So, I have had this idea bouncing around in my head for the last month or so, of starting a Subscription Box Business. Featuring, of course…books.
And I searched all of the available ones already out there, and there are a bunch! One to never be deterred, I kept the idea in the back of my mind, still bouncing around on a daily basis.
I researched custom boxes, personalized shipping tape, printed tissue paper, what to call this business, how to start a subscription box business, what platform to use, etc. etc. etc.
Trust me, the list goes on, and on.
Do I use my already licensed business name of Books and Opinions, which I have trademarked, paid for, and created a logo for? Probably not. Enter more licensing and trademark fees, creating a new website, and giving myself one more thing to manage.
I have reached out to various authors for buying bulk quantities of their books for a specific month (I have a theme going on here!), and the response has been fantastic!
It is nearly September; school starts again in a minute, my weekly church activities start back up at the same time, and my oldest daughter is getting married the first weekend of October. Never one to give up, here is what I am going to do…
…I love Autumn, Fall, Halloween, October, November, I think you get the idea. So I have to have a box for October. And I do!
I just bought some great mystery books, and mystery magazines (think Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen!). Add some Autumn Spiced tea, gourmet cookies or chocolate, and a handmade gift or two, all in the Spirit of Spookiness! I am still “building” this box, so some more items may be tossed in!
So I have some questions. If you could be so kind as to complete the attached 8 question survey, I would greatly appreciate it! You can find the survey here: Subscription Box Survey
You can also copy and paste the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VYPGX5N
I would also love to hear about any subscription box success or horror stories you may have in the comments below!
booksandopinions.com 
I know you would be just starting out, but I use Book of the Month. One of the things I love, is adding a previous month’s book or an add on book for a smaller fee. I feel I can really pick what I want when that option is available. And I can pick books from last year when I wasn’t a subscriber at this time.
Thanks for replying Brittany! I was considering some type of option like that once I begin buying books in bulk, to help get rid of possible left-overs! I like the idea of a completely customized box, but that will definitely take some more time on my part, especially holding a large variety of inventory. Thank you again, this is a great help!
Survey completed. I think this is a great idea Angela.
Thanks so much CeCe! I really appreciate it!
I love this idea. For financial reasons I would not be able to subscribe now, but I’ve been researching book boxes and thinking of giving one as an idea next time I’m asked what I’d like as a gift. I would LOVE to get one!
Thanks for sharing Kristin! I think I would be more likely to get these as gifts for someone else, I tend to feel guilty when I spend money on myself lol 😂
REQUEST FOR BOOK REVIEW
Angela,
** This is for your eyes only, not for adding to the Comments section of your website. **
If you have time in your hectic schedule, would you be amenable to reviewing any one / all three of the books I’ve self-published this year? There’s a lighthearted fantasy novel, a compilation of terror tales, and a small compendium of poetry and haiku.
You can preview them here:
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01MUCYRQN
Let me know if your preference is Paperback or eBook; I’ll make arrangements to ensure you get the copies you want to read. An honest opinion is appreciated.
Bless,
Sam Westhoek
Angela,
The main reason I’ve asked for your input is to heed my own advice.
https://authorsamwesthoek.com/2017/08/12/hear-yourself-talk/
Let me know if you have the time and the inclination. I’ll work out the logistics of the books.
Sam
Email me please! booksandopinions@gmail.com
Reblogged this on The Little Blue Balloon.
Thanks so very much!!!
Welcome 🙂
Thanks for the love on my blog! Also, best wishes to your daughter on her wedding. I love your idea of having a book box. I’ve always wanted to subscribe to “boxes”, but I am super poor. Good luck with your endeavors and I look forward to reading more of your stuff soon!
Thank you for the kind words and for stopping by and sharing!
I just recently discovered book subscription boxes and have ordered a few of them from different companies to try them out. Some I’ve really loved, some I haven’t. I’ve written a couple reviews of the boxes on my blog and plan to keep doing so in the future. I’m excited to see what you come up with your boxes. 😀 I’m heading over to fill out the survey right now. 🙂
Thanks Rachel! I am going to go through your reviews you posted as well!
Interesting idea although didn’t quite get the complete picture. You put together a selection of choices and people buy your selection as with packaged gifts but this time with books?
There are hundreds of subscription boxes out there, for anything you could want or imagine. One’s for coffee lovers, clothing, make-up, gadgets, fitness, etc. It would include at least one book themed around the month/time of year, and several other gifts. I currently have mystery/horror books, a mystery magazine, pumpkin flavored treats, and about to purchase fall flavored teas, and Autumn themed mugs. I will include either a custom made bookmark, magnet, keychain, or other type of gift. The contents will be pictured when I begin selling, but none will be exact to another, hence the receiving a surprise package!
Oh how exciting! I wish you the best with it. Hopefully I can keep up and watch your journey. 🙂
How do you bulk buy books? I have no idea how to do that!
I either contact the author directly, or there are also some websites that sell bulk quantities of books, usually a minimum of 25 is needed to place an order.