BarkBox Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

BarkBox Review

After trying out BarkBox, I decided to write a review to share my experience with other dog owners who are considering subscribing to this monthly service.

BarkBox is a subscription-based service that delivers a box of dog toys, treats, and chews to your doorstep every month. The company claims to provide high-quality products that are tailored to your dog’s preferences and needs.

In this review, I will share my honest opinion about BarkBox, including the pros and cons of the service, the quality of the products, and the overall value for money.

I will also provide some tips and insights based on my own experience that may be helpful for other dog owners who are interested in subscribing to BarkBox.

Whether you are looking for a fun and convenient way to spoil your furry friend or simply curious about the service, this review will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What is BarkBox?

BarkBox is a monthly subscription service that delivers a box of hand-selected toys, treats, and chews to your dog’s front door. The company was founded in 2011 by a group of dog lovers who wanted to create a fun and convenient way for dog owners to spoil their furry friends.

Each BarkBox is customized based on your dog’s size and preferences, and includes a variety of high-quality products from trusted brands. The company also offers a Super Chewer box for dogs who are heavy chewers and need more durable toys and treats.

One of the things that sets BarkBox apart from other dog subscription boxes is their focus on exclusive and limited-edition items. Each month, BarkBox works with different designers and brands to create unique toys and treats that you won’t find anywhere else.

Signing up for BarkBox is easy and straightforward. You simply select your dog’s size and choose a plan that works for you – either a monthly subscription or a pre-paid plan for 6 or 12 months.

Shipping is free within the United States, and you can cancel or pause your subscription at any time.

Overall, BarkBox is a great option for dog owners who want to spoil their furry friends with high-quality toys and treats. With their focus on exclusive and limited-edition items, you can be sure that each box will be a fun and exciting surprise for your pup.

Unboxing Experience

When I received my BarkBox, I was excited to see what was inside. The box was sturdy and had cute paw prints all over it. The packaging was neat and organized, and all the items were wrapped in tissue paper.

The first item I unwrapped was a plush toy, which was soft and well-made. It had a squeaker inside, which my dog loved. Next, I found a bag of treats, which smelled delicious. The treats were made with natural ingredients, and my dog seemed to enjoy them.

One of the items in the box was a chew toy, which was made of durable material. It was shaped like a bone and had ridges on it, which helped clean my dog’s teeth. Another item was a bottle of shampoo, which had a pleasant scent and left my dog’s coat shiny and soft.

Overall, I was impressed with the variety of items in the box. The toys were fun and engaging, and the treats were tasty and healthy. The packaging was cute and well-organized, making the unboxing experience enjoyable.

Quality of Products

As a BarkBox subscriber for several months, I have been impressed with the quality of the products included in each box. The items are carefully curated and designed to provide both entertainment and nourishment for my furry friend.

Toys

The toys included in BarkBox are of high quality and durability. My dog is a heavy chewer, and I have found that the toys included in the Super Chewer box are particularly tough and long-lasting.

The designs are also creative and fun, with themes that change every month. I appreciate that the toys are made with safe, non-toxic materials, and are tested for quality assurance.

Treats

The treats included in BarkBox are made with natural, high-quality ingredients. I appreciate that the treats are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. My dog has enjoyed a variety of treats, including biscuits, jerky, and soft chews.

I also appreciate that BarkBox offers options for dogs with dietary restrictions, such as grain-free and limited ingredient treats.

Dog Health and Safety

BarkBox takes the health and safety of dogs seriously. The company works with veterinarians and animal behaviorists to ensure that the products included in each box are safe and appropriate for dogs of all ages and sizes.

I appreciate that BarkBox includes information about the products and their ingredients, as well as tips for safe play and use.

Overall, I have been impressed with the quality of the products included in BarkBox. The toys are durable and entertaining, the treats are made with high-quality ingredients, and the company prioritizes the health and safety of dogs.

Subscription Plans

BarkBox offers a few different subscription plans for their monthly dog subscription service. Here’s what you need to know about the pricing and cancellation policy.

Pricing

BarkBox offers three different subscription plans: 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month. The longer the subscription, the more you save per box. The current pricing for each plan is as follows:

Plan Length	Price per Box
1-month	$29/box
6-month	$25/box
12-month	$22/box

It’s important to note that shipping is not included in these prices and will be added at checkout. However, BarkBox does offer free shipping within the contiguous United States.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your BarkBox subscription for any reason, you can do so at any time. However, if you cancel before your subscription term is up, you will not receive a refund for any remaining boxes on your subscription.

To cancel your subscription, log in to your account on the BarkBox website and navigate to the “Subscriptions” tab. From there, you can choose to cancel your subscription or pause it for a certain amount of time.

Overall, BarkBox’s subscription plans offer flexibility and savings for dog owners who want to receive a monthly box of toys and treats for their furry friends.

Customer Service and Reviews

As a BarkBox subscriber, I have had the opportunity to interact with their customer service team on several occasions. I have found their customer service to be prompt, knowledgeable, and helpful.

They are available via email and chat, and they always respond quickly to any questions or concerns that I have. I appreciate that they take the time to address any issues that I have and make sure that I am satisfied with the resolution.

In addition to my personal experience, I have also looked at reviews of BarkBox online. On Trustpilot, BarkBox has a 4.1-star rating out of 5 based on over 7,000 reviews as of September 2023.

Many customers praise the quality of the toys and treats, as well as the convenience of having them delivered to their doorstep each month. Some customers have also mentioned positive experiences with BarkBox’s customer service team.

However, there are also some negative reviews on Trustpilot. Some customers have complained about receiving damaged or low-quality items in their boxes, while others have had issues with billing or cancellations.

It is important to note that BarkBox has responded to many of these negative reviews, offering to assist customers with their issues.

Overall, while there are some negative reviews, the majority of BarkBox customers seem to be satisfied with the service and products. In my personal experience, I have found their customer service to be excellent and their products to be high-quality.

Similar Brands

When it comes to dog subscription boxes, BarkBox is not the only brand on the market. Here are a few other options to consider:

PupBox

PupBox is a subscription box service that caters to puppies. Each box is customized based on the age and size of your puppy, and includes toys, treats, and training aids. PupBox also includes a training guide with each box to help new puppy owners navigate the challenges of raising a young pup.

Pet Treater

Pet Treater is a subscription box service that offers a variety of options, including boxes for dogs, cats, and even horses. Each box includes toys, treats, and other products, and Pet Treater also offers customization options to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.

PupJoy

PupJoy is a subscription box service that prides itself on offering high-quality, eco-friendly products for dogs. Each box includes toys, treats, and other products, and PupJoy also offers customization options to ensure that each box is tailored to your dog’s individual needs and preferences.

Bullymake

Bullymake is a subscription box service that specializes in tough toys for power chewers. Each box includes durable toys and treats that are designed to withstand even the most aggressive chewers.

Bullymake also offers customization options to ensure that each box is tailored to your dog’s specific needs and preferences.

Overall, there are many different subscription box services to choose from, and each one offers its own unique benefits and features. It’s important to do your research and choose a service that aligns with your dog’s needs and your own preferences as an owner.

Return and Shipping Policy

When it comes to the return and shipping policy of BarkBox, I found that they have a pretty straightforward and easy-to-understand policy. Here’s what you need to know:

Shipping

BarkBox ships to the US and Canada for free. They usually ship within the first week of each month, and you’ll receive your box within 2-8 business days depending on your location. If you’re a new subscriber, your first box will be shipped immediately after you sign up.

If you need to change your shipping address, you can do so by logging into your account and updating your information. Keep in mind that any changes made after the 5th of the month may not take effect until the following month.

Returns

BarkBox has a satisfaction guarantee, which means if you or your pup are not happy with any item in your box, they’ll work with you to make it right. You can contact their customer service team through email or live chat to initiate a return or exchange.

If you’re returning an item, it must be in its original packaging and unused. BarkBox will provide you with a prepaid shipping label to send the item back. Once they receive the item, they’ll issue a refund or send a replacement, depending on your preference.

It’s important to note that BarkBox does not offer refunds for boxes that have already been shipped or for subscriptions that have already been paid for. However, you can cancel your subscription at any time, and you won’t be charged for any future boxes.

Overall, I found BarkBox’s return and shipping policy to be fair and reasonable. They make it easy to initiate a return or exchange, and their satisfaction guarantee shows that they stand behind their products.

Conclusion

After testing out BarkBox, I can confidently say that it is a great subscription service for dog owners. The variety of toys, treats, and chews that come in each box is impressive and the fact that they are all-natural with healthy ingredients is a huge plus.

The option to add extra items to your box and the feedback process to ensure your pet only gets items they’ll love is also a nice touch.

One thing to keep in mind is that the price range for BarkBox varies from $23 to $35 per month. While this may seem a bit steep for some, the quality and variety of items included in each box is worth the cost.

Additionally, BarkBox’s amazing customer service is dedicated to giving every pup a good experience, making it a great value overall.

Overall, I highly recommend BarkBox for any dog owner looking for a convenient and fun way to spoil their furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some alternatives to BarkBox?

There are several alternatives to BarkBox, including PupBox, Bullymake, and Super Chewer. Each of these services offers a monthly subscription box with toys and treats for your furry friend.

Can I order BarkBox toys separately?

Unfortunately, BarkBox does not currently offer the option to purchase toys separately. However, they do offer a Super Chewer subscription box that includes toys specifically designed for heavy chewers.

What is included in the BarkBox Super Chewer subscription?

The BarkBox Super Chewer subscription includes toys made for heavy chewers, as well as all-natural treats and a chew. The toys are designed to be durable and long-lasting, perfect for dogs who love to chew.

What is the cost of a year-long BarkBox subscription?

The cost of a year-long BarkBox subscription varies depending on the plan you choose. The monthly cost ranges from $23 to $35, depending on the length of the subscription. If you choose to pay for a full year upfront, you can save up to $108.

How much does BarkBox charge for shipping?

BarkBox offers free shipping for all of their subscription boxes within the United States. However, they do charge an additional fee for shipping to Canada.

Is BarkBox worth the cost according to customer reviews?

According to customer reviews, BarkBox is definitely worth the cost. Customers rave about the high-quality toys and treats, as well as the excellent customer service provided by BarkBox.

Many customers also appreciate the convenience of having a monthly subscription box delivered right to their door.