A good problem, handled badly
The hand cream in last month's box was a hit. Subscribers are asking whether they can buy another one. You list it in the shop. Orders come in. Some people want it sent now, so it goes out in a small parcel at a postage cost that wipes out most of the margin. Others wrote in the order note 'please send with my next box', and the note is seen by whoever packs that order, which is nobody, because there is no order to pack on box day.
On packing day, someone remembers the add-ons and searches the shop for orders with notes. A handful are found. The rest ship later, separately, or not at all.
Add-ons are sold as shop orders, not box extras
An add-on only makes sense for a box if it travels in the box. Most shops are not set up to connect a one-off order to a future subscription shipment.
- Add-on orders are separate orders with their own fulfilment status.
- The subscription app does not know that an order belongs with the next box.
- Stock for add-ons is shared with the leftover shelf and replacements.
- There is no cut-off, so add-ons bought after packing starts cause confusion.
- Non-subscribers can buy the same product, which needs separate shipping anyway.
The packing plan, working from the subscription orders, simply does not see the add-ons.
What that costs
Add-ons shipped separately lose most of their margin on postage and packaging. Add-ons forgotten at packing are paid-for products that did not arrive, which means an apology, a separate parcel and a subscriber who is less likely to try again. Stock sold as an add-on that was actually needed for replacements causes its own shortage.
And the upside is missed. Subscribers who would buy extras stop bothering because it seems complicated.
The add-on shop we build
- An 'add to my next box' section on the manage-my-box page and in the shop, showing only to active subscribers and only items you choose.
- Each purchase is charged at the time or with the next renewal, depending on your preference and what your subscription app supports.
- The purchase is attached to the subscriber's next box in the packing data, with the box month shown on their confirmation.
- Add-on stock is reserved from the leftover register or your shop stock, so the same unit is not promised twice.
- After your cut-off, add-ons move to the following box automatically, and the subscriber is told which box they will come in.
- The packing plan lists add-ons per box on the pick sheet and puts boxes with add-ons into their own batch.
| Situation | What happens | What the subscriber is told |
|---|---|---|
| Bought before cut-off | Joins this month's box | Arrives with your October box |
| Bought after cut-off | Joins next month's box | Arrives with your November box |
| Subscriber is skipping next month | Joins the following box, or ships alone by your rule | Option shown before paying |
| Stock runs out | Item hidden from the add-on list | Not offered |
Which items to offer, at what price and with what limits is up to you. The shop can offer past box favourites, leftover stock or items from brand partners who want the sales.
Add-ons that arrive with the box
Subscribers pick an extra on the manage page and see which box it will come in. On packing day, the add-on batch is packed with each extra already listed on the pick sheet. Nothing ships on its own unless your rule says so. The leftover shelf gets smaller, and the add-on revenue actually covers its costs.
When a subscriber skips a month, their add-on waits for the next box they receive, and they were told that before paying.
Is your add-on setup like this?
- Add-ons are ordinary shop orders with 'send with my box' in the notes.
- Add-ons are shipped separately at a postage loss.
- Paid-for extras have been missed at packing.
- The same unit has been promised to a replacement and an add-on buyer.
- You do not offer add-ons because the logistics seem too hard.