MSA Q&A – Any Questions?

Liz you do such a fantastic job at reviewing, is this your only job since it takes a lot of effort? Does it pay to be a reviewer on this site? How would someone like myself become one? And how did you meet Haley since she’s another great reviewer?

Sorry for so many questions…Thanks for being so awesome Liz 😀

How is the value of sample size products determined? I’m thinking specifically about beauty boxes and also snack boxes like Love With Food? Is it just a percentage of what the full size products cost, or something else? Thanks!

I can’t remember if I asked this previously or not, but can you tell me if there are any studies on the effect on the brain that these subscriptions have?
I started with Julep, but I have a ton of subs now, and I love them all.
The problem is that I really don’t need more stuff…I tend to wear the same things, and go back to my favorite makeup and beauty products (I LOVE my tube of “Unicorn Tears”). Is it the fear of missing out, or some other trigger from opening all of the boxes?

What can you do if a swapper doesn’t send anything? I have one large swap that I haven’t heard from the swapper for two weeks, and they haven’t even sent a tracking #.

I know that there are discussions open about at least one swaplifter, and I have been warned about them, but the one that I am waiting for doesn’t have any negative feedback (yet).

I have their supposed address, and I am thinking about sending it to everyone that I have ever swapped with along with a warning about this person.

Liz…what can I do?

Do you give yourself enough time off?! It seems like you’re always posting, and I just hope you get down time/time away from your computer!

What is your policy on posting news, shipping delays, cancellations etc? I notice very good info on certain boxes and nothing on others. I had just assumed that some companies may directly give you updates, while others do not. Do you also post info/notices that you receive from your members?
I also appreciate the general positivity in your reviews, but do you ever just feel the need to warn people about constant issues with certain boxes?

This isn’t a question so much as a desperate plea – could you compile a list of companies that ship to APO addresses? My sister is deploying soon and it’s hard to find which boxes would work.
Love this site! Thanks for all your hard work!

I was think I may have missed the answers. When do you think you will be responding? Lots of interesting question.

Do you think it would be worth the time/effort to add a couple more options for listing items like shoes and clothing? I would love to be able to search for shoes in my size.

What is your policy on comments? As long as something is respectful, why do some comments not appear on the site (opinions, remarks on products, boxes)?

I am so, so curious about the amount of subscribers certain boxes have- especially popsugar, FFF, and Zoe BOS. Am guessing you have a pretty good idea and would love to know!

I don’t know if this is closed but I wanted to follow up on a really old Q&A you did asking people how they organized all there box items. I was so hoping to get ideas.

I know this post is 8 days old, but this question just occurred after seeing the reviews of both Allure boxes. Liz, how often do you end up painting your nails? I feel like 99% of the time, you actually polish your nails and take a picture for your box reviews. You must paint them every day! (Also, they look awesome, and since you’re painting them, I imagine you aren’t paying for manicures only to have to paint your nails on your own again – so you do a great job!)

I’m a little late in posting, sorry. There are so many sub boxes that state they give the the needy in one form or another. Is there a private or government agency that checks on them and make sure they are actually doing what they say?

No question here just wanted you to know this is my favorite email every single day! I read all the box reviews even though many of them are not for me. I do it because somehow its like listening to a friend. I sit in an office alone, most of the day so maybe that is why. Regardlesss just wanted to say thanks for this site.

Can you make sure the Canadian subscription boxes are up to date~ I can’t give up my boxes!

Will you be reviving an Ipsy v. Birchbox or maybe throw Play! By Sephora (or anything comparable) into the mix?

I hope this makes sense, but which boxes have yielded you the best items for gift-giving, (either intentionally or by chance)?

Are Liz and Eric the site owners, and if so, is this site their main source of income (advertising, affiliate links, etc)?

I know in the old “about” section, Liz mentioned she tends to be positive in her reviews, and while I understand not wanting things to deteriorate into a cesspooI of criticism and complaint, what if there is a box that truly deserves a negative review? I’ve noticed that some boxes (like Hanee21 and SurpriseMe box) have been appallingly below value, amongst a host of other problems, yet the reviews of these boxes here were bafflingly positive, to a Pollyanna-ish extent. Would a truly subpar box ever get a critical review?

Would you ever consider featuring guest (msa community members) reviews for a box they already receive to be featured on MSA granted they abide by standard guidelines? I’m thinking this would be a cool feature a few times a year. Or have a guest review along with an MSA blog reviewer side by side to get different pov? It’s great we get to add our comments and feedback, but I would love to see additional detailed perspectives!

I am curious about the shares box at the top of the discussion page. Where/ who are we sharing with? When I get on this page ( at least ten times a day), it says there are 9 shares. Thanks 🙂

Question for Haley, as a former Sephora employee do you have any advice, tips, tricks & other knowledge for us on how to get the most out of Sephora? For example I just learned that you can get packaged samples sometimes in the store just by asking for them. How do you know what they would have or how do you ask for this? Even what you think is basic knowledge would help because I have always lived about an hour away from a Sephora store until just recently so I am new to that magical world. Include this in your next Play review??

Hi MSA Team!

I have a few questions/comments.

1. I have been thinking that maybe in addition to the swap site, maybe there could be a donation page where people can donate their unused products that will go to shelters or people in need. Maybe a charity of the month or something like that. Just a thought.

2. If you could offer advice to someone wanting to start their own subscription box, what advice would you give?

3. As other’s have asked, how do you handle negative comments on reviews? It seems like the negativity would get irritating lol.

4. What was the worst customer service you’ve ever received by a sub company? You don’t have to name the place, but it would be nice to know if you’ve had problems like the rest of us have.

5. What’s your top 5 fav boxes and why?

6. What’s your fav natural/organic sub?

7. This is for all reviewers. Please, please, please show us how you organize everything! 🙂

Keep up the good work, MSA Team!

Remember, haters are going to hate, but the rest of us appreciate all that you do!

Why isn’t there a part of the site that introduces all of your reviewers and gives a little profile on them? I know theres something small at the end of each review, but would be nice to see all the reviewers on the “about us” page.

I would like to understand how the persons such as Liz, review process to actually paying for a subscription. In each of your bios you all state how many or which boxes you subscribe to. Before each review there’s a statement like, “This is for review purposes and was given to me/us at no charge”. Do you get the first box for free, and if you like it, do you have to subscribe to it? It just seems like to me every box you review your getting all these boxes for free, even same boxes I’m guessing all of you are assigned to the boxes. But, in your bio you speak as though your subscribing to all these boxes. I tried reading the review process, but unfortunately it does not give any information on what I am asking. If you could please get back to me, those that review boxes only, because I want to really understand what is going on with this process.