PopSugar Must Have September 2014 *May Contain Spoilers*

[Krystyn Lowe]

Do you work for Popsugar?

When I read that tirade, this is exactly what my question was!

 

[JenTX]

I have been coming on this site since first signing up for Popsugar 3 months ago. While I enjoy the spoilers, theres been a recurring theme that has begun to bother me.  

I am probably in the minority here, but as a consumer I find it really disappointing that so many subscribers that post on here are just trying to find ways to cheat Popsugar out of $10 or sometimes more. I understand that coupon codes are great, but dont you think that when so many people use them dishonestly this adds up to quite a good chunk of change that ultimately might affect the items in our boxes?

In my opinion, if those $10 are the huge difference between getting a box or not, you probably have no business splurging on something that is meant to be a luxury, not a necessity. I love a good deal just like the next person, but I also pay the $39.95 every month other than my first month when I used my new subscriber code. I could easily cancel and resubscribe every single month like so many people seem to do, but what am I really gaining? It's like going to a store, getting to the register, paying in cash, getting $10 back in change that were not owed to you and not rightfully returning it. Its dishonest, plain and simple.

I especially loved how people were freaking out while the site was down, worried that they would not be able to cancel and resubscribe with a new code as easily as they do now.  I really do hope thats the case. Maybe just maybe if people stop cheating the system, Popsugar will make more money and boxes will just get better.

Just my 2 cents.

I think you missed one big fact about the coupon codes. The majority of us here do not create new accounts to use coupon codes. We are able to use them and do use them on our existing accounts. Therefore, Popsugar has created the codes so that they are usable by existing customers and not just first time customers. If a code is available to all of their customers, it is not cheating or dishonest to use it.

Secondly, no matter how much money you have, why would you spend more on an item just because you can? The rich do not stay rich by being stupid with money, and paying more for something that you can get for less is just not what I call smart with money. Additionally, no matter how much money We have or make, when Popsugar increased the price from $29.95 to $39.95 it had a lot of us questioning if The box was really something we needed. It's fun for $30, but for $40 I might rather use my money on something else. The fact is, Popsugar is a gamble. There have been months where I literally did not use a single item in the box. $40 lost is $40 lost, no matter what you have in the bank.

Lastly, Popsugar knows people use codes. It's part of their business model. They are still making a TON of money on this box. Not only are most of the items in the box given to Popsugar for free from advertising brands, but most of the brands also pay a fee to even be able to give those products to put in the box. It's all advertising. At the end of the day, they don't really care what you're paying. They really only raised the price so that they can appeal to more luxury brands to go into the box (it's a selling point that they can say the advertising items will reach people who can afford to drop $40 each month on their box). They want to have a high subscriber number to show advertisers. They're fine if you use a code to keep their numbers up.

about me: i just got my first popsugar box ever this month.

i really don't think that it's cheating, since (1) i find it hard to believe that popsugar doesn't know that this is going on, and (2) and if it hurts their business, they have the means to change their policy. so i think it's actually a good thing for ps that people are doing this - otherwise, not as much people are gonna buy their boxes. they're a business and what they do is maximize profit - it seems like this works for them. so the way i see it, it's a win-win situation.

 

Well on the codes I have seen, it does specifically state save $10 on your FIRST box. If its not your first box, then you are essentially cheating the system. Don't really see how that is a win for Popsugar at all. Who knows what kind of changes Popsugar has made since this site update, maybe now it will be more difficult to do it.

I also dont get the logic of "well if they are allowing it to happen, they must be ok with it" Well no, not really. If Popsugar was really ok with it then why wouldn't they just reduce the price to $29.98?

I respect your opinion. We will just have to agree to disagree /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

  
I addressed your first box comment above.

I cancelled because I didn't care for the service.   Don't assume anything.

 
Also would like to point out that I was sad I couldn't cancel for the same reason. If you read my box contents comment post, I was pretty dissappinted with the September box as well as two of the other last four months.

The short answer is no. Coming strictly from a business owner's perspective, (that's me). Having a bunch of people consistently buy boxes every month at a discount and sometimes even 2 or 3 boxes is a dream scenario. Marketing costs a small fortune. That's why offering promotions, gift w/ purchase, discounts, points, etc. is so attractive to suppliers. That's why we do it. The more you sell, the cheaper your cost per product / shipping is, the higher your profit margin goes & everyone is happy. In the long run, 10 happy customers getting a good deal & coming back for more is better than 5 customers paying full price. Don't get me wrong, I love the 5 customers who will pay full price, but I love just as much the person who uses consistent promotions (even if they have to ring up several separate transactions to do it). That's bread & butter. I don't want them going somewhere else. It's just good business.

Exactly!

.

Well, you have stated your opinion and I think the term "cheaters" is a bit angry-negative on your part.

Anyone who uses any of the codes in any context is making a choice to use their time in relation to gaining a savings in their wallet. This does not detract to the contents of any of these subscription boxes, a high percentage of the items are listed with a "suggested" retail price.... The higher price tag items we all reasonably know are not going to sell for even 1/2 that price. I love this month's scarf, BUT a MSRP of $125? I hardly believe anyone would spend even $62.50. $20 to $30 is the reality and on sale it would be $14.99. MANY items in our boxes are free of cost (to popsugar) these are promo items that the companies use as a advertising write off. The companies want their products out there in consumer's hands. It is an advantage for Popsugar to be able to show how many boxes are going out each month..... This is encouraging to those companies to know that their products will be out to so many consumers.

It's much like a magazine subscription, you can pay the high news-stand pricing or subscribe for quite a bit less, or wait for the periodic monthly sales on subscriptions that knock them down to $5 (yes for a twelve month sub, I have many). The magazine publishers need the sales numbers to show to their advertisers how many consumers will have the probability of reading their adverts. There are many tiers as someone has already mentioned.

It all comes down to what it is worth to each person, worth spending your time to obtain a better price. Spend your money to use up less of your time. Just don't start throwing out negativity at large because others make different choices than you.

The magazine analogy is perfect. Popsugar is selling their box to advertisers the exact same way that magazines are. Magazines even give tons of their subscriptions away for free to get their numbers up.

 

[LabiosRojos]

What you dare speak about others, says nothing about them and everything about you.

Try you speak only the good you see, as you can then state, you encouraged others to speak the good as well. That is constructive...

 

[pbpink]

for those who have purchased the rue la la code - have you been able to enter on your account in the gift section? with christmas coming (crazy how time flies!) i'm think of getting a few extra boxes here + there! thx for any info! 

 

[I'm so addicted]

Haha tall about a buzz kill!!! I mean I'm an honest and righteous person and I've been doing it on and off. I have to agree with the business owner as I too am a business owner I agree with her logic completely. Also let's not forget that popsugar most likely gets most of these items for free ( donation) or at a very nominal cost. Most of these companies would just prefer to get their name out there and they keep all of us buying more. we all have used the gift cards and added money to it im sure. And we probably have even bought more of a product that we have recieved. Its a win win for both companies popsugar and whoever the other company that supplies the product. So by "ripping them off or taking money" away from PopSugar is a far fetched rationalization on your end.it's almost 100 mark up or more I'm sure !!! I'm deeply disturbed by the reprimanding on you post. WOW

 

[formul8edphrase]

I'll jump in to add that viewing using the discount codes as somehow gaming the system implies that PopSugar is run and staffed by stupid people rather than people who presumably have degrees in sales and marketing. I mean, I'll assume they know what they're doing and know how to use the internet to read a forum. It's not like this code-using is going on in secret. Can you imagine interns running around like headless chickens screaming, "Oh noes, they're finding ways to buy more boxes with the discount codes we gave them?" We're not snatching money from the destitute, here.

As others have said, they're in the business of selling product. 10 boxes sold at $29.99 is $299. 5 boxes sold at $39.99 is $199. So, you know, more sold is more cash, particularly when obtaining the product costs PS next to nothing. It's not like they're bearing manufacturing costs.

And while you must feel dogpiled upon by this point, I'll add my 2 cents as well: you don't know ANYONE'S financial situation or rationale for spending money. Value isn't the same as cost. So maybe you shouldn't assume that $10 code is the difference between someone feeding their children or letting them starve, or something equally dire (which is implied in your criticism that if people need the codes so much they shouldn't be buying luxury items -- which is really a BS sentiment. What, non-rich people can't treat themselves to something nice? Whatever.).

Ok, whew! All that said, I had a three month sub that ran out with September's box, and with the site reset, I have no idea what's going to happen with October's box. I know I should roll over to month-to-month, but I'm a little unsettled by not seeing that reflected in my account. 

 

[sparklesgirlxox]

The recent posts attacking some of us really was a downer for me. I come here for fun this is the one place that I enjoy and find relaxing with fun supportive woman.   I never judge others nor would I .  Its kind or wrong I think. Hope we can turn this thread around soon .  Popsugar knows lots of us use the codes they have to.  They are not loosing money they get the items for free or almost free.

 

[Moonittude]

There is an unboxing video on youtube up, and the woman says her scarf has pretty colors of copper and green, but she didn't open it to show the camera! I wanted to reach into the computer screen and grab it out of her hands!

Edit to add: She didn't open the plastic, so my theory is that she couldn't actually see the colors, and probably got the same scarf as everyone else.

 

[normajean2008]

There is an unboxing video on youtube up, and the woman says her scarf has pretty colors of copper and green, but she didn't open it to show the camera! I wanted to reach into the computer screen and grab it out of her hands!

Edit to add: She didn't open the plastic, so my theory is that she couldn't actually see the colors, and probably got the same scarf as everyone else.

I've seen color variations of this scarf online, but not any in copper/green.  I've seen taupe, grey/raisin (what we received), and a blue tone one.  I agree, she probably is mistaken on the color through the plastic.  

Unrelated to scarves, but box related... The headphones suck monkey balls.   /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />  I used them one night, and they were really great sound/bass.  I went to use them a few days later, and the right side wont work any more.  Part of me feels like contacting PopSugar about them, but I don't really want another pair of crappy earbuds.  Good thing I like the rest of the box!  

 

[nikkicorleone]

Not too sure if the girl works for Popsugar... but it definitely sounds like it.

People have different opinions, even though I agreed with her to an extent.. I think she could've have approached the forum in a better way w/her concerns...

But, let's just focus on the October box! Lol.

 

[nicolispicoli]

I agree with @@nikkicorleone, let's talk October.

I need some more candles in my life, preferably a Fall one. I get doubly excited for the fall boxes! I took all last fall and winter off of PS, so I am excited for the next few months!

if it would stop being 100+ degrees everyday, that would help.

 

[IffB]

Just wanted to thank posters for suggesting socks on Nike.com to use the voucher - 3 pack coming my way at no extra cost!

 

[nicolispicoli]

And I just realized I did all that Fall/Let's be happy talk and this is the September thread, duh. Moving along now....lol

 

[atomic]

I got a pair of yoga shoes on sale with the Nike code I received and I love them! They're really comfortable.

 

[normajean2008]

I got a pair of yoga shoes on sale with the Nike code I received and I love them! They're really comfortable.

Are they the wrap shoe style things?  If they are-are they non slip on the bottom?  

 

[atomic]

Are they the wrap shoe style things?  If they are-are they non slip on the bottom?  

Yep! They've got a traction pattern on the bottom. These are the ones I got: http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/studio-wrap-training-shoe/pid-854861/pgid-1296148 (I'd insert a photo but the image extension isn't allowed for some reason)

 

[normajean2008]

Yep! They've got a traction pattern on the bottom. These are the ones I got: http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/studio-wrap-training-shoe/pid-854861/pgid-1296148 (I'd insert a photo but the image extension isn't allowed for some reason)

Aw man, of course they're out of stock on my size (in this color)! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />  But these look perfect for home workouts for me.  I have tile floors, and I prefer to work out more barefoot than in shoes, these look great.  I'll have to check out the other ones in stock.

Edited: Question-- Do you find they run a bit small or narrow?  Or pretty true to size and stretchy where it crosses over the foot.  Seems a lot of people say they run a bit small sometimes, and I have a high instep as well.  Maybe I should chance it and get the 10.5 size instead of the 9/10...hmmm.

 

[atomic]

Aw man, of course they're out of stock on my size (in this color)! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />  But these look perfect for home workouts for me.  I have tile floors, and I prefer to work out more barefoot than in shoes, these look great.  I'll have to check out the other ones in stock.

Edited: Question-- Do you find they run a bit small or narrow?  Or pretty true to size and stretchy where it crosses over the foot.  Seems a lot of people say they run a bit small sometimes, and I have a high instep as well.  Maybe I should chance it and get the 10.5 size instead of the 9/10...hmmm.

When I'm working out at home, I actually prefer being barefoot too - so these help at keeping me from sliding around.

I'm a size 7/8 wide and after reading the reviews that said they fit small, I decided to get the size 7.5-9 and they fit perfectly. I'd say you should go for it! Especially because all of the other ones in stock are so expensive and have less positive reviews than this style.

 

[normajean2008]

When I'm working out at home, I actually prefer being barefoot too - so these help at keeping me from sliding around.

I'm a size 7/8 wide and after reading the reviews that said they fit small, I decided to get the size 7.5-9 and they fit perfectly. I'd say you should go for it! Especially because all of the other ones in stock are so expensive and have less positive reviews than this style.

I just got done buying them.  Hopefully they fit.  I'm thinking with my high instep I'd need to size up anyways or they'll cut into the top of my foot.  I usually use a yoga mat to help not sliding on the floor...but my cats both think it is an invitation to come crawl/claw on it, so I don't bother anymore. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />  There has to be some ingredient that attracts cats in that stuff, it is like crack once it hits the floor.

 

[Saffyra]

Just wanted to thank posters for suggesting socks on Nike.com to use the voucher - 3 pack coming my way at no extra cost!

Oh!! I'm totally doing this!!