Subscription box services sell items such as beauty products, food, pet supplies, cleaning supplies, and clothing.  With over 3500 different types of subscription box services available as of 2018, the subscription e-commerce market was worth $57 million in 2011 and almost $3 billion in 2016. Research shows more than half of online shoppers belong to a subscription box service (Segran, 2018).

Services have different business models, policies, and pricing structures. Wardrobe subscription services sell or rent clothing, and shipping costs and styling fees may be waived based on the consumer’s commitment to purchase or rent items. Belonging to or utilizing a clothing subscription service, however, may not be the best choice for everyone. The benefits received are based on a combination of convenience, perceived value, and monetary expenditure. 

To consumers become aware of the many factors to consider when choosing a clothing subscription service, the Todd County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences partnered with the Senior Extension Associate for Clothing and Textiles at the University of Kentucky to develop and present a lesson on Clothing Subscription Services. 

The lesson was taught to both in-person and zoom participants.  An end of the lesson questionnaire was completed by 49 people.   

When asked to rate their familiarity with the general concept of subscription wardrobes, before attending the program, 74% rated their knowledge as poor or average.   After the program, 100% of the participants rated their familiarity as excellent or good.

When rating their understanding of the benefits of subscriptions wardrobes, 82% reported poor or average before the program and 100% said excellent or good after the program.

Before the program, 82% of participants rated their understanding of the limitations of subscription wardrobes as poor or average.  After the program, 100% rated their knowledge as excellent or good. 

Twenty-five percent of the participants did not plan on using subscription services in the future whereas 73% responded that if they decided to use a subscription service, they would use what they learned to guide future purchasing decisions.

One of the participants commented: “This option, added to other options, is helpful especially during the COVID-related limitations.”