How to Start a Subscription Box Business With Shopify + Top 5 Bundling Strategies

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Learning how to start a subscription box business with Shopify is a great way to build a regular income. Businesswire says the global subscription box business model was worth about 30.16 billion USD in 2024. The report also says it could reach 113.57 billion USD by 2033, growing about 14 percent each year. People enjoy how simple and personal subscription boxes feel.

This is why we bring this article to you on the subscription box business. This guide shows how to plan, price, and grow your store using product bundling strategies. We also have a use case with a Shopify bundle app that will help you build subscription boxes within a few minutes. Keep reading to find out more. 

Understanding the Subscription Box Business Model

The subscription box business model focuses on repeat customers instead of one-time buyers. People subscribe to products they use often or enjoy discovering. It could be skincare, coffee, snacks, or books. The mix of routine and surprise keeps them engaged.

For example, a skincare brand might send monthly boxes with cleanser, toner, and serum. A coffee shop might ship new blends every month. 

Shopify makes this easy with Shopify product bundles and Shopify recurring payments. These tools help automate your business and keep customers coming back. The next section will help you figure out the right products on how to start a subscription box business with Shopify. 

How to Source Products for a Subscription Box

Knowing how to source products for a subscription box is key to keeping customers satisfied. The items you choose shape the whole experience. Look for products that are reliable, affordable, and high quality. You can make your own or buy from trusted suppliers.

For example, a wellness brand could work with local makers for handmade candles and teas. A pet-care shop could source treats from verified vendors. 

Start small, collect feedback, and grow from there. This is how to start a subscription box business with Shopify. This approach builds loyalty and supports your subscription box business model. The next section tells you how to price your subscription so that you can make the most of this business. Let us see how you can do that. 

How to Price Your Subscription Box for Profit

Knowing how to start a subscription box business with Shopify means knowing how to price a subscription box. This helps you earn profit and keep subscribers happy. Include all costs like packaging, shipping, and marketing before setting your price. Honest pricing builds trust and helps you increase AOV Shopify stores often aim for.

For example, a fashion store might offer three plans like Basic for 25 USD, Deluxe for 40 USD, and Premium for 60 USD. Higher tiers can include extra or exclusive products. You can also offer discounts for prepaid plans. Clear pricing, combined with strong product bundling strategies, makes it easier for customers to see value in every box.

In our next section, we will be listing the best 5 bundling strategies for your Shopify subscription box business. Let us see them one by one with examples. 

Top 5 Product Bundling Strategies for Maximum Value

Good product bundling strategies turn simple items into complete offers. When getting into how to start a subscription box business with Shopify, knowing the right strategies is the biggest success driver. Here are five proven ones to make your subscription business a success.

  1. The Curated Theme Bundle


Pick a theme and build your box around it. For example, a “Spring Refresh Box” might include a floral candle, body scrub, and herbal tea. This Shopify product bundles idea feels organized and simple.

  1. The Build-Your-Own Bundle


Let customers pick what goes inside. For example, a snack company could offer twenty snack choices and let people pick five. This gives them control. It is easy to create using Shopify bundle apps.

  1. The Anchor Product Bundle


Start with one main item and add smaller ones around it. For example, a coffee brand could send a grinder first, then refills each month. This method keeps your subscription box business model strong and predictable.

  1. The Tiered Value Bundle


Offer boxes at different prices. For example, a beauty brand could have Essentials, Glam, and Luxe versions. Each one adds more value and helps you increase the average order value that Shopify merchants need for steady revenue. Check out the top 5 strategies for Tiered Bundles and learn how to grow sales with this method.  

  1. The Mystery or Lucky Dip Bundle


Add a surprise product to every box. For example, a gaming shop might include a random collectible each month. This approach builds excitement and keeps customers subscribed. 

Now that you know about the top bundling strategies, let us see how to implement them with Shopify’s tools. Our next section is all about that. 

Implementing Your Strategy With the Right Tools

Shopify has everything you need to start your subscription business. This eCommerce platform helps you run the business smoothly with all the right tools.

Setting Up Shopify Recurring Payments


Set up Shopify recurring payments to bill customers automatically every month. For example, a tea store can let subscribers pause or skip a month when needed. 

This flexibility reduces cancellations and builds long-term loyalty.

Choosing Your Shopify Bundle Apps


Use the right Shopify bundle apps to create fixed or flexible bundles. For example, a fitness shop could sell gloves, resistance bands, and a workout guide together. It is a simple way to increase AOV.

The next section is about a use case with a bundling app. We show you how an app can help set subscription boxes quickly without needing any manual effort. 

Use Case: How to Start a Subscription Box Business Using PushBundle

Many merchants struggle to manage subscriptions on Shopify. Some spend hours updating stock or pricing. Others want to offer flexible bundles but lack the tools that make it easy.

This is why the smart merchants get a smart bundle app on Shopify. You can build mix-and-match boxes, tiered bundles, or custom sets right inside Shopify. When we are teaching you how to start a subscription box business with Shopify, we have to include the PushBundle app that will help you create subscription boxes smoothly. 

how to start a subscription box business with Shopify- pushbundle app store

PushBundle lets you limit how many items customers can select, display live pricing, and connect it all with Shopify recurring payments.

For example, a snack brand can offer a “Snack Lovers Box” where customers pick five snacks from a list of twenty. A beauty brand can create a “Build Your Own Glow Box” with a cleanser, serum, and mask. 

The app makes both possible. It is easy to use, works smoothly with checkout, and does not require coding.

Step-By-Step Guide

Below is a simple guide on how you can use PushBundle’s Mix & Match bundle feature to create a cool subscription box. 

  1. Install PushBundle and go to the dashboard.
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  1. Click Create Bundle. For this guide, we select the Mix & Match Bundle (Single Product).  
how to start a subscription box business with Shopify- pushbundle create bundle

  1. Add basic bundle information and select the product for your subscription box offer. You can also choose product variants of your selected product.  For this example, we choose all the product variants of a skincare product.  
how to start a subscription box business with Shopify- pushbundle basic info

  1. Click + Add Quantity Pack. This defines how many variants shoppers can choose and what discount they will receive.
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  1. We create two quantity packs. One called the 3-Piece Skincare Set and the other the 5-Piece Glow Box. 

For 3-Piece Skincare Set with 10% discount : 

how to start a subscription box business with Shopify- pushbundle 3 qty pack

For 5-Piece Glow Box with 15% discount: 

how to start a subscription box business with Shopify- pushbundle 5 qty pack

This means:

  • Customers must pick 3 variants to get 10% off
  • Or 5 variants to get 15% off

You can click “+ Add Another Pack” to create multiple tiers.

Click “Add Advanced Limits” under a pack if you want to control selection.
Examples:

  • Limit customers to 1 of each variant.
  • Prevent duplicate selections.
  • Require at least 1 item from each category (e.g., cleanser, serum, moisturizer).
how to start a subscription box business with Shopify- pushbundle qty pack advanced limits

This ensures your subscription boxes stay balanced and personalized.

  1. Now select your target customer group for the offer using the Customer Eligibility section. Choose the Status as Active to activate the offer. 
how to start a subscription box business with Shopify- pushbundle customer group

  1. If you want a custom display for your store, then select Advanced Options
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  1. Check the Summary and Demo Layout Preview to make sure everything is alright. When all looks good, you save the settings and click Live View to view your product page after implementing PushBundle. 
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Congratulations! You have made your very first subscription box using the PusbBundle app. Now creating these offers is like a piece of cake.

Launching and Growing Your Business

Your first launch is a test. Watch what customers like, and make small improvements each month. Growth happens step by step.

Promote your box on email and social media. A self-care brand might send boxes to influencers for honest reviews. A hobby shop could ask customers to share photos online. Offer loyalty rewards or early access to new boxes. These keep subscribers active.

Packaging makes a difference. Use recyclable materials, include a thank-you card, and deliver on time. These small touches improve how people see your brand and your subscription box business model.

Conclusion

Mastering how to start a subscription box business with Shopify helps you build consistent income and loyal customers. When you use product bundling strategies, a powerful Shopify bundle app, and Shopify recurring payments, your store runs smoothly and grows with time.

Great Shopify stores keep things simple and real. Focus on pricing, good sourcing, and honest communication. Learn how to price a subscription box, practice how to source products for a subscription box, and design solid Shopify product bundles. Keep improving every box. That is how you grow a strong brand.

FAQs

What is the best bundle app for Shopify subscription boxes?

It depends on your goals. Choose the best bundle app for Shopify that supports both fixed and custom bundling. PushBundle is a great choice that connects easily with Shopify checkout.

How do subscription boxes increase average order value (AOV)?

Bundling several products together helps increase average order value. Customers spend more when they get more value.

Can I use a bundling app and a subscription app together?

Yes. Most Shopify bundle apps work well with recurring billing. You can manage subscriptions and bundles in one place.

What should I consider for packaging and fulfillment?

Use strong, eco-friendly materials and keep your branding simple. Add a thank-you card or note. Good presentation builds trust in your subscription box business model.

How can I reduce cancellations and keep customers longer?

Offer flexibility. Let subscribers skip or change boxes. Add rewards or small surprises. Stay in touch with reminder emails.

How do I ship subscription boxes efficiently?

Plan and stick to a schedule. Use a reliable courier. Share tracking updates so customers know when to expect their box.

How can I market my subscription box?

Use social media, influencers, and referral programs. Share real customer stories and honest unboxing photos.

What profit margin should I expect from a subscription box?

Most stores aim for a 30 to 50 percent margin after costs. Keep testing suppliers and prices to improve.

How can I manage renewals smoothly?

Send reminders before renewals. Let customers update payments easily. This keeps your subscription box business model stable.

How can I keep customers excited each month?

Add small surprises or exclusive products. Simple product bundling strategies like these make customers stay subscribed.

Unlock PushBundle’s Full Potential – Risk-Free!

Get started with one click and discover how smarter bundling can transform your sales.

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