Subscription boxes have become a popular way for consumers to discover new products on a regular basis. From beauty and wellness to snacks, books, and pet products, subscription box services offer curated experiences that are highly personalized. As the popularity of these services grows, so does the demand for product reviewers who can provide feedback on the items inside each box. If you love surprises, enjoy discovering new products, and have a knack for writing, reviewing subscription boxes can be a fun and profitable side hustle. This niche guide will walk you through how to get paid to review subscription boxes, including how to find opportunities, what to expect, and the types of brands that hire reviewers.

1. What Are Subscription Box Reviews?

A subscription box review is a written or video-based feedback on the contents of a subscription box service. As a product reviewer, you receive a box of curated items, use or try the products, and then provide detailed feedback. The review typically includes:

• Unboxing: Describing the packaging, presentation, and first impressions of the box.

• Product Evaluation: Reviewing each item’s quality, value, and how well it fits the theme of the subscription.

• Overall Experience: Summarizing your experience with the subscription service, including ease of subscription, shipping times, and customer service.

Subscription box reviews help potential customers decide whether the service is worth subscribing to and give businesses valuable feedback to improve their offerings.

2. How to Find Subscription Box Review Jobs

Finding paid opportunities to review subscription boxes requires knowing where to look. There are various ways to get started, including signing up for subscription box review platforms, reaching out to brands directly, or using social media to connect with businesses.

a) Subscription Box Review Platforms

Several websites specialize in connecting product reviewers with subscription box companies looking for feedback. These platforms offer paid opportunities or free boxes in exchange for honest reviews. Some popular platforms include:

• Cratejoy: Cratejoy is one of the largest marketplaces for subscription box services, and it often looks for product reviewers. You can sign up to become a reviewer and receive boxes to evaluate. Some companies may even pay for detailed reviews.

• My Subscription Addiction (MSA): This is a well-known blog that reviews subscription boxes. As a contributor, you could review various boxes and get paid or receive free products.

• BzzAgent: BzzAgent partners with brands, including subscription box companies, to send products for review. You can join campaigns and review the boxes on your social media or blog, earning rewards or payments in return.

b) Directly Contacting Subscription Box Brands

If you already have a blog, social media following, or an established presence as a product reviewer, consider reaching out directly to subscription box brands to inquire about collaboration opportunities. Many small or emerging subscription box companies are eager to get reviews from influencers or reviewers in exchange for a box or compensation. Here’s how you can reach out:

• Create a Professional Pitch: Highlight your experience as a product reviewer, your audience demographics (if applicable), and why you’d be a great fit for their subscription box.

• Offer Media Kit: If you have a blog or a social media platform, include a media kit with your pitch. This should showcase your reach, engagement, and past collaborations.

c) Join Subscription Box Review Groups on Social Media

Social media is a great tool for discovering paid product review opportunities. Join Facebook groups, Reddit forums, and LinkedIn communities that focus on subscription boxes and product reviews. Many brands and fellow reviewers share open calls for review opportunities or new boxes that are looking for feedback.

Some popular groups and platforms to explore include:

• Facebook Groups: Search for “Subscription Box Reviewers” or “Product Reviewers” to find dedicated groups that offer free boxes or paid review opportunities.

• Instagram: Brands may reach out to influencers or those who consistently share unboxing videos. Use hashtags like #SubscriptionBoxReview or #UnboxingReviews to attract attention from brands.

3. What to Expect When Reviewing Subscription Boxes

When reviewing subscription boxes, you can expect to experience different types of products, from food and drink items to cosmetics, fitness gear, books, and more. Here are some things to consider when you agree to review a subscription box:

a) Variety of Products

Subscription boxes typically contain a mix of items that align with the theme of the box (e.g., beauty products, snacks, or eco-friendly goods). As a reviewer, you may receive anything from sample-sized items to full-sized products. Be prepared to evaluate everything, whether you like it or not. This can sometimes lead to great discoveries, or it may be a chance to offer feedback on products that don’t meet your expectations.

b) Unboxing and First Impressions

When reviewing a subscription box, the unboxing experience plays a key role. Consider the packaging, presentation, and how the items are curated. A well-thought-out unboxing can enhance the customer experience and serve as a valuable part of your review. Focus on how well the subscription box service conveys its theme and excitement through the initial reveal.

c) Specific Criteria for Review

To provide a useful review, focus on specific criteria when evaluating the items inside the box:

• Quality: Are the products high-quality, durable, and as described by the subscription service?

• Usefulness: Are the items useful or relevant to the subscription box’s theme? For example, a beauty box might feature skincare products that you actually want to use, while a snack box might offer items you'd enjoy.

• Value for Money: Do the contents of the box justify the price of the subscription? Consider the retail price of the items you received versus the cost of the box.

• Customer Service: Was the subscription process seamless? Did the company provide timely communication and fulfill their promises regarding shipping times?

d) Honest and Constructive Feedback

Always be honest in your review. Companies appreciate constructive criticism that can help them improve. If there’s something you didn’t like about a product or the subscription service itself, explain why, but also offer suggestions on how it could be improved. Honest feedback builds trust with both the brand and potential customers.

4. Types of Brands That Hire Reviewers for Subscription Boxes

Various subscription box brands hire product reviewers, especially those looking to expand their customer base. Some companies may hire you directly, while others may offer partnerships through review platforms. Common subscription box categories that regularly seek feedback include:

a) Beauty and Skincare Boxes

• Examples: Ipsy, Birchbox, Boxycharm

• Reviewers are often asked to evaluate cosmetics, skincare products, and beauty tools, providing feedback on quality, packaging, and effectiveness.

b) Snack and Food Boxes

• Examples: Snack Crate, Graze, Universal Yums

• These subscription boxes send unique snacks from around the world or health-conscious foods. Reviewers assess taste, freshness, and how well the box fits the customer’s dietary preferences.

c) Fitness and Wellness Boxes

• Examples: FabFitFun, Health Box, Daily Harvest

• These boxes often include fitness equipment, supplements, wellness items, or self-care products. Reviewers evaluate the relevance and quality of these items for active individuals or wellness enthusiasts.

d) Book and Literature Boxes

• Examples: Book of the Month, OwlCrate, The Bookish Box

• Subscribers receive monthly books or literary-themed items. Reviewers offer feedback on book selections, packaging, and the added value of extra book-related goodies.

e) Pet Subscription Boxes

• Examples: BarkBox, MeowBox, Pet Treater

• These boxes offer products for pets, such as toys, treats, and accessories. Reviewers assess how well the box meets the needs of pets and how much they enjoy the products.

5. Tips for Successful Subscription Box Reviews

a) Stay Organized

Keep track of the boxes you receive, the deadlines for submitting reviews, and the specific products you’re reviewing. Staying organized will help ensure that your reviews are timely and well thought out.

b) Develop a Personal Style

Whether you write reviews on your blog or create video content for YouTube or Instagram, developing a unique style that resonates with your audience is key. This can help you stand out from other reviewers and build a loyal following.

c) Be Consistent

To grow your reputation as a subscription box reviewer, consistency is key. Try to regularly post reviews, even if they’re on smaller or niche products. The more you review, the more likely brands are to notice your efforts.

Conclusion

Reviewing subscription boxes is a fun and flexible way to earn money while discovering new products. By finding the right platforms, developing your reviewing skills, and connecting with brands, you can turn your passion for product testing into a paid opportunity. Whether you're seeking free products, monetary compensation, or simply enjoy sharing your experiences, the world of subscription box reviews offers a wide range of possibilities. Start exploring today and begin building your reputation as a trusted product reviewer.