other companies should take note, like Stila when they sample a palette.  

Oh my, this! I'm supposed to get the highlighter in my very delayed box and the pics are promising. Much better than the cards!

 

[Nightgem]

Well still no box and just got the shipping updated. Once more a crappy box, so much so that I canceled. I was a bit on the fence but after months of getting crappy box's I'm so over BB. The only thing I can say I have gotten that was really worth while was the brightening cleanser and only after all the rave reviews I tried it and really like it. I'll stick to Myglam/Ipsy at least I get products I'll use.
 

 

[goldenmeans]

To cancel or not to cancel: that is the question:

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of foil packets,

Or to take arms against a sea of perfume samples,

And by opposing end them?
 

I think I'm going to get rid of one account. Not so much because I'm as angry as the broads on their Facebook page (I'd say get a hobby, but I think complaining about crap is it), but because I've been eying the Pop Sugar bag and getting rid of one account will make me feel less guilty about spending almost $40 on one subscription.

 

[lovelockdown]

Originally Posted by goldenmeans /img/forum/go_quote.gif

To cancel or not to cancel: that is the question:

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of foil packets,

Or to take arms against a sea of perfume samples,

And by opposing end them?

I think I'm going to get rid of one account. Not so much because I'm as angry as the broads on their Facebook page (I'd say get a hobby, but I think complaining about crap is it), but because I've been eying the Pop Sugar bag and getting rid of one account will make me feel less guilty about spending almost $40 on one subscription.

I was just thinking the same thing. I need to sacrifice something to justify getting popsugar. I had popsugar their first two months then couldn't afford it anymore and boom- their best box yet! I mean I am not anti-birchbox or anything, but compared to my other subs right now they are a bit underwhelming. But on the other hand, the cleanser I got this month made it worth it. I'm torn. They definitely need a rehab center to survive monthly subscription addictions. 

 

[Canny Charlene]

Originally Posted by brennn /img/forum/go_quote.gif

Reading through the BB facebook comments you'd think they'd have committed one of the gravest injustices known to mankind. I know FB company pages really bring out the crazy group-think thing, but after reading through a lot (I couldn't sleep!) it went from being sorta funny to just sad.  WIth all the threatening to cancel, adjective-rich disappointment sagas, and gloating about switching to ipsy, you'd think the complainers paid with their firstborn, not $10!

Looking over all the box variations many are definitely quite dismal and underwhelming but I was surprised how many people were furious about receiving essie nail varnish and the Mary Lou-manizer- two of the hottest items! There were quite a few people over the past couple weeks complaining that the Mary Lou was ONLY the size of a "small eyeshadow", that it should have been full size.  "How can BB call that a deluxe sample?"* hahaha.  And of course the "cheap" essies were in the most hideous, revolting, and unflattering shades of nail varnish ever made. "How dare BB send me full size $8 nail varnish knowing that the shade they are sending looks atrocious with my skin tone!"*

*paraphrasing only a little, sadly. 

I read that one post on their Facebook page that made me LOL..She was a bit too angry IMO threatening to call her cc due to fraud on BB's part lol

 

[CourtneyB]

I saw the fraud one, haha. And then I had to respond to someone complaining about not getting a certain product, even though I really should have just stayed out of it.

Look, I've always loved BB, and I realize the point of the sampling service. However, this month my samples in my main account were ridiculously small. Like, one or two uses only.  I sent BB a (what I hope is) very respectful email so that they can better understand my complaints and maybe help fix them. Here's what I wrote:

Hello, Birchbox,

    I've been a subscriber since January 2012, and even purchased a second account in May 2012. I have always been a long time supporter of your service, but I am very upset with this month's boxes, especially on my main account under this email. NOTHING was a deluxe size - everything was foil packets or one time use! How am I supposed to know if I like the products if I only get a use or two out of them? Why am I paying you for getting me such ridiculously small samples?

    Let me go through it:
1.) Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre: A neat product, but seriously, only two foil packets? I could legit get these for free from Sephora or probably even directly from the company.

2.) Lulu Organics Hair Powder: Another product I would be interested in trying, but how am I suppose to get it out of the cardboard packet? There's no way to control the flow of powder, and it's not resealable, so I can't keep it from spilling.

3.) Karuna Hydrating Treatment Mask: Another neat product I'd love to try, but once again, I can only get one use out of this item. No way to compare.

4.) Naked Princess Lip Gloss: SO SMALL. I thought the Jouer lip gloss sample was small, but this takes the cake.

    Let me be clear: I'm not complaining about the actual samples themselves. I realize this is a sampling service where I'm suppose to try new products. However, the sizes are getting ridiculous and not worth my money. It's not a new trend, either - I've been getting smaller and smaller samples over the past few months that are leaving me very unsatisfied.

    As you know, I cannot cancel this account because it is a yearly sub. However, with Christmas coming up, I am seriously reconsidering whether I want to ask for another year. Additionally, I am thinking about cancelling my second account. I'm giving Ipsy, another popular sub service, a try next month, along with my extra BB, and will decide after that which one I keep.

    I write to you only because I want to continue loving this service. I sincerely want you guys to do well. I've recommended Birchbox to countless friends, and even gifted subs to quite a few. However, in its current state, I cannot recommend Birchbox to anyone.
 

 

[zadidoll]

Wait... someone threatened Birchbox with fraud? LOL

 

[Shutterbug68]

I got the same box and I have the exact same feelings about it. The items are interesting, but so tiny!  And here I thought that the Goop partnership would mean a better box. I saw in an earlier post where someone said that the total value for this box was only around $12-$16 compared to other boxes valued at $20-$30. I know the point is to get people to buy full size products, not to provide a good value, but when I'm paying $2 a sample, I want to feel like the samples are actually worth the $2. I can get a Luna bar for .99 on sale at the grocery store; I don't want to get that in my beauty box unless I feel like it is actually an added value and the other items make up for the cost of the box. Take out the bar and you have a $10 with 4 items, that's $2.50 a sample.

1) Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre: Two foil packets definitely NOT worth 1.25 each.

2) Lulu Organics Hair powder: Awful, awful cardboard package, I got it everywhere trying to open the container, decent size but not worth 2.50.

3) Naked Princess Lip Gloss: Ugh, don't get me started on the size of this. The tube is tiny enough as it is, about the size of a dreaded perfume sample and it's barely half full!

4) Karuna Mask: The largest sample of the bunch and the only one I would consider to be worth 2.50, but as previously stated, only one mask so no way to see if it really works.

I always swore I would keep my BB account even if I cancelled all the others, but after two disappointing boxes I'm seriously starting to question. With my luck though I would cancel and then next month would be completely awesome. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

I'll probably stick around for another month just in case they have a complete 180.

 

[deactivateduser232015]

Originally Posted by Shutterbug68 /img/forum/go_quote.gif

1) Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre: Two foil packets definitely NOT worth 1.25 each.

2) Lulu Organics Hair powder: Awful, awful cardboard package, I got it everywhere trying to open the container, decent size but not worth 2.50.

3) Naked Princess Lip Gloss: Ugh, don't get me started on the size of this. The tube is tiny enough as it is, about the size of a dreaded perfume sample and it's barely half full!

4) Karuna Mask: The largest sample of the bunch and the only one I would consider to be worth 2.50, but as previously stated, only one mask so no way to see if it really works.

I already did the calculations for these

Luna bar: 1/15 * $18.75 = $1.25 for one bar lipgloss: 0.008oz/0.10oz * $26 = $2.08 for the sample hair powder: 5grams/113.398grams (~4oz) * $30 = $1.32 for the sample Karuna mask: 1/4 * $28 = $7 for the mask Embryolisse creme: 4mL/30mL * 16 = $2.13 for the two packets Which gives us a total value of $13.78, only $12.53 was in actual beauty products.   The mask was the most valuable product in the entire box, because a full-sized would be $28 for 4, so $7 each. I get it's kind of hard to tell if you like it out of one use (it's more a fun thing to use anyway; I prefer physical cremes when I use face masks). I'm definitely speaking with them tomorrow about my complaints.

 

[Whatthescrap]

I recently signed up with BB (October 7th) and was THRILLED to get my invite 3 days later (as a result of the GOOP link on the BB site)!  Now I'm waiting for my first box to arrive.  I had never heard of this amazing concept of getting a monthly sub to receive beauty samples in the mail every month!!   After I received my invite, I couldn't sleep that night.  I was sooo excited to be a part of this process!!

The items in my box were recently posted and I am pretty excited about getting Box #19.  A Beauty Blender, Karuna mask, Twistband, Sprout Lip Balm, SuperGoop, and of course the infamous Luna Bar!

 But now, I'm saddened to learn that just because that is what is posted, that may not be what I get??  And, just because the estimated delivery of my box is on Tuesday, that is, more than likely, not accurate as well.

I haven't even received my first box yet, and have already lost my initial enthusiasm!  Due to all of the posts on here, I have also now signed up for Ipsy/MyGlam.  I am sure hoping that with all of the posts to BB lately that they will fix what ails and start working towards saving their client base, rather than trying to drum up new business from people like me!

 

[Angelalh]

im jealous of that size actually i never get anything that big in my BB!!!!!!

Originally Posted by dearestmelody /img/forum/go_quote.gif

received box #1 today...and pretty disappointed by the size. This was my first birchbox ever and didn't know that the box itself would be this small. I thought the products would be bigger from looking at the other people's pictures...but even the kiehl's liquid body cleanser is sooooo much smaller than expected...it fits in the palm of my hand...