Groomer Subscription Services

First things first, if you've tried a subscription please comment below telling us about your experiences!  This feedback will help other groomers know which to try and which to pass on.  Might also help the subscription owners know what they're doing right/wrong! Did I miss one?  Let me know so I can add it! 

Hello All!  Hope you're having a great 2018 so far! 
This past year has been an exciting one in the grooming industry!  There have been lots of new products and new subscription services!  This is kind of a good/bad type situation.  On the one hand, yay!  We have a variety of great subscriptions to choose from and try out new products.  The bad though, how on earth do you choose just one?!?!?  

I wanted to make the search a little easier on everyone, little did I know doing the research on all these subscriptions would take all week!! Crazy!  But in the long run I think it's worth it!

**I would like to note, all of these subscriptions are relatively new.  As with any new business, there will be bumps in the road.  These subscriptions can't get better without your feedback, so if there's something you like/don't like, let them know! If you've tried one in the past and weren't thrilled, maybe it's time to give them a second look.  Almost all of these are owner/operated by people who are also groomers.  As corny as it sounds, the grooming world is small and we are all a big family of sorts.  Let's build each other up rather than tearing each other down.  The information in this blog is based on customer reviews, as well as information received from the subscription owners and their websites.

I've broken them down into four groups

1. Accessories- There are several subscriptions that offer dog accessories delivered every month.  These are great because they are something you will always need and can't really reuse.  Plus they offer great seasonal/holiday themed products. 
2. Scissors- These subscriptions will always have a pair of scissors and many offer fun "bonuses" as well! 
3. Variety Boxes- These subscriptions are ones that have assorted tools, products and accessories.  Every month has a different selection
4. Other- You'll see  :-) 

Summary

Don't want to read all this?  No worries, I'll give you the highlights right here! 
​
Groomer's Best Bet- goes to Love Groomer's VIP and Hot to Trot boxes!  They can't be beat on the value of items included, and their customer service is above and beyond! This box doesn't include shears (currently, but maybe soon they say), but all of their customers sing their praises and you will not be disappointed!
Runner Up- Scissor of the month club! They had a few bumps in the beginning, but they got their manufacturing issues under control and they are now a favorite!  Their customer service is also outstanding, and their line of Blake's Fleek shears are out of this world! Plus each month they include a coupon for the first sharpening of their shears free! 
Honorable Mention- Pure Paws! Pure paws is a very new subscription but already making big waves!  Their products are a big hit, as is their customer service!  Their February boxes even arrived with big bows on the top!  A present for you every month.

I chose not to pick a favorite from the accessories section since we have our own accessory subscription.  I didn't want to be biased, so try them all and you decide!  You'll end up using that many accessories anyway right? 

Alright, so here we go!  Hang in there until the end, it'll be worth it! 

Accessories

We're going to start with the Accessories subscriptions, for the obvious reason, it's my blog and we offer an accessory subscription.  haha

The Little Bird Stop

Where to find it? Right here! https://www.thelittlebirdstop.com/monthly-subscriptions.html
What's the cost? There are many subscription options available, our most popular are the value packs which are $25 for small and $50 for large.  However we also offer individualized packs of hair bows, bow ties, and neck ties so you can mix and match and create your own subscription starting at just $12-$17.
What's included? Value packs include Bows, Bow Ties, Neck Ties, and MORE! Specially chosen for the season and holidays of the month.
Is there a fee to cancel? Absolutely not! Cancel anytime.  Switch to a different subscription anytime.  You're the boss! 
What are the pros? Not having to worry about ordering bows every month for one!  Plus if you choose the value pack you get to try an assortment of products and new items that haven't even been released yet.
What are the cons? You don't get exposure to other companies, products or brands. 
How's the customer service?  I do my best to make every customer happy every time.  You can message me or email me personally anytime you have an issue and we'll make it right. 
What are people saying about it? See for yourself!  https://www.thelittlebirdstop.com/customer-reviews.html
Worth the Value Paid? You always get a good value with us.  We try to keep our prices affordable for groomers, comparable with our competition, while also keeping the quality top notch. 
Bottom Line- Give it a try! You can cancel anytime, but you won't want to! I'm also a groomer, and myself and my coworkers use my products on our grooms.  I wouldn't send you anything I don't love myself! 

Fozzie Bros

​Where to find it? https://fozziebros.com/
What's the cost? Three Size Options, $35 (30+ accessories), $45 (45+ items), $75 (85+ items)
What's included? Their monthly collection includes bow ties, collar bows, collar flowers, bandannas and more! These come from a variety of vendors so you can get a diverse selection.  Hair bows are not included, but can be added on! ($10 for 20)
Is there a fee to cancel? Nope! 
What are the pros? You use accessories every month right? Save yourself a step and get them automatically shipped
What are the cons? Only con I see is getting things you may not want/use, however you probably have friends or coworkers who would want them right? 
How's the customer service? They go above and beyond to be their for their customers.
What are people saying about it? Fozzie Bros is new, however the vendors they are using so far have great feedback themselves. The owners of Fozzie Bros also have Scissor of the Month club as well as The Blade Bag, which are both favorites among groomers.
Worth the Value Paid? That is up to you and how much you love to spoil your clients with fun accessories! 
Bottom Line- Give it a try! You can always cancel and you'll get some fun bling! 

Groomer Girls

Where to find it? http://groomergirls.storenvy.com/groomersclub
What's the cost? Options start at $32-$35
What's included? Their Tie Boxes include 40 total ties, 25 neck ties and 15 bow ties.  This set is $32 per month.  Their Value Boxes include 20 bows, 10 collar bows, 10 neckties, 6 bow ties, and 6 necklaces and is $35 per month. 
Is there a fee to cancel? No fee, you just have to cancel before the 15th.
What are the pros? As with the other accessory subscriptions, these are items you will probably use every month and so getting them automatically delivered is a no brainer! 
What are the cons? Getting products from just one vendor rather than an assortment.
How's the customer service? Great. Owner is also a groomer and knows the value of good quality supplies
What are people saying about it? People love their items from Groomer Girls! 
Worth the Value Paid? Definitely! You get $3 off the regular price for subscribing and shipping is included.
Bottom Line- Scared to sign up? Go to their website and try out a regular order first! http://groomergirls.storenvy.com/products

Scissors

Scissors!  Scissor subscriptions are great because who couldn't use extra shears?  Even if you already have them, you can always use a back up right? We've all had those moments as you watch your favorite curves fall to the floor and all you can do is cringe.  Yes, backups are good! 

There are other subscriptions that included shears, however these are the ones specifically geared towards a new scissor every month. 

Freebird- Shear Gear

Photo by Lynn A Marad

Where to find it? freebirdshears.com
What's the cost? $52 for month to month.  They also offer assorted prepaid plans that include free bonuses for signing up! 
What's included? A freebird custom engraved shear, cool styling tool as a mystery gift, and a T-shirt. 
Is there a fee to cancel? No, although you obviously can't cancel the prepaid
What are the pros? Everyone seems to like the shears they receive.  They're good quality and the engraving is a nice touch.  Their subscription comes with lots of customization options when you sign up (shirt size, righty vs lefty, etc). 
What are the cons? Shipping time seems to be much longer than other subscriptions.  
How's the customer service? I have unfortunately heard they are difficult to contact with issues.
Worth the Value Paid? The consensus seems to be that the shears are good quality and definitely worth the money.
Bottom Line- If you don't have a problem waiting, then this one could be a good deal! However their slow shipping time and lack of communication is a turn off for many of their customers.  

Scissor of the month club

Where to find it? scissorofthemonthclub.com
What's the cost? $45 per month
What's included? Each month you are sent one pair of shears and a free gift! Each month the shears are designed specifically for the subscription to ensure a great variety in style, function, color, size, handle type, etc.  The free gift will be something useful for grooming and in the past has been things like stainless steel combs, nail files, and vinyl aprons.  There is also at least one grooming related sticker just for fun! 
Is there a fee to cancel? No way Jose!  
What are the pros? Great way to stock up on shears, especially for new groomers who may not have favorites yet! 
What are the cons? Only con I see is getting shears you may not want/use, however you probably have friends or coworkers who would want them right? 
Other Notes- According to the owner they had production issues when they first started out.  This has since been resolved.  Their customers have confirmed that there were issues in the beginning, but it's been smooth sailing since then!  So if you tried them before, give them a second look. 
How's the customer service? Great.  Owner communicates well with the customers and really works to fix any issues.  
Worth the Value Paid? Definitely! 
Bottom Line- Give it a try! You can cancel anytime and if you're anything like me, you can always use more back up shears! 

Variety Boxes

Variety boxes generally have a little taste from every aspect of the grooming world.  Including shampoos, shears, perfumes, vet wrap, and more! They're a great bet to try things you may have never heard of before. 

Love Groomers- VIP and
​Hot to Trot boxes

*VIP version is shown below, it is sold out for February but they're adding more soon

Where to find it? LoveGroomers.com
What's the cost? $75 for the Hot to Trot, $150 for the VIP version
What's included?  The Hot to Trot subscriptions offer some of the top names in the grooming industry.  The boxes include big sized bottles, coat care, tools, accessories, and shears will be added soon (once they figure out how to accommodate lefties!). The VIP is a bigger version of their original Hot to Trot box and is shown above. (side note, I have used many of those products and they'e definitely worth it!)
Is there a fee to cancel? No, cancel and rejoin whenever you want!   
What are the pros? This box is a favorite among groomers.  The contents are always top of the line and their customer service can't be beat! Their subscription is one of the few that is always received on time! 
What are the cons? While you're definitely getting your money's worth, this is on the pricier side and may be out of the budget for some groomers. 
How's the customer service? I consistently hear that they go above and beyond for their customers. 
What are people saying about it? "I absolutely love my vip box! Best subscription for groomers"
Worth the Value Paid? Definitely! 
Bottom Line- If you have the money, its a good buy! Even if you just get a box for one month, you won't regret it. 

Honest Groomer Box

*according to their website, currently sold out

Where to find it? http://www.honestgroomer.com/
What's the cost? $75 per month 
What's included? The Honest Groomer subscription box includes some of the latest of what the grooming world has to offer, as well as some steadfast classics.  Expect 5 awesome items are your door every month, keeping you ahead of the trends. 
Is there a fee to cancel?  No
What are the pros? Full sized products and I don't believe they include shears at this time.  That means instead of having a pair of shears take up the bulk of the cost for the subscription and then some cheap bonus items thrown in, you'll have a variety of top of the line products.  
What are the cons? It's on the pricier side.  If you work at a big box store that doesn't let you use your own products (like shampoos etc) this is probably not the one for you.  
How's the customer service? good
Worth the Value Paid?  Most customers say yes
What are people saying? "I've been dying to try the vog mask, thanks for including it this month!"
Bottom Line- Unfortunately I wasn't able to contact the owner for details on this subscription.  Because their website has it marked as sold out, there was limited information I could obtain there as well.  However, we have contributed bows in the past to this subscription, and the owner is a great groomer who really cares. 

Groomer's Box
​by Grooming Essentials

Photo By Laura Elizabeth

Where to find it? https://groomersbox.com/
What's the cost? $55* per month for US shipping (there are international options as well).  *I have heard they are updating their pricing so this may be changing
What's included? Items in the box vary and can include products from Artero, Les Pooches, Precision Sharp and more! It looks like most boxes include 4-6 items, often times including a set of shears. 
Is there a fee to cancel? Previously yes, but not anymore! 
What are the pros? There is a lot of diversity in this box and it is reasonably priced. No more cancellation fee! Yay! 
What are the cons?  I have heard from customers that sometimes items are missing from their boxes or improperly labeled.  These are hopefully past issues which have been resolved? 
How's the customer service? Mixed Reviews.  Some people like the company and owners, others have had issues. 
What are people saying? Some talk about problems with customer service, however most like the boxes and the products anyway! 
Worth the Value Paid? The consensus on this one is.... sometimes.  Sometimes the products are great and all there and arrive on time.  Sometimes the shears don't work and things are missing. 
Bottom Line- I would consider waiting for them to iron out the kinks on this one.  It has a lot of potential to be a great subscription one day, but their pricing is changing and their quality and consistency is a little unpredictable at this time.  

GroomBox by Cratejoy

Where to find it? https://www.cratejoy.com/subscription-box/groombox/
What's the cost? $49.99+
What's included? About 4-6 items (including shears), plus some accessories (bows, bow ties, etc).  
Is there a fee to cancel? No
What are the pros? Great variety of products.  The shampoos, sprays etc are good quality brands and often full sized
What are the cons? Some say the shears seem to be lesser quality and after a few months some customers commented they have received duplicates of the same shears.  
How's the customer service? Good, no complaints from anyone
Worth the Value Paid? Some months yes, some no.  
What are people saying? Many love the products and think it is a great buy, even if you get doubles of the same shear. 
Bottom Line- I would give this one a try.  Reasonably priced and you can cancel anytime.  In the very least you'll get to try some new products.  Since you can cancel anytime, this may be a good one time purchase and then decide.  

Other

Pretty self explanatory, subscriptions that don't quite fit in another category

The Blade bag

Where to find it? scissorofthemonthclub.com  (scroll down to the bottom for the blade bag)
What's the cost? $35 per month
What's included? Every month you get a great Furzone blade as well as some extra goodies.  Furzone blades are extremely well rated and never made in china. 
Is there a fee to cancel? Never! Just give them one month's notice
What are the pros? Great quality blades automatically shipped.  Blades are one thing groomers always need, especially good quality ones! 
What are the cons? Getting blades you may not need/want.  
How's the customer service? Great.  Owner communicates well with the customers and really works to fix any issues.  
Worth the Value Paid? If you use a lot of blades, absolutely! 
Bottom Line- This is a personal preference subscription.  I prefer guard combs and my 5 in 1 clippers.  Sometimes I'll go all week without using a 4 or 7 blade.  So it probably isn't the subscription for me.  However, if you live in an area where clients love shave downs you're probably going through blades quickly and this is a great way to stock up! 

pure paws

Where to find it? http://pure-paws.subbly.co/product/pure-paws-groomer-subscription-box
What's the cost? $44.99 per month (Will be increasing to $49.99 March 1st (to cover increased shipping costs), so sign up now!)
What's included? Pure Paws in unique because it is always a box of their own line of products.  The February box is show above.  (PS- those are Little Bird Stop accessories!) Included were products from their Oats and Aloe line, Shampoo, Conditioner and spray.  As well as a continuous spray bottle and bonus accessories. You receive different products from one of their product lines every month.  
Is there a fee to cancel? No, in fact you also have the option to "skip a month" 
What are the pros? Full size products, plus you get to try different shampoos etc and find your favorites! They also include tips to use and special videos for their subscribers
What are the cons? It's primarily consumable products, so if you're looking to stock pile tools and such this subscription won't do that for you.   
How's the customer service? Great.  Owner communicates well with the customers.  Their subscription usually ships EARLY every month, and if there are any issues they really strive to fix them immediately.  
Worth the Value Paid? Absolutely! This would be a great subscription for your personal use to sample the products on your own dogs at home.
Bottom Line- I have never tried the Pure Paws line, however they have great feedback and this subscription would be the perfect way to try them out! 

You all still with me until the end?  Thanks for hanging in there!