Aster Market Subscription Box Review – August 2015

I got my September box today! Anyone else? Very cute and the value is a bit better this time. Still not sure i can justify the cost to keep this one going but the curation is adorable. I again felt like I was opening a gift from a very thoughtful friend!

Everyone, please be aware the renewal (payment) time is very much ahead of the shipments. So if you do sign on, note that you will need to cancel before you get your box – if that is the intention to only try it to see if you like it. Terms using Liz’s link (and likely other code too):

…then $46.95 (plus applicable taxes) at first renewal on Sep 5, 2015

Maybe in time this box will be worth it to me. I feel like it’s the exact sort of items I’d be excited to receive, but nearly $50 on items that are an equal value isn’t really worth it to me. I love PopSugar because I may be spending $40+, but I’m receiving like $100 in value. So, if I don’t love every item in the box, it isn’t wasted money. This is just the equivalent to going to the store and picking out these items :/

It’s unfortunate for Aster Market that the candle was in the PopSugar box. It’s a great candle. I’ll be watching to see what is in next month’s box.

I wish Liz used a different word than “value” to total up the stated prices. A small/medium jar candle – that’s a value of $5. A tote bag is worth $5 to me. Each card has a value of $2, really. “Total cost to purchase” is different from “value”.

I’m stoked on this box. It felt like it came from a friend. The items are unique and from stalking them on instagram they have good taste so I am excited to see what is to come. I gave up PSMH to try it out for 6 months because I am finding myself not using a lot of the stuff from PS or swapping it. I swapped the whole July box even though it was their highest value in 3 months. Plus with this box you have to keep in mind they are donating 25% of net proceeds of the box.

I was disappointed with this box. I like the cards and the candle, but would be unlikely to pay full price for the in a store. The tote is very thin. I don’t think it will last long. I expect a box to either wow me with great products or to provide a great value. Love it when a box dies both!!! Aster box failed on both. I won’t be subscribing.

I love the idea behind the box, but I’d compare it more to Prospurly, they have more locally made items, small batch. Their box is about the same price as this one and you get more items. I canceled it unfortunately as I ended up swapping nearly every item the last couple months. It wasn’t a great value for me when I swapped almost the whole box.

Comparing this box to Popsugar is akin to comparing Walmart to a mom and pop store. And brands probably aren’t beating down doors to get their products in these boxes for little to no cost.

This box looks like something you’d gift to someone or like something a friend gifted to you. It looks promising.

I’d been following the Aster Market curator for while and had a good feeling about her. I ordered the 6 month subscription to get the free shipping. I used a 15% prelaunch code which brought my box price down to $33.96. If you compare it to Popsugar, yes, it’s disappointing… but Popsugar has been doing this for a while and has the fan base (and funds) to have the items it provides. I saw this box as a thoughtful curation that showed me items I would’ve never thought to look for. I enjoyed everything in the box and I believe it will get better. The candle smells nice and is perfect for summer days! The tote is simple and cute. I like the cards ( A LOT! ) and will be using them VERY soon. The hand written card thanking me for purchasing the box was a nice touch as well. I believe this box has potential and will be looking forward to the next one!

I don’t see how they could possibly increase value while honoring all of these bloggers using the 50% off and $20 referall credit. I only used the 10% off coupon and felt that the curation/presentation was great, but the value needs to be $10-20 more for me to risk continued subscription.

For $46.95 a month its a bit high. But for 1/2 price its an excellent deal! – The brand of candle was in one of the Popsugar boxes. I liked the smell of it a lot. My concern with this box, after purchasing to many new boxes, is will this box get better. If so I could see myself perhaps subbing in the future. If it stays the same, I probably wont sub. Any new boxes above $39.99 monthly the amount popsugar charges, I dont feel at ease subbing to, unless I know I will use all the items in the box, and the box will be worth it to me.