FAQ's! Every month, we get lovely new people with questions. We want to give you a resource to help people quickly (because we love helping here!). If you see someone asking a common question (what is a clicky truck, what is the app trick, etc), just come to the first page of this thread, find my post, quote it, and edit out the parts you don't need. Hope this helps!
Q. When does Birchbox ship?
A. Birchbox typically ships by the 10th of each month unless there is a delay.
Q. How many products are sent out?
A. Depends on the month and on the box. They typically send between four to six items each month ranging from perfume samples to full size cosmetic products.
Q: Why does my box only show that I’m getting 3 items?
A: Don’t worry! The box contents are still updating. Birchbox guarantees that you’ll get 4-6 items, so you’re getting at least one more! Just be patient and the box will update with more items soon.
Q: How do I know what number box I’m getting?
A: Log into your account, click on BOX at the top of the screen then scroll down and it will show your products for that month - but it won't tell you which box it is. To find out exactly what box you're getting scroll down further to the box history and you'll see your current box as well as any past boxes. If you hover your mouse over the current month’s box, a link should pop up, with your box number at the end of the URL. If you click on it picture, you’ll be taken to that box page, and the box number will show at the end of the URL in your address box.
Q: What is a “clicky truck�
A: A clicky truck means that your box has shipped and the shipping information is on the Birchbox website. If you log into the site and go to “Account Settingsâ€, you’ll see a little truck that has the current month listed. Once the new month starts, the truck will update to that month, but without tracking information. Then, once your box ships, a tracking link will show up UNDERNEATH the truck (the truck itself is not actually clickable, the link beneath it is).
Q: What’s the difference between a regular Birchbox and a Welcome Box?
A: A Welcome Box is when you get someone (or yourself!) a Gift Subscription. If you go through the regular wait list, you won’t get a Welcome Box, you’ll just get a regular box from that month. But if you’ve been given a Gift Sub, or purchased one for yourself, then you’ll get a Welcome Box – which will have several items from previous Birchboxes.
Q: What is a “punishment box�
A: A Punishment box is not an official Birchbox thing. Sometimes people get boxes that they don’t like. Either they feel that the items are completely off from the profile they set up, or they just got items that they personally will never use. It is based entirely off of opinion – one person’s Punishment Box can be someone else’s Best Box Ever!
Q: What is Box Envy?
A: Box Envy happens when you get a box with items you don’t want, but you see someone else get a box that would have been just PERFECT for you!
Q: How can I do a trade?
A: Sometimes, you’ll get an item that you just don’t want or can’t use. That’s the risk we all take with getting subscription boxes. Don’t worry, you can trade it! You can either create a trade thread through the regular channel or post in the Birchbox-specific trade thread for that month. If someone has created a trade thread, they’ll post the link in this thread (and once I see it, I’ll try to update this post with it!) Here’s a link to the regular trade thread area
https://www.makeuptalk.com/f/23798/subscription-box-swaps Please be sure to read the buy/sell/trade rules and comply with them. Any trade talk in this thread is subject to deletion.
Q: Why is everyone asking how much boxes weigh?
A: Box weight is a great way to see if you’re getting the same box as someone else. Also, heavier boxes tend to contain larger (though not necessarily better) items like leave in conditioner, shampoo, etc. Lighter boxes contain items like foil samples OR full-size makeup!
Q: What is the App Trick? Or, how can I use my iPhone to see what I’m getting before the 10th?
A: If you have an iPhone, you can SOMETIMES figure out what you’re getting before boxes update. Open the Birchbox app and go to the Discovery section. Then start scrolling! Look for items marked “Box Historyâ€. If it’s an item that you haven’t gotten in previous boxes, then it just may be in your box this month! However, this is not an exact science.
Q: My box doesn’t match the picture on the website! (i.e. items are missing or damaged, or you received something that wasn’t listed in the box contents) What do I do?
A: Birchbox has a great Customer Service Team. Just email them at
[email protected] and they’ll be happy to help you get it sorted out.
Q: I said no perfume/hair products/nail polish/etc.! Why did they send this to me?
A: There is literally NO WAY to opt out of anything. You can uncheck the box on the quiz, and on Fragrances, limit it to 6 samples per year, but you cannot entirely opt out of anything. Even due to allergies.
Q: What is a Mystery Pack/Pick Two?
A: Whenever you place an order over $35 from the Birchbox shop, you can add a "Mystery Pack" to your order (you must add the Mystery Pack from the Bonus Shop, it will not come automatically). It will contain two samples. One may be a foil, but there is supposed to be at least one "deluxe" sample (an MUT member recently got the definition of deluxe as "at least three uses, and is resealable"). If you get two foil samples, please contact Birchbox Ops to let them know and they will try to accommodate you by sending another sample pack OR by giving you points. You used to be able to choose from a number of sample packs with set samples, which is where the "Pick Two" name comes from. However, that option is no longer available, and all samples packs are "Mystery Packs".
Q: I just saw a great code for additional points! It's past the first of the month, and I've already been billed. If I cancel/restart my subscription, will I get two boxes for this month?
A: As long as you have already been billed for this month (regardless of whether your box is still in packing stage, has been shipped, or you already have it in your hands), you WILL NOT get two boxes in one month UNLESS you have two accounts. For example, let's say it's Nov 5th. You've been billed for Nov, but your box hasn't been revealed or shipped yet. You see an awesome points code, and cancel/reactivate your account. You will get ONE Nov box, and you have now PRE-PAYED for Dec. Which means you won't get billed on Dec 1st, but you will get a Dec box.