I’ve noticed a trend in retail lately, that of the subscription/curated model. Food is the first thing that comes to mind, with the Blue Aprons and Hello Freshes of the world delivering pre-portioned meal components to thousands of doorsteps each week, but it goes far past food and appears to be a growing trend. Just thinking about how often we buy in this manner surprised me, even though I chose to do it.
On Wednesdays, we receive a box of stuff from Blue Apron, three meals for two people. It’s convenient, the ingredients are high quality and always fresh and the recipes are reasonably imaginative. There are some downsides, of course. Mostly, it feels very bougie. What, are we going to get a cleaning service next? Beyond this, I subscribe to Third Man Records’ “Vault” program. They assemble a nice package of music from various artists which goes out every three months. Some of it is more interesting than others, but even if you don’t like a certain installment, they are easy to re-sell, because they are limited editions. You know record heads can’t stand the thought of missing out on a limited edition from a band they like. Also on a quarterly basis, I receive notebooks from Field Notes. I have a weakness for notebooks, and even though I probably already have more than I will be able to use in my lifetime, still they come. Dr. Evil used to get subscription boxes of girlie things from Birch Box. I can’t speak to their quality, but the boxes were pretty cool.
Add to this the odd must have “One Time Tools” from Woodpeckers, various premiums offered by Kickstarter and the like, signed first editions from Powell’s, Record Store Day special pressings, and on and on, and pretty soon we’re talking real money. If I were a good capitalist, I’d be looking for a way to exploit this trend. On the other hand, since I’m just beginning to detect the trend, it’s safe to say that it is probably about to bust. I’m just lucky that way.
But why? A manufactured sense of scarcity? A need for something seemingly unique, but without too much effort, thankyouverymuch? Are we all bored with the million ways that already existed to spend our limited lucre? I dunno, but I welcome your thoughts.
We’re too busy hustling to make the money we need to buy the accoutrements that display how very unique and precious we are to select items ourselves.
Thanks for reminding me, I need a new box of bespoke accoutrements.
i noticed it first with software. When Adobe and Microsoft customers stopped buying the annual upgrades (because they didn’t need the useless changes), they switched to a subscription model. Gotta increase that cash flow!
It would be interesting to see the chain of businesses that switched to this model. Is it possible that gym memberships were the biggest influence on the modern world?
Oh yeah! I hadn’t even thought of the software model. I was forced over to Adobe’s Creative Cloud to support a certain sort of file that wouldn’t work on my older version of Lightroom, then I came to find out that my main computer is too much of a dinosaur to work effectively with the CC version.
You know, I just enjoy picking out my own vegetables. And I have trust issues.
This is exactly my point with the various grocery shopping services. I mean, one box of Cheerios is as good as the next, but I don’t want someone else choosing my roasts or fruit.
My dream existence would include a small grocery with good quality stuff that I could stop in each day on the way home from work (not a 15 minute side trip). My approach to cooking is more inspirational than aspirational.
I think these places only exist on screen, and then when you do shop there, no matter what else you purchase, you are obligated to also purchase a baguette and a bunch of celery, both of which must peek out of the top of your (paper) shopping bag.
I’m a big fan of buying 2nd copies of photobooks that I already own, once I realize that it is about to go out of print. It’s really entertaining to realize how I paid $50 each for two copies of something that other people are now offering on Amazon for $400. If only I could find the sucker that actually pays $400 each for all my second copies of whatever, I’d be rich.
But, Blue Apron? Yeah, that’s bougie.
I have second copies of a few LPs, no books, however. I am constantly surprised by how much some photo books go for in the classifieds section of Rangefinder Forum; if you ever need to move yours along, you might want to try there . . . or give ’em to me.