Subscription services are everywhere these days—from snacks and books to makeup and clothes. While some boxes deliver genuine value and excitement, others leave subscribers feeling underwhelmed or even ripped off. It’s easy to fall for the hype, but canceling after the first delivery has become increasingly common. Many of these subscription boxes promise surprise and delight but instead deliver disappointment and buyer’s remorse. Let’s take a look at eight subscription boxes people couldn’t wait to cancel—and why they didn’t make the cut.
1. FabFitFun Felt More Like FabLetDown
FabFitFun made a big splash with its celebrity endorsements and flashy packaging. But once the box arrived, many subscribers said the products didn’t feel premium—or even useful. Items like silicone wine glasses and cheap beauty tools left people wondering why they paid $50. Customization was limited, and many felt they were getting leftover inventory. Among subscription boxes, FabFitFun has a strong brand—but its delivery often doesn’t live up to the promise.
2. BarkBox Didn’t Suit Every Pup
BarkBox targets dog owners who want to spoil their furry friends—but some pets just aren’t interested. Complaints ranged from dogs ignoring the toys to treats causing digestive issues. One-size-fits-all rarely works with animals, and even with customization options, some boxes missed the mark. After one disappointing delivery, many pet owners chose to cancel rather than risk upsetting their pup again. Not all subscription boxes are dog-approved—literally.
3. Ipsy’s Samples Felt Too Small to Impress
Beauty lovers flocked to Ipsy for the affordable price and variety of cosmetics. But many quickly found the sample sizes were too small to truly test or enjoy. Some users also received repeat brands or mismatched products that didn’t suit their skin type. Over time, Ipsy’s once-exciting monthly bag began to feel like clutter. As far as beauty-focused subscription boxes go, Ipsy struggles with consistency and personalization.
4. Blue Apron’s Cooking Kits Missed the Mark
Meal kit delivery service Blue Apron was once a darling of the food world—but many subscribers canceled after the first box. Common complaints included long prep times, too many dishes, and recipes that weren’t worth the effort. Some found the ingredients arrived wilted or bruised, making the experience feel more stressful than helpful. For those looking for quick and easy meals, Blue Apron often fell short. Of all the food subscription boxes, this one saw many users cancel before the second week.
5. Loot Crate Disappointed Pop Culture Fans
Loot Crate once promised a monthly box full of exclusive gear for gamers, comic book fans, and movie buffs. But as the company expanded, quality dropped—and delivery delays became frequent. Fans reported receiving dollar-store-level items or outdated merchandise. What used to feel like a collector’s dream turned into a junk drawer nightmare. Pop culture subscription boxes like Loot Crate show that hype doesn’t always equal happiness.
6. Dollar Shave Club Didn’t Cut It for Everyone
Dollar Shave Club became famous for its viral ads and low-cost razors. But some users found the blades dull, the handles flimsy, and the shaving cream subpar. While it may be affordable, several customers said they got better results from store-brand razors. After one shipment, they went right back to their drugstore routine. Not all grooming subscription boxes are created equal—and this one didn’t cut it for everyone.
7. Causebox (Now Alltrue) Lost Trust Before It Folded
Causebox, later rebranded as Alltrue, pitched itself as an ethical alternative to mainstream subscription services. But complaints about late shipments, poor customer service, and declining quality spread across social media. Many subscribers never received their promised items, and eventually, the company ceased operations entirely. People who canceled early avoided months of frustration and disappointment. Among failed subscription boxes, this one left a sour taste for customers who believed in its mission.
8. Book of the Month Didn’t Meet Every Reader’s Taste
Book of the Month seemed like a dream for bookworms—but not everyone stuck around. Some readers found the monthly selections too limited or too focused on specific genres like thrillers or romance. Others didn’t enjoy the pressure of choosing a book every month. For those with niche preferences, BOTM just didn’t deliver enough variety. Even book lovers sometimes decide that certain subscription boxes aren’t worth the shelf space.
Think Before You Subscribe: Not All Boxes Deliver
With flashy marketing and tempting first-box discounts, it’s easy to fall into the subscription trap. But the reality is, many subscription boxes simply don’t live up to expectations. Whether it’s cheap items, lack of customization, or just not being worth the money, canceling quickly is more common than you might think. Before signing up, read reviews, check return policies, and ask yourself—will this actually improve my life, or just clutter it?
Have you ever canceled a subscription box after the first month? Tell us which one—and why—in the comments!
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