How to use the subscription box value calculator
- Enter the box price and any shipping charged on top.
- Enter the retail value of the contents, ideally from prices you looked up yourself.
- Set the share you would use or buy anyway. Items you would not have bought have no value to you.
- Choose how many boxes you get in a year, then read the discount and the net value to you.
Formula
Cost per box = box price + shipping
Discount versus retail = (retail value - cost) / retail value x 100%
Value to you = retail value x share you would use / 100
Net value per box = value to you - cost per box
A negative net value means the box costs more than the contents are worth to you.
A $30 box with $45 of contents
The box costs $30 and the contents would cost $45 at retail, so the discount is $15 / $45 = 33.33%. If you would use everything, the net value is $15 a box, or $180 over 12 boxes for $360 spent.
Now say you would only use 60% of the items. The value to you is $27.00, which is $3.00 less than the cost, so each box loses $3 and 12 boxes lose $36. The discount on paper stays 33.33% while the real value turns negative.
The discount is only part of the picture
A subscription box saves money only on items you would have bought anyway. Surprise items you would never choose count as a cost, even when they carry a high retail value.
The share you would use is the most important number, and it is yours to judge. Be honest about what you actually use.
Checking the retail value
The retail value on a box listing often comes from the company, and it may be a full list price that few people pay. Look up what the same items cost elsewhere and enter that.
For the full cost of all your recurring charges use the subscription cost calculator. To compare monthly and yearly billing try the annual vs monthly plan calculator, and to value what you use over time see the cost per use calculator.
Assumptions and limits
- The retail value is a figure you enter and check yourself.
- Every box has about the same cost and value.
- Items outside the share you would use are worth nothing to you.
- Taxes, cancellation terms and price changes are not modeled.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a subscription box is worth it?
Compare the box cost with the retail value of the items you would really use. If that value is higher than the cost, the box saves you money.
Why not use the retail value on the box page?
It is chosen by the seller and can be higher than what you would pay elsewhere. Look up the actual prices and enter those for an honest comparison.
Should shipping be included?
Yes when it is charged separately, because it is part of what you pay. Enter it in the shipping box and it is added to the cost.
What does a negative net value mean?
The items you would use are worth less to you than the box costs. You pay more than the useful value, even if the retail value of the whole box looks high.