A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I signed up for Try the World, a subscription box with gourmet goodies from different cities around the globe. In full disclosure, I think subscriptions boxes are kind of stupid. I also hate grab bags. I like knowing what my money is buying and I suspect many of you are the same way. I was intrigued by Try the World because they give you a sneak peek of what’s inside your box before you commit. (Be aware, however, that Try the World works with small producers and each box may vary slightly due to product availability.) I like traveling and I like food, so I forked over $39 for my one-time box of treats from Paris. Oh la la!
So, what does $39 get you? Not much and not the fleur de sel the stock image boasted (read: the item I was most excited about), but I do like the unique mix of products I probably wouldn’t have purchased otherwise. (Dave joked that Try the World is for people who are too lazy to go to World Market.) Here’s what was inside and the approximate values taking into account the net weight of the items compared to full-size products:
- La Mere Poulard sables: $3.50
- Maison D’Armorine salted butter caramels: $5
- Domaine des Vignes whole grain mustard: $4
- Charles Antona fig jam: $3.50
- Clement Faugier chestnut spread: $4
- Flagrants Desirs dark chocolate bar: $4
- Francois Doucet fruit jellies: $2
- A card explaining each product
- A culture guide
That’s $26 worth of product for $39. I had signed up during a promotion, so my Paris box came along with a second box of treats from various countries. That’s the only reason I’m not too irked about this. I would have been much happier with a total value of $33-35. I realize that some of the money needs to go to packaging costs and overhead, but I don’t think it’s expecting too much for the value to be closer to the amount paid. Will I try it again? Maybe if there’s an Amsterdam or Brussels box and I’m feeling nostalgic. It’s such a fun idea and I’m disappointed that this wasn’t a slam dunk. I would have been happy to sign up for a full year if the value was there.
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Cloudlet
http://www.dianacloudlet.com/
Subscription boxes are everywhere these days. This one does sound different and lots of fun, too bad it was disappointing. Thank you so much for your honesty!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
cute box! i’ve been wanting to try this one. xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I’d be soo upset if that value was so low!! Disappointing for sure. Good attitude though 😉
It’s definitely a fun idea! But I’m the same way, I hate not knowing what I’m getting. Especially since I’m so picky. And then with the beauty related boxes I know I won’t use half the stuff, ha ha
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
This is such a fun idea! I will absolutely give this a try. So fun
Anna
alilyloveaffair.com
Thanks for the review! I have to admit that I was intrigued, especially if they offer a Rome version at some point (also for nostalgia’s sake, haha). It doesn’t seem like something I want to try if the value was so low, though. And I’m totally one of those people that will fall in love with the one item that doesn’t come in my box.
xo Kimi
twentysomethingsimple.wordpress.com
I’m with you on these boxes. I want to buy something I actually want with my money! You could probably go to TJMaxx and find half that stuff. Of course it’s always exciting to get packages, and it’s even nice to be surprised, but surprises only work when the person getting them for you knows you really well.
Super disappointing you didn’t get the one item you were looking forward to, and the price is simply garish.
You however, did such a lovely job photographing it I wouldn’t be surprised if someone seeing them wants to get one now.
Chic on the Cheap
I saw a few $15 coupons/links floating around, which would make it worthwhile. And I will admit that everything I’ve tried so far is really good. I’m going to be so sad when I enjoy the last caramel!
This is literally the shadiest company. There are tons of positive reviews – but not one of those people pays for their subscription. If you pay, you get treated like garbage IF they even send you anything. They delete negative comments on their FB and make it impossible to contact them. But they pay big name blogs and travel bloggers to review them, offen sending their boxes a month early and running out when it comes time to ship the ones to paying customers. I appreciate review boxes but it’s unethical to do this. I’m disgusted by Try the World and their business practices but also the sellout ethics of all those bloggers.
The worst part about this company is the lack of real people there to talk with. I had an item missing from mine, and got no response from email.