Last updated on August 2, 2021
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Katia Beauchamp and Hayley Barna had a simple idea; send makeup and beauty samples to people monthly for a subscription fee. Soon after, Birchbox was born, and a subscription ecommerce revolution began.
Subscription commerce allows customers to sign up for products and services they want regularly. The goods are then automatically delivered to customers weekly, monthly, or quarterly. The main subscription product categories and niches include food, beverages, clothing, fashion, health, personal hygiene, beauty, toys, and pet. Subscription-based online streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime, also belong to subscription commerce.
Customer subscription goals fall into three key categories, i.e., curation, replenishment, and access. Curation subscriptions seek to surprise and delight. The retailer will curate products for the user to discover or match products to the user’s preferences, usually through a questionnaire. For example, the first box Bokksu sends is a selection of Japanese snacks. After that, they curate boxes based on monthly themes and preferences. Replenishment subscriptions focus on restocking. Dollar Shave Club capitalized on men continuously needing shaving blades, for example. Access subscriptions offer exclusivity and prestige, such as access to new products and perks for early adopters and influencers.
Amazon took notice, and you’ll find a subscription box shopping category. Amazon features well-known players in the space, including Allure, BarkBox, BattlBox, and SnackNation. It “has searched high and low to find the best subscription boxes that are perfect for any and everyone.” My search revealed 300+ results, which I’m sure is only growing. Secondly, Amazon wants to grow its subscription offerings. Amazon Meal Kits competes with Blue Apron, HelloFresh, and other subscription meal kit companies. Personal Shopper by Prime Wardrobe competes against curated clothing box companies, such as Stitch Fix and Nordstrom Trunk Club.
Best Subscription Box Affiliate Programs
Affiliate marketers are helping subscription box companies grow. The standard cost per action (CPA) model is cost per sale (CPS) and pay per sale (PPS). Rarely do subscription box companies offer pay-per-lead. Also, unlike software subscription companies, subscription box advertisers don’t pay recurring commissions. Let’s review the best subscription box and delivery service affiliate programs.
Clothing & Fashion Affiliate Programs
1. Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway subscribers rent designer styles and accessories for work, weekends, and events. Its mission is to make women feel empowered and self-confident every day. Learn more and join the Rent the Runway affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 7%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
2. Curateur
Curateur is a luxury, high-end subscription service that delivers seasonal fashion and beauty trends curated by celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. Members pay less than $100 for boxes valued at over $400. Learn more and join the Curateur affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $15
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
3. Gentleman’s Box
Gentleman’s Box offers unique monthly and quarterly themed boxes designed around noteworthy men. Packages include four to six fashion and lifestyle accessories to take your style to the next level. Learn more and join the Gentleman’s Box affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $10
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
4. Bespoke Post
Bespoke Post delivers top-shelf goods from under-the-radar brands for every part of your life. Each box follows a specific story or theme to introduce you to something new. Learn more and join the Bespoke Post affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $25
- Cookie duration: 45 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
5. Stitch Fix
Stitch Fix is a personal clothing and style service for men and women that evolves with your tastes, needs, and lifestyle. Learn more and join the Stitch Fix affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $25
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Food & Beverage Affiliate Programs
6. Art of Tea
Art of Tea is a tea importer and wholesaler. They hand blend and custom craft the world’s finest organic teas and botanicals. Learn more and join the Art of Tea affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 10%
- Cookie duration: 90 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
7. Bean Box
Bean Box delivers freshly roasted Seattle coffee to your doorstep. Every month they handpick unique gourmet coffees from premier Seattle roasters like Kuma, Slate, Herkimer, and Vita. Learn more and join the Bean Box affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 10%
- Cookie duration: 60 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
8. Blue Apron
Blue Apron makes cooking fun and easy. It delivers all the ingredients you need to make delicious meals in exactly the right proportions. Learn more and join the Blue Apron affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $15
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
9.
Flaviar
Flaviar is a group of spirits enthusiasts inspired by culture, rich history, and the art of distillation. Members get a premium bottle, a themed tasting box, and access to private bottlings. Learn more and join the Flaviar affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $50
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
10. ButcherBox
ButcherBox curates and customizes high-quality cuts for you, including grass-finished beef, free-range organic chicken, heritage-breed pork, wild-caught seafood, and more. Learn more and join the ButcherBox affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $20
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
11. Everytable
Everytable aims to redefine the food landscape the same way McDonald’s did 50 years ago. However, instead of selling burgers and fries, it offers nutritious, fresh, and made-from-scratch food at fast-food prices. Learn more and join the Everytable affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 10%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
12. Bokksu
Bokksu sells premium Japanese snacks and teas to customers worldwide. They source directly from local producers, giving them exclusive access to snacks found only in Japan. Learn more and join the Bokksu affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $10
- Cookie duration: 14 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
13. HelloFresh
HelloFresh creates meal kits and delicious recipes with step-by-step instructions designed to take around 30 minutes. Each box contains nutritional info, high-quality ingredients, fun, and simplicity. Learn more and join the HelloFresh affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $10
- Cookie duration: 14 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate and Impact
14. Purple Carrot
Purple Carrot encourages people to eat more plants for their health and the planet’s health. Today, it’s leading the charge for people to adopt a plant-based lifestyle. Learn more and join the Purple Carrot affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $25
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
15. Thrive Market
Thrive Market’s mission is to make healthy living accessible and affordable for everyone. They ship non-GMO, organic, gluten-free, vegan, and healthy foods to your door. Learn more and join the Thrive Market affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to $40
- Cookie duration: 14 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
16. Winc
Winc creates and curates over a hundred wines and makes the experience of exploring wine easy and pleasurable. Learn more and join the Winc affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 20%
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Makeup & Beauty Affiliate Programs
17. FabFitFun
The FabFitFun box includes a selection of full-size products across beauty, fashion, fitness, wellness, home, and tech. Members receive eight to ten items each season. Learn more and join the FabFitFun affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $10
- Cookie duration: 24 hours
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale and Impact
18. Birchbox
Birchbox curates and sends five deluxe beauty samples every month. When you find something you love, you can buy the full size from its online store. Learn more and join the Birchbox affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 5%
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Affiliate software/network: Rakuten Advertising
19. Allure Beauty Box
Allure’s monthly beauty box offers top-trending, editor-tested makeup products at a fraction of regular prices. Members get six or more items per box. Learn more and join the Allure Beauty Box affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $5
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
20. Ipsy
For between $12 and $50 a month, Ipsy subscribers receive a Glam Bag of beauty products customized to their profile and personal preferences. Subscriptions also include video tutorials, customer reviews, and celebrity content. Learn more and join the Ipsy affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $10
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
21. Scent Box
Scent Box is an affordable and fun way for members to discover and sample wonderful new designer fragrances monthly. Once you find your favorites, you can purchase them in larger sizes. Learn more and join the Scent Box affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $8
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
Other Affiliate Programs
22. BarkBox
BarkBox and Super Chewer are monthly subscription services providing dog products, services, and experiences, including dog toys, treats, and goodies. Learn more and join the BarkBox affiliate program.
- Commission rate: $18
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
23. Cratejoy
Cratejoy is home to hundreds of monthly subscription boxes for various categories, hobbies, interests, and passions. Learn more and join the Cratejoy affiliate program.
- Commission rate: Up to 15%
- Cookie duration: 60 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
24. Causebox
Causebox is the best way to discover and support world-changing products, companies, and causes. Every season, they select six to eight ethical products that empower people and support charities in different parts of the world. Learn more and join the Causebox affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 10%
- Cookie duration: 15 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
25. BattlBox
BattlBox boxes are for outdoor and adventure lovers. Packages include field-tested survival products for EDC, camping, fishing, hunting, preparedness, emergency, and more. Learn more and join the BattlBox affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 7%
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale
26. Dollar Shave Club
DSC’s high-quality shaving and grooming products include the finest ingredients to help men and women look, smell, and feel their best. Learn more and join the Dollar Shave Club affiliate program.
- Commission rate: 10%
- Cookie duration: Session-based
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate and Impact
Your Next Move
The ecommerce subscription market offers high-growth prospects. Buying habit trends indicate that customers want hassle-free shopping experiences, free delivery, and instant gratification. Subscription commerce fulfills those desires and adds straightforward pricing and convenience to the mix. That value proposition is the driver of a $246 billion market by 2025.
New subscription box merchants and affiliate programs are surfacing daily. Also, there’s something for every niche, from beauty to food to pets. The ShareASale affiliate network has the widest selection of merchants, followed by CJ Affiliate and Impact. Rakuten Advertising has a small list.
