Memebox: Korean Beauty Box Service

[Alidolly]

Perhaps but its the existing clients that made them what they are. Ignore these people and they won't promote your business (for free on you tube / blogs). Much harder to get new clients than sell to existing..first rule of business.

Most companies either make or break within that first 6 months of trading. Make it to 2 years and you're doing well. Ditching at least 30% of your business to focus on one area is risky and I'm not sure they are competitive or different enough to survive the us market. Time will tell I guess...

 

[biancardi]

I agree, @@Alidolly

However, I have the feeling memebox might go the way of ipsy - which isn't a good thing.   ipsy always finds new customers and they don't care about their existing ones.   

I feel sad that memebox treated their customers this way.  

 

[blinded]

I have absolutely nothing to base my thoughts on except my own non-existent business knowledge, but I actually think that closing down the global side is going to end up being temporary. I just have a feeling that this is a poorly thought out plan. Once they've gotten everything settled, and whatever new business plan they are following implemented, they will re-open globally. It's going to be a completely different memebox, I have no doubt that it's not going to be the same service we all got obsessed with, but it will return in some form. I just don't understand why they would cut off so many customers unless they needed to temporarily give themselves a little space and breathing room to restructure. 

Now, whether or not this plan will be successful or not, that's debateable. 

 

[Jane George]

I think the fact that global SoothingSista palettes ship from us point to that too. But tbh the U.S. offerings atm are so poor that there will nothing I will buy even if UK is allowed to again.

 

[LisaLeah]

I agree @janegeorge

The global shop and the global boxes were what made Memebox great.

The US shop is ridiculous....nothing interesting there.

We are all suffering from the fact that global is no more...even those of us in the US.

Btw, Global #19 arrived yesterday and it really was a good box!

I like it so much more than anything that is currently on the site.

 

[blinded]

@@Jane George and @@LisaLeah, I completely agree with you. I think even if they do re-open globally it will be more like the US shop than the old global. 

 

[Tracy E. Robey]

What US-based kbeauty business people don't realize is how passionate and crazed fans are--have you ever heard of beauty bloggers and fans outside of kbeauty learning how to translate a completely new language just so they can understand ingredient lists that aren't provided to them? Or people turning a small online shop that happens to do proxy shopping into an overnight powerhouse because they want the best, latest stuff? And a dozen other powerful examples of the passion that means that without value or deadly perfect curation kbeauty fans can do better on their own, without Memebox USA. The best scenario for Memebox would be to be bought by a more competent company. The more likely scenario is that they are just the opening act for something lasting and well organized. The Myspace to Facebook. The loss of buzz and energy lately is astounding and nothing that I see coming out of California is as impressive as, say, Tester Korea's 30% off move (much as their handling time sucks these days). I want Memebox to succeed in the long run, but they seem to have little grasp of the mentality of their own consumers.

 

[Krystyn Lowe]

The U.S. shop sucks, I'm sad that it's my only choice left but at least I still have a choice. Sorry for those unceremoniously dumped.

This must have been a financial decision, maybe between shipping costs, staff and real estate it just wasn't profitable for them, or profitable enough. Coupled with corrupt agencies holding up boxes in some of the receiving countries as well. But I can't see the US model working with the stupid prices and overpriced boxes. There are a ton better and cheaper places I'll buy from. Only ever bought from the shop with deep discounts anyway.

 

[Alidolly]

Hmmm...here's one for you...on LinkIn, Karl Loo is based in the UK rather than San Francisco (where memebox have their headquarters). Wonder if they are searching for a base for a warehouse in the UK that they could ship container loads to then box up to send out..this will take time (as they'll need to register with company's house for tax etc). He's also got a law degree so they are no doubt well aware of US legislation governing competitions / copyright images etc...

 

[Krystyn Lowe]

Mr Loo is a tool.

 

[Jane George]

Oh, are they on a friending UK blogger mission then? Then added me on Instagram today and I wondered why.... If he is here it makes sense.

Lol but they have read my blog, haven't they?

But back on point... One of the mods came on here and asked which us box is best and we directed them to a non us... Says a lot really.

Also have to watch setting up in Europe as our distance selling and trade descriptions act regs are quite tight.

 

[Alidolly]

I'll keep an eye on companies house website as can check for any newly registered companies (would assume they'd have something like MemeboxUK). Can't see anything yet but just find it strange that he's in the UK when the rest of the staff are in the US so wouldn't be surprised if they are looking at various locations. Purely speculation but will be interesting to see if they start recruiting in the UK for various positions.

 

[biancardi]

did you see this disclaimer on the review points?  I guess everyone trying to review their boxes that they purchased months ago was not very well liked by memebox

*Due to an increase in program abuse, only boxes/sets purchased after November 1, 2014 will be accepted for review (Bundled Sets that delivered after that date are the exceptions).

 

[Jane George]

Oh ok mine are from this month and jan.

Wondering if someone from memebox is in Sweden atm.

 

[biancardi]

I cannot even give them my global 19 right now as the form is under construction - sigh

 

[Jane George]

They removed the 'it was a gift' box last time I used it.

 

[crazysweet]

They did. They are now requiring a order number for all reviews. I am waiting for points on reviews I submitted last week. 

 

[Jane George]

Yep waiting too.

 

[Krystyn Lowe]

did you see this disclaimer on the review points?  I guess everyone trying to review their boxes that they purchased months ago was not very well liked by memebox

*Due to an increase in program abuse, only boxes/sets purchased after November 1, 2014 will be accepted for review (Bundled Sets that delivered after that date are the exceptions).

Oh geez, yeah I've seen tons of reviews in the past two weeks for old boxes from going back to the summer!

 

[biancardi]

They removed the 'it was a gift' box last time I used it.

yep, which is very weird.