Episodi

  • 241: Ask Sarah: How Do I Manage Cash Flow With a Quarterly Subscription Box?

    241: Ask Sarah: How Do I Manage Cash Flow With a Quarterly Subscription Box?
    Jan 21 2026
    Growing a subscription box is exciting, but when all your revenue keeps going right back into growth, it can start to feel discouraging. Especially when you’re approaching the milestone you set for yourself to finally pay yourself. In this week’s Ask Sarah episode, I coach Beth, Launch Your Box member and quarterly subscription box owner. She is nearing the two-year mark with her subscription box and feeling the cash flow squeeze that comes with scaling. Beth wants to know how she can build a sustainable business that supports her, not just the box. Beth’s Question “I’d love to hear Sarah talk more about cash flow, especially with a quarterly box. I’ve been growing and it’s been a struggle to pay myself because all my money is going into growth. I planned for it to take two years before I could make money and now I’m almost there.” Overcoming Quarterly Subscription Box Challenges 1. Quarterly Boxes Are the Hardest The truth is that quarterly subscription boxes are the hardest model to run.You’re stretching cash for 90 days at a time, trying to maintain momentum between shipments, and trying to keep subscribers engaged without a monthly touchpoint. A successful quarterly box is not impossible, but it does require an intentional strategy. 2. Acknowledging the Long Game Beth set a realistic two-year growth window. That kind of planning shows she isn’t chasing quick wins. Instead she has been building something meant to last. Now that she’s nearing that mark, it’s time for a mindset shift. A truly successful business has to start supporting the owner, too. 3. Paying Yourself Is a Growth Strategy I reminded Beth of something very important. Something all subscription box owners need to hear. Paying yourself isn’t selfish. It’s what keeps you in the game. Burnout doesn’t grow subscription boxes. Sustainable owners do. 4. Four Practical Cash Flow Options for Quarterly Boxes Option 1: Add One-Time Offers Between Subscription BoxesMystery boxes, seasonal drops, or exclusive add-ons can create a “bridge” between shipments.The key is to choose low-lift, high-margin offers that don’t add stress or inventory risk. Option 2: Introduce a Small Monthly OfferThis could be a low-cost physical add-on or even a digital product that fits your brand.The goal is consistent cash flow without overwhelming fulfillment. Option 3: Pay Yourself First (Even a Little)Create a recurring “pay myself” line in the budget, even if it’s just $100–$250 a month to start.The habit matters more than the amount. Option 4: Consider Shifting to a Bi-Monthly ModelSometimes the subscription model itself needs to evolve. A bi-monthly box can offer more stable billing, easier marketing, and better cash flow, without the intensity of monthly fulfillment. 5. Navigating the Waitlist Challenge If closing subscriptions feels necessary, keep your audience warm with intention, like a VIP email list that gets first access to one-time offers.That way, your waitlist doesn’t go cold while you protect your cash flow. I reminded Beth that reaching the two-year mark she set for herself isn’t the finish line. It’s the beginning of building a business that finally gives back to her. If you’re running a quarterly subscription box and wondering how to balance growth with sustainability, this episode is a must-listen. Join me for this special Ask Sarah episode where we talk honestly about cash flow, quarterly subscriptions, and how to build a box that can finally start paying you. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    21 min
  • 240: Ask Sarah: The 70% Rule for Subscription Box Content

    240: Ask Sarah: The 70% Rule for Subscription Box Content
    Jan 14 2026
    One of the biggest challenges subscription box owners face isn’t a lack of ideas. It’s knowing what to promote, when, and how to stay focused without feeling like you’re leaving money on the table. In this first episode of our new Ask Sarah series, I’m joined by Launch Your Box member Jenn Klein, founder of The Woodland Hare. Jenn brought a question that so many box owners quietly wrestle with: “Sometimes I feel torn between promoting the subscription box and promoting other items. When I post too many things in one day, they don’t seem to be seen. Should I mainly focus on the subscription?” If you sell both a subscription and one-off products, this episode will bring instant clarity. Why This Confusion Is So Common I started by telling Jenn what I want you to hear too: you’re not doing anything wrong. This tension shows up when you care deeply about your business and you’re trying to make smart decisions. But when everything gets promoted equally, the message can get muddy. And that’s when audiences scroll past instead of taking action. Clarity isn’t about doing more. It’s about choosing a clear direction. Your Subscription Is the Main Character Here’s the core of the coaching I gave Jenn: Your subscription box is your recurring revenue engine. It’s the offer that builds stability, momentum, and long-term growth, so most of your marketing should lead there. That doesn’t mean your shop products don’t matter. It means all roads point back to the subscription. I call this the 70% Rule: About 70% of your content should lead to or support your subscription box. The remaining 30% can spotlight shop items, behind-the-scenes moments, or lifestyle content, as long as it still connects back to the box when possible. How to Promote Other Products Without Losing Focus Instead of promoting everything separately, I encouraged Jenn to think about integration. Your shop products can: Tease what’s coming in a future box Highlight past box favorites Show how items pair together in real life Reinforce the value of being a subscriber (“Subscribers saw this first!”) This is exactly how I approach my own businesses. Even when I’m showing a one-time product, the direction of the post still leads people toward the subscription. A Simple Weekly Content Rhythm We also talked through how to simplify content planning so it feels supportive, not overwhelming. A consistent rhythm might include: Sneak peeks and theme teasers Subscriber photos or unboxings Short educational posts answering FAQs Lifestyle shots showing products in use Clear, confident CTAs to join or stay subscribed The goal isn’t perfection. It’s focus. Coaching Toward Simplicity (and Ease) One of the most important reminders I shared with Jenn was this: You don’t need to be everywhere, doing everything, all the time. When you simplify your focus, your audience knows what to do. And you get to show up with more confidence and less pressure. If You’re Feeling Torn Right Now… Come back to this question: What do I want to grow long-term? Let that answer guide your content, your energy, and your decisions. Your other products aren’t going anywhere. They can support the big picture without stealing the spotlight. Join me for this special “Ask Sarah” episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast and let’s simplify your content strategy so your subscription can grow with clarity and confidence. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    17 min
  • 239: Inside My Subscription Box Business: Year-End Recap and 2026 Strategy

    239: Inside My Subscription Box Business: Year-End Recap and 2026 Strategy
    Jan 7 2026
    I’m sharing a real look inside my own subscription box business. Not the highlight reel. The actual numbers, the launches that worked, the one that didn’t, and the decisions that shaped where we’re headed in 2026. The numbers never tell the whole story. But they also never lie. Always start by looking at your numbers. I added 1,300 new subscribers in 2025. What surprised me most? Some of our biggest growth didn’t happen during launches at all. What happened between launches mattered more than I expected. May and September ended up being two of our strongest months. No cart open. No big push. Just momentum doing its job. What made the difference? Staying visible instead of disappearing after launches Treating email like a growth tool, not just a reminder Paying close attention to who was already saying yes That’s also why retention became such a big win this year: I’m ending 2025 with a 94% retention rate People weren’t just buying a box once, they were staying One of my biggest - and somewhat unexpected wins - was my teacher tee subscription launch. My “baby subscription” doesn't always get a lot of attention. I ran a short, focused launch that doubled that subscription in just five days. Revenue told one story. Profit told another. After 8.5 years, I passed $6 million in subscription box sales. A huge milestone that felt great. But 2025 didn’t end up being a record year. Revenue finished 4.8% down compared to the year before Profit margins increased by 12% That shift came from smarter buying, cleaner inventory, and fewer decisions made out of panic. You can be down in revenue and still be building a healthier business. Some things in 2025 were harder than they should’ve been. We ran into backend issues that affected payments, cash flow, and retention. At the same time, social media visibility dropped hard. Content that used to perform just didn’t. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right and still not seeing traction, you’re not imagining it. This was one of those years where pivoting mattered more than pushing. Where I’m putting my energy in 2026. I’m going all in on what’s already working. That looks like: Growing subscriptions earlier in the year instead of waiting Putting more focus on email and paid ads between launches Cutting tools, products, and offers that don’t earn their keep Letting subscriptions lead instead of chasing one-off ideas When I applied the 80/20 rule, the answer was obvious. Most of the revenue in my business comes from subscriptions. So that’s where the focus stays. Before you plan anything, ask yourself this. As you head into 2026, I want you thinking about three simple questions: What worked - and how can you do more of it? What didn’t - and what are you ready to let go of? Where do you actually want to go in 2026 - and what needs to change to get there? You don’t need more ideas. You need fewer, better decisions. Join me for this episode for an honest look behind the scenes and a grounded way to think about what comes next in your own business. And if you want support along the way, come join us inside Launch Your Box. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    27 min
  • Taking Your Side Hustle to a Full-time Gig

    Taking Your Side Hustle to a Full-time Gig
    Dec 31 2025
    Have you thought about taking your subscription box business from a side hustle to a full-time gig? It’s absolutely possible. I did it and so have many members of Launch Your Box. But… Before you quit your full-time job or make any major changes to your business, you need to ask - and answer - some questions. And you need to get really comfortable with your financial details, business and personal. Take your time and get real about what your goals are. Are you currently working 40/50/60 hours a week and want to work less? Do you want to make more income than you have been? The truth is, you can get there. But you’ll need to make a plan and work that plan. Start by asking yourself these four questions: What is the income you need to replace? What is the survival income you need to cover your bare bones expenses every month? What portion of that survival income can be covered by someone else (spouse, parents, roommates)? What is the initial investment you’ll need for your business (products, supplies, packaging, tech)? Understand that your business will need to be profitable before you can pay yourself. That takes time. It took me 9 months before I was able to pay myself a regular paycheck. 8 ½ years later, I pay myself a very nice salary and also pay the salaries of more than 20 employees. Join me for this episode as I take you on my journey from tiny side hustle making $200 a month to where I am now, running two multi seven-figure businesses, answering those questions, knowing my numbers, and making careful decisions every step of the way. Important Links: Join me in all the places: ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠ Launch Your Box with Sarah Website⁠ Are you ready for ⁠ Launch Your Box⁠? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. ⁠ Join the waitlist⁠ today!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    27 min
  • 238: Turn Your Camera Roll into Sales This Weekend

    238: Turn Your Camera Roll into Sales This Weekend
    Dec 26 2025
    You don’t need a photoshoot.You don’t need new content.And you definitely don’t need to overthink it. In this Friday Fuel episode, I’m sharing how to turn what’s already sitting in your camera roll into real sales this weekend using photos and videos you’ve already taken. If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll show up “when things are more polished,” this episode is your permission slip to stop waiting and start posting. Your phone is full of content that sells, you just haven’t used it yet. I walk you through exactly what to look for in your camera roll, including: Packing boxes Unboxing moments Stacked shipments Labels, inserts, and flat lays Sneak peeks of inventory Your hands assembling boxes Your workspace mid-ship Even the messy, in-progress moments count. Especially those. Your audience isn’t just buying a box. They’re buying from you. In this episode, I explain why everyday, non-business photos build trust. And how trust leads to sales. Things like: Your morning coffee while prepping orders A walk outside while thinking through next month’s box Your dog hanging out in the office A messy work table before launch A quick post office run Travel photos with a behind-the-scenes caption These aren’t filler posts. They’re connection builders. A Simple 3-Day Posting Plan (Friday–Sunday) I break it down into a realistic, no-stress weekend posting plan using only what’s already on your phone. Friday: Visibility & Light CTA Reel or short clip (packing, organizing, workspace setup) Casual text like: “Packing this month’s box. Want one?” Simple static post with a clear link-in-bio CTA Saturday: Show Value + Build Connection Carousel showing what’s inside the box Stories with behind-the-scenes clips, product shots, polls, or countdowns A quick “can’t wait for these to go out” talking clip if you want Sunday: Urgency + Final Push Reel or story of boxes stacked or ready to ship Static post with a detail shot Clear urgency: “This box ships tomorrow. Last chance to grab yours.” You don’t need to overthink it You just need to scroll through your phone and post Take Action: Pick one photo from your camera roll right now, write a quick caption, and post it before the end of the day. And remember: Real moments sell. Personality sells. Connection with your audience sells. And your camera roll already has everything you need. Join me for this episode, where I’ll show you how to scroll your camera roll, pick a few everyday photos, and turn them into connection, visibility, and real sales this weekend. No new content, no overthinking, just action. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    11 min
  • 237: 5 Reasons you Should start a Subscription box in 2026

    237: 5 Reasons you Should start a Subscription box in 2026
    Dec 24 2025
    If you’ve been sitting on a subscription box idea for way too long, this episode is for you. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down 5 powerful reasons why 2026 is an incredible time to start a subscription box. Yes, even if you’ve been watching this space for years and wondering if it’s “too late.” Spoiler alert: it’s not. Not even close. We’ll talk about market opportunity, recurring revenue, loyal customers, and why subscription boxes continue to thrive. Especially for niche, well-positioned brands. I get asked all the time: “Is it too late to start a subscription box?”The truth? The industry is still growing fast, and there is so much room for niche boxes done well. The global subscription box market passed $37 billion in 2025 It’s projected to grow past $100 billion in the next few years You don’t need a subscription box for everyone - just a box for your people. Reason #1: You Don’t Have to Constantly Sell If you’ve ever felt stuck in the daily hustle of: Posting Emailing Promoting Starting over tomorrow Subscription boxes allow you to sell once and get paid month after month, building revenue that compounds instead of resets. In a world where: Organic reach is down Ads cost more Attention is scattered Recurring revenue brings stability and peace of mind. Reason #2: You Build Loyal, Raving Fans Subscribers open more emails and engage more deeply Long-term subscribers turn into your best customers Community is one of the biggest hidden benefits of a subscription box (My average subscriber stays 17 months - and that relationship matters.) Reason #3: The Product Is Already Sold You’re buying inventory after customers have already said yes. Less risk Less waste Easier planning Better cash flow And in 2026, customers want thoughtful, intentional products, not mass-produced clutter. Reason #4: You Get to Create Something You Love In a world full of: Screens Algorithms AI-generated everything A subscription box is different. It’s real. It’s tangible. It’s personal. Whether your box is built around products, creativity, education, or connection, your passion becomes the experience, and your audience feels that. Reason #5: Predictable, Consistent Revenue Feast-and-famine sales cycles are exhausting. Subscription boxes give you: Stability The ability to plan ahead Freedom to hire help or take a break Revenue that doesn’t disappear if one post flops There is nothing like watching renewals hit your account month after month. If you think it’s “too late,” here’s the shift to make: The most successful subscription boxes aren’t broad. They’re specific. People want to feel: Seen Connected Part of something If you’ve been waiting… This is your sign. If you’re ready to move from thinking to planning, I want you to join me for my FREE 6 in 60 Workshop. In just 60 minutes, I’ll walk you through how to plan 6 months of subscription boxes that speak directly to your ideal customer. Whether you’re still brainstorming or ready to launch, this workshop will give you clarity and momentum. Join me for this episode to hear why 2026 is a smart, strategic time to launch a subscription box. And how this business model can give you the stability, freedom, and momentum you’ve been craving. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    17 min
  • 236: Stop Trying to Be Everywhere: Do This Instead

    236: Stop Trying to Be Everywhere: Do This Instead
    Dec 19 2025
    Feeling like you’re supposed to be everywhere online? Instagram. TikTok. Facebook. Pinterest. YouTube. Threads. It’s exhausting. And for subscription box owners who are already sourcing products, packing boxes, fulfilling orders, and serving customers, it’s simply not realistic. In this week’s Friday Fuel episode of the Launch Your Box Podcast, we’re talking about why trying to “be everywhere” is burning you out and how choosing two primary marketing channels plus email can simplify your strategy, free your time, and help you show up with more clarity and consistency. The Mental Load of “Being Everywhere” Most subscription box owners aren’t just creating content, they’re juggling every part of their business. When you’re told you must be on every platform, it adds guilt, pressure, and overwhelm. Remember: You’re building a subscription box, not applying to be a full-time influencer. Trying to chase every social media trend only spreads your energy thin and keeps you from showing up the way your audience needs you to. Start with Momentum Before you add anything new, look at what’s already working. Are you consistently active on Instagram? Does your Facebook group get good engagement? Do your Pinterest pins get clicks? Are your Stories getting replies? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Build on what already has traction.Momentum is one of the most valuable assets in your business. Don’t ignore it to chase something shiny and new. The 2 Channels plus Email Formula Here’s your simple focus formula: Choose 2 Primary Marketing Channels Add Email Marketing Every Week Pick your channels based on: Where your audience already spends time Where you can show up with consistency What feels natural for you to maintain Your mix might look like: Instagram Reels & Facebook Lives Pinterest & Blog posts TikTok & Instagram Stories But no matter what you choose, email is non-negotiable. Your email list is the only audience you own, and it drives launches, waitlist signups, and sales. If a social post flops, nobody sees it.But when you send an email? It lands in inboxes. That’s powerful. Build a Repeatable Routine First Most subscription box owners don’t need more platforms. They need more consistency. Before asking “Where else should I be?”, ask: “Am I showing up consistently here?” “Does my audience know when to expect me?” “Have I built my content muscle yet?” Nail your routine on two channels plus email first. Then you can repurpose or expand once it feels easy. Action Steps Audit your energy and results: What’s working? What’s draining you? Choose your 2 primary channels and commit to them for the next 90 days. Send a weekly email (even a short one). Build the habit. Don’t add more until you’ve built consistency where you already are. You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to be where it matters consistently. Join me for this episode and find out why doing less can actually help you grow more. Two channels. Plus email. That’s it. And I’ll show you how to make it work. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    12 min
  • 235: Is Your Messaging Costing You Subscribers?

    235: Is Your Messaging Costing You Subscribers?
    Dec 17 2025
    For many subscription box owners, the silent killer of conversions isn’t a lack of traffic, it’s unclear messaging. Your box might be beautifully curated and full of value, but if visitors can’t understand what it is, who it’s for, and why it matters in 10 seconds or less, they’re leaving. In this episode, Sarah breaks down exactly what strong subscription box messaging looks like, where most subscription box owners go wrong, and how to improve your message across your entire customer journey. Messaging isn’t just your homepage headline. It’s the story you’re telling everywhere: on your sales page, product listing, Instagram bio, emails, checkout page, even your cancellation flow. You understand your subscription box because you live in it, but your customer doesn’t. Clarity must come first. The 3 Core Elements Every Message Must Include Who is it for? What do they get? Why does it matter? 10 Common Messaging Mistakes 1. Messaging That Is Too Vague or Generic 2. Only Listing Features, Not Benefits 3. Trying to Appeal to Everyone 4. Unclear or Missing Homepage Headline 5. Sales Page Lacks Structure or Detail 6. Misaligned Visuals 7. Weak CTA Language 8. Assuming People Already Know What Your Subscription Box Is 9. No Emotional Connection or Transformation 10. Inconsistent Messaging Across Platforms Conduct an audit to evaluate your own message. Look at your: Homepage (especially above the fold) Sales page Product page Instagram bio About page Checkout flow Emails - especially your welcome sequence Subscription confirmation and cancellation flow By the end, you’ll know exactly where your message is strong, and where it’s confusing your customer. 5 Action Steps to Improve Your Messaging This Week Rewrite your homepage header Add hooks to your sales page headings Strengthen your product page with specifics and visuals Create a simple voice guide for consistency Get outside feedback from someone who isn’t familiar with your box Great messaging isn’t about being clever. It’s about being clear. If your ideal customer can land on your page and instantly think, “Oh, this is for me,” you’ve done your job. Listen to this episode to learn the 3 parts of strong messaging, the 10 mistakes that cost you subscribers, and the simple steps you can take this week to improve your conversions. Join me in all the places: Facebook Instagram Launch Your Box with Sarah Website Are you ready for Launch Your Box? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. Join the waitlist today!
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    27 min