Robb Vices Subscription Box Review + Coupon – November 2017

ByLiz CadmanDec 11, 2017 | 31 comments

Robb Vices is “a membership program centered on a monthly delivery of storied treasures.” Each month, they send a collection of curated products and/or experiences.

Subscribers should expect boxes to include “vices” like “exceptional wines and spirits to enjoy, foods to taste, tools, toys, accessories, and gadgets.”

The presentation of this box is amazing. One of the best unboxing experiences I've ever had! (Items are packed securely in laser-cut foam.)

This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

The Subscription Box: Robb Vices

The Cost: $89.95 + shipping (For reference, shipping to DC is $7.95.) (less with longer subscriptions)

The Products: Each box contains a curated selection of products and experiences and provides subscribers with a taste of the good life!

Ships to: Robb Vices ships to all states except ND, UT.

Check out all of our Robb Vices Reviews and find other specialty boxes in the Artisan Subscription Box Directory!

Keep track of your subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription box list or wishlist!

With each shipment, Robb Vices sends out a glossy booklet that outlines the products and curation story of each box.

Now, on to the items!

Groth Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon - Retail Value $59

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is big and lush with huge gobs of fruit in the aroma and flavor. The texture of the wine is soft and supple, typical of Cabernet Sauvignons grown in our area of the Oakville AVA. The sweet vanilla character derived from 22 months in the barrels blends well with the black cherry and blackberry flavors and aromas of the wine.

This is a full-bodied red that pairs well with the other food included in this box!

And we also have a perfect vessel to serve it from:

Sempli Wine Decanter - Retail Value $50

We received Sempli glasses in the June Robb Vices box and we love them, so I was thrilled to see a matching decanter in this box.

How gorgeous is this decanter?

It's made of lead free crystal, and fits an entire bottle of wine.

Now on to the food to pair with your wine:

Lark Salted Rosemary Shortbread Cookies - Value $6

Lark is already a favorite brand of quite a few people at MSA, and these were a hit with everyone who tried them!

They are buttery, crisp, not too sweet, and the rosemary and sea salt are the perfect addition to your standard shortbread.

Urbani Truffles Stringozzi Pasta with Black Truffles - Retail Value $9

My mom loves truffles and a good pasta dish, so I decided to share these with her.

Robb Vices also included a simple recipe featuring Black Summer Truffles. (Subscribers also received a coupon for 15% off everything at Urbani.)

Artstar $100 Coupon Code

FYI - this says "gift card" but it is a promo/coupon code - not a gift card. (So I'm considering this an extra and not counting it toward the value of the box.)

My understanding is that this coupon code was originally a generic coupon code that was not set up properly, so Robb Vices then emailed all subscribers with a new code that is good for $100 off a purchase of $150 or more. (Since we received this box for review, please let me know if your experience as a subscriber is any different than what I stated.)

Pieces start at $150 (unframed) and $275 framed, so you could get a framed piece for $175 with the coupon.

I'm admittedly very bad at buying art. (A lot of the walls in our house are bare with the hooks from the previous owner still up and just waiting for me to hang something!)

I've been browsing Artstar and I'm a little obsessed with the collection by Floyd P Stanley. (My husband Eric and I first bonded over a shared love of Bruce Springsteen, so I may just buy the Born in the U.S.A. picture!)

If you used your Artstar coupon, let us know what piece you picked!

New York Prime Beef $125 Coupon

(Again, this is a coupon, so I'm not counting it toward the value of the box.)

Another food pairing for your wine if you can wait! Prices currently start at $200 (shipped) and New York Prime Beef gets excellent reviews, so this seems like the perfect treat for a Steak Lover. (I plan on using this for a Christmas gift!)

Verdict: This box has a retail value of about $124. This is about the same value as last month, and lower in value than what I've typically seen from Robb Vices. (Just one of the items in the December box has a $200 retail value, so I would say value definitely varies month to month.)

I thought Robb Vices delivered a wonderful wine + pairing box, and everything included was thoroughly enjoyed. If you're considering subscribing to Robb Vices though, I would advise you to keep in mind that coupons/vouchers included usually require a purchase to use, so factor that into your purchase.

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, typically once a box has shipped, it is no longer available. If you sign up before December 15th, your first box will be the December box.

Coupon Use code MSAVICELOVE to receive a bonus gift when you sign up for a 6- or 12-month subscription!

Value Breakdown: At $97.90 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:

Wine: $46.58
Decanter: $39.47
Shortbread Cookies: $4.74
Pasta: $7.11

What do you think of the November box from Robb Vices?

Starting at $129.95

Active Deal

Save $50 off your first subscription (LUXURY50) or receive a FREE Altec Lansing ALT-500 Bluetooth Turntable valued at $149 (TURNTABLE.)

Use Coupon Code LUXURY50 or TURNTABLE

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Vices

3.4 overall rating

49 Ratings | 7 Reviews

The Vices membership program delivers high-end items specially curated by luxury tastemakers and delivered to your doorstep. Boxes will include wines or spirits, gadgets and accessories with a booklet describing the story behind why each item was chosen for the box.

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Posted in Subscription Box Reviews

Liz Cadman

Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She's been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!

Read More By Liz Cadman >

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31 comments

Steve

The shortbread cookies were very good. And I’m looking forward to the wine, though the decanter feels cheap and is of limited utility.
And I would have been interested in trying Real Oyster Cult had Robb Vices not sent me a coupon that had already expired.

Adele

Have you tried reaching out to Real Oyster Cult? They are a responsive company and very friendly.

Renee

This is one of my 3 favorites boxes from 2017, along with March and July. These are the 3 where I have loved and/or appreciated every item. The box without coupons was good for me, and I was able to use those too. I like Kitchen tech more than other tech, since I already have smart watch, fitness tracker, earbuds, etc. and know what I like. Booze boxes are a favorite. :). Now just looking for a gun or rum box.

Renee

I meant gin, not gun! Bad typo!

Dawn

Haha, you had me picturing a gun in a box..how shocking would that be lol.

Lori Van Erem

BUYER BEWARE!! What has happened to this company?! Their boxes are no longer interesting or valuable! A writing instrument that doesn’t write, expired product, expired “gift cards”, worthless “experience” coupons, and that’s just the last three months! Robb Vices customer service is among the worst in the business! If they respond, beware, any problems are always everyone else’s fault! I believe they truly think their customers are completely ignorant! November was a fiasco at best! After customers took their time to appropriately express their issues/complaints on social media platforms, Robb Vices’ response was to simply delete each of the comments and thusly the entire conversation! Deleting does NOT solve the problem! I have canceled my subscription, and will proceed to spend my money with ethical companies!

As an aside, ArtStar, the art company which included their “gift card” in November, is terribly suspect as well. The owner of ArtStar behaved abysmally throughout this process, actually calling the Robb Vices customers “FRAUDS”! Who does that?!!

If you want to understand the specifics of all the details before you spend your hard-earned money, read the November Robb Vices thread on MSA Forum.

FYI, I’ve never written a commitment such as this before, but I simply couldn’t let this go without warning others.

Connie

I just used my coupon for New York Prime Beef and anxious to try. They have excellent reviews and the gentleman I spoke to on the phone was extremely helpful and nice. If the beef is anything like the customer service my steak will be perfection on a plate. I like the unique items that I get with Robb Vices but do feel the value of the boxes have been dropping. Hope the next year brings some changes.

Jerilynn

I got the filet mignon and they were very good. I had to portion it though as three of us split two steaks.

Connie

I have to admit that this is a lot more than I am accustomed to spending on steak. Glad to hear you enjoyed your filet.

Well…I thought this box was a little disappointing but it’s fabulous compared to December. We won’t use the art gift card but we will attempt to use the beef gift card in Jan. I watched this sub for months before signing up in June. What happened over the past several months?

I have not received anything from Robb Vices about updates to my gift certificate. I was about to buy an ArtStar item for $105, but when I came back to check out it was newly flagged as not available with the gift certificate. The cheapest framed item at ArtStar appears to be $275 – so I guess I’ll keep my eye out to see if something I love comes up, but I’m not spending $175 for the sake of spending it and using my coupon. I was really sad to lose out on the first print. 🙁

Tanya

I finally gave up on this box and unsubscribed. It has been a terrible value, and many of the things I didn’t like. At all.

Nicole

Ok I’m curious which box I will receive, the November or the December. I ordered on November 23rd. Can anyone shed light on which box I will receive ? @Liz any thoughts? And as always thank you for your reviews 🙂

May

Robb Vices usually ships the month after the order was placed, so probably December.

Nicole

Thank you so much! 🙂

Carol

First – very carefully worded review from Liz. Considering all the angst coming thru on comments from MSA readers – this was “mild” review, which I understand given that the box was provided gratis.

I’ve loved Robb Vices from the beginning – and now…. mixed feelings unfortunately…

Positive:
* Interesting curation – truly an experience every month that I would not have purchased for myself.
* New products / brands, including some smaller artisans, with quality merchandise.

Negative:
* Value per month has been in steady decline – to point that is very close on average to $’s paid for the subscription (taking into account that some RV are inflated).
* “Experience” has gotten more obscure monthly.. Although the smoker in October may be “interesting”, it is definitely not something I’ll be pulling out on regular basis (honestly haven’t used yet). The “pen” from September – different concept – but unless you have x-ray vision, this is basically invisible writing! The saber for December – my daughter is a bartender and said “kool” – but… may be used once – so basically a paperweight (and can’t be re-gifted since didn’t even come packaged separately!)
* The gift cards / coupons – this has been almost monthly debacle with cards virtually worthless for majority of subscribers (either need to spend significant $’s to use or the cards are only valuable in limited markets). I don’t count these in subscription – but they are just frustrating. That said… I did use the oysters coupon – and these were heavenly (albeit still expensive for shipping).

Sadly, I just cancelled my recurring six month subscription today.

Liz

Same story for me. I echo you sentiments and as a true luxury customer outside of Robb Vices who is the demographic of many of the full price products they sell. I have enjoyed trying certain products and have gone back to purchase again at full price for myself and for gifts. The “gift cards” and unfulfilled promises (free gifts with 6 month subscription) along with the declining value have lead me to cancel my subscription. I have been a subscriber for over a year and still have time left on my renewed 6 months, but Robb Vices seems to have lost their way from where they started as an exclusive well curated box and is now more of a frustration and disappointment especially with the “gift cards” and that is not a luxury experience.

tonynowo

It’s devolved into junk. This isn’t luxe-it’s Ross Dress for Less at high prices. The value needs to be in the box. It’s not and hasn’t been for months. I shouldn’t have to spend $75.00 to get the lowest point piece of meat(With a coupon), I have a Whole Foods I can go to in walking distance. This box has devolved into useless-glasses than rattle? Pen that doesn’t actually write? Box is a dumpster and I quit it because I am not looking for an RV equal to what I paid when shelling out $90 a month. MSA won’t say a word about it because they are beholden.

Cee

Well said on all points.

I had wanted to subscribe to Robb Vices from the beginning, but had to wait until it was available in MA. It was my favorite box for the first few I received, but that has changed in recent months.

Many of the “high value” items are not only obscure, but downright impractical for those with young children or even pets (a real-life example – bumped table, sempli goes rolling off of table; now carpet has stain and we are one glass short). Don’t even get me started on the $200 “champagne sabre.” And neither the decanter nor the sabre came with the original box, which would have made regifting an option.

Right now I am on the fence as to whether to cancel. If this trend continues into the new year, I will be canceling as well. I am keeping my fingers crossed that RV steps up its game again soon…

Callie Query

While I think there are a lot of valid concerns about this box, I don’t think it was ever intended for people with kids and pets who would knock a glass off a coffee table. This is a high end luxury box. It’s cool you subscribe but every box cannot be everything to everyone – certainly a child and pet proof box is not something I would want Robb Vices to become. Choose your battles.

Carrie

I’m sorry, a free box doesn’t mean it should get a mild review. Freebies are supposed to be for review consideration, and as a former blogger one of my biggest pet peeves are bloggers who are afraid to voice legitimate concerns out of fear of being cut off.

IMHO, If they stop sending because their feelings get hurt on a factual review, then they don’t deserve the free advertising.

Erin

Sadly, I agree. If I received this box for free, then I wouldn’t mind getting any of it. Paying $90 and expecting to be able to use the gift card/coupons without any hassle is another story. Plus having to shell out an additional $50 (or most likely more) to use the coupons is a little off putting. I get it’s a higher end box, but I think that’s part of why people subscribe is to be able to get cool, high end items at a discounted price.

Tia

The decanter feels like plastic; is that what lead free crystal is? Just better plastic? I was hoping it was going to be the same glass as the glasses from the previous box and surprised it feels so cheap coming from the Sempli brand. I again won’t use the coupons but will use everything else in the box. Hoping the new year brings out better boxes…

Erin

If anyone doesn’t read the forum, I’d recommend checking out the November Robb Vices thread. The ArtStar “gift card” was ridiculous; some subscribers got in their orders early and were able to get art for free or less than $50. ArtStar changed/added new terms AFTER people got their boxes (and they changed prices on their art, then lied about it after users had screenshots). I’m glad that Liz didn’t include the value of the “gift cards/coupons” in the total, but $124 for a box that is $90. Pretty sad. Just be wary potential subscribers.

Liz

Also as a serious art buyer and visitor of art galleries and art fairs I will unfortunately be letting my voucher go unused due to the poor practices of Artststar. Again I echo the sentiments in the forum. Robb Vices and ArtStar are both responsible and Robb Vices should have better educated them on the customer base. However, poor customer service and the owners responses were unacceptable. I would have been one of the people to buy a more expensive piece of art and I do not post on the forum. I will be taking my business to satachi, 1stdibbs, and art production fund as well as my local galleries that I can personally vouch all value their customers.

Adele

I like this box but not the coupon issue and I hope Robb Vices either stops including them or work with companies like Tommy John and Real Oyster Cult who don’t change the terms after we receive our boxes. From what I understand, New York Prime Beef also has $125 t-bones, but they sold out. If they come back in stock I will order those and I feel $25 for 2 of them is a deal (if the quality is as good as they say) and that will make the box even better.

Saffy

I did the T bones and they were beautifully marbled and tasted wonderful. Totally worth it!

Adele

Oh good! I’m looking forward to trying them and I’m glad shipping is free.

My understanding is that Artstar were the ones who backpedaled on the gift card. So the issue should lie with them…not RV.

The steak coupon is very cool for a meat lover.

That being said, November wasn’t impressive and I’m glad I subscribed in December (although not super excited about the contents either). Maybe I’m just not luxurious enough for this sub.

Beth

So the box amounted to slightly discounted goods and coupons to use towards expensive items??? I would have been livid if I had paid for that!

Rosemary

Although I wish that the box had a higher value, the wine was fabulous & the shortbread was amazing. Everything else was lovely, but it was nice to get a good wine for once.

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Robb Vices Subscription Box Review + Coupon – November 2017

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