Menu
For Business Write a review File a complaint
Birchbox Customer Service Phone, Email, Contacts

Birchbox
Reviews and Complaints

www.birchbox.com

Learn how the rating is calculated

1.5 21 Reviews 33 Complaints
Claim Your Business
Take control of your profile: address complaints and engage with reviews
Write a review File a complaint

Birchbox Reviews 54

ComplaintsBoard
A
Verified customer This review was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Birchbox Birchbox Review: Decline in Quality and Value for Loyal Customers

I've been a Birchbox subscriber for a solid 5 years now and let me tell you, I used to be a huge fan. I would rave about it to anyone who would listen and even gifted my brother a Birchbox Man subscription for his birthday one year. But lately, I've noticed a significant decline in the quality of the entire Birchbox experience. And I'm not just saying this from a subjective standpoint, it's a FACT.

Back in the day, every sample was a legitimate, generous-size sample. Sometimes, they would even throw in a full-size product, a useful makeup tool, or even a treat like a gourmet chocolate bar. It's hard to believe that this was ever the case. Nowadays, you're lucky if you get a decent sample, and most of them are the kinds of samples you would get for free in a magazine.

In the past, the samples would be customized to your profile, and they would take actual care in picking out products tailored to you - including based on your skin color, hair type, preference for kinds of products, etc. But now, it's all uniform and you choose the products you want based on a couple of options, which they try to spin in a way to make it appear as if this is a fun thing to look forward to. Of course, this is assuming they don't run out of choices for the month and you're forced to get the standard default samples, which will inevitably be the case unless you can put in your selections the very hour they send out the email notification that the choices are open for the choosing. Not only are the samples not tailored to your preferences (I'm not even sure what the point of creating a profile is anymore with this new system?), but there is a total disregard for the samples they do give you each month such that you are likely to receive duplicate samples. Yup, I've literally gotten the same crappy shampoo and sunscreen samples several times now - products I've indicated in my profile that I am not interested in receiving.

They used to give you a bonus sample that was packaged separately from the other samples in the box. But they did away with this bonus sample completely.

In this month's Birchbox, the execs approved yet another move to save money, increase profits, and devalue the entire Birchbox experience for the consumers. They've now messed with the descriptive card provided in each monthly box. This is a new low. I know this doesn't seem like a big deal and, for some (maybe most), it's probably not. But for me, the card always just completed the awesome Birchbox experience. On one side of the card, there was a discussion of the month's specific theme served by each of the samples provided. It was usually somewhat lengthy and had some nice words of optimism. It always related to the particular month of the Birchbox. So, for example, the July Birchbox might have a patriotic theme for 4th of July and each sample provided in that box would be useful for the summertime. I used to always read this part first before looking at any of the samples and it would create some excitement. But they apparently fired the person whose job it was to do this and now just hastily write a couple of mandatory sentences that have no relevance as to anything. No more cohesive theme, no more products relevant to this cohesive theme, and no more Birchbox experience.

Oh yeah, and they changed the card stock to something flimsier and cheaper, and the box no longer has the signature Birchbox tissue wrapping paper inside. Everything that made the box a Birchbox no longer exists, and there is literally no reason to get Birchbox in light of the numerous other boxes that now do a much better job at this (e.g., Ipsy). I regret advance paying in full for a 1-year subscription rather than paying per month because I would have wanted to cancel my subscription months ago and stop wasting my money on this worthless box of cheap duplicate samples.

Thanks, Birchbox execs. You've effectively devalued the entire Birchbox experience in favor of increasing the size of your pocketbooks to the complete neglect of your loyal and devoted customers.

Read full review of Birchbox
Hide full review

Birchbox Complaints 33

ComplaintsBoard
P
9:52 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Birchbox Literally holding people hostage!...and their money!

Birchbox is an awful company! Please don't even consider subscribing, it will haunt you and possibly ruin your credit!
I've had to cancel my credit card to keep this company from stealing a monthly fee from me. You can't cancel! There is no phone number!
I sent an email asking for a phone call, they finally called...arrogant like I've never heard before, and still said no way to cancel, sorry you'll be charged for the remainder of the year. INSANE people, rude people, thieves without a conscience. I'm in utter disbelief that this company can exist.
You've been warned, please, please, please heed this warning!

Desired outcome: too late for that

Read full review of Birchbox
Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
K
11:17 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Birchbox Subscription box

I signed up for a 12 month subscription box which would end in January 2021. I was charged for Jan 2021 box today, the 1st. I went to their site to cancel the subscription and the subscription auto renewed without any way to opt out of another 12 month commitment. There seems no way to cancel a subscription once you start. There was never an email sent allowing me to cancel for the new 12 month period as stated in their terms. This company locks you in to paying them forever.

Desired outcome: No subscription for 2021

Read full review of Birchbox
Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
B
4:56 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Replied
Birchbox has left an official reply on this complaint.

Birchbox birchbox went downhill real fast

So I got my first about three years ago. The samples were great, and you got at least your money's worth, if not more. You could review products to get points and eventually get free products. Fast forward about a year. They got rid of the rewards/points program. You only got points if you bought something additional. I guess ordering their box isn't enough to give out rewards -_- Now let's move on to the samples. They used to be good sized, high quality products. Well that didn't last long. The products are only a few brands that I have never heard of and the sizes of the products are terrible. There are lipstick samples that don't even have enough product for a good single use. I received what was said to be the original Beauty blender. It was a joke. It was the size of a penny, and completely flat. Not even rounded on the sides! Completely useless. I don't know where my $10 is going each month, but my Boxes um receiving are worthless.

Read full review of Birchbox
View 0 more photos
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.

Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
P
5:24 am EDT

Birchbox Too baggy

This is such a baggy website. Irritates me to the maximum.
Why can't you hire a programmer and fix it finally? it's awful awful awful!
I have been trying to login in 3 days. Each time a try to log in a little window pops up and asks me to change my password as my old one is not safe anymore. I changed it several times and wrote it down not to forget. It didn't help me.
Too many demands regarding how the password should be. I really don't care, I don't want to spend my time on this crap making up a password that should be changed in a short time period. Are you a governmental organization to request things like this?
You and your website pissed me off. I'm done with you.

Read full review of Birchbox
Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
J
12:43 pm EST

Birchbox Avocado lipstick

I received my second Birchbox today And my birch box, I have received a sample of Avocado lipstick. I was really sad to see that the lipstick came to me broken off in the container. I would like a replacement please, as I am unable to use this sample in my birch box. Thank you. Please respond to my email of my request. I also would like to add that when I joined Birchbox I entered a code that would get me four boxes instead of three months of boxes for new customers. However, when my order was completed I see that I'm only going to get three boxes. When I got a hold of someone in an email they said that this was a gift card and I will not be able to get my fourth box. I don't think that is very good business.

Read full review of Birchbox and 1 comment
View 0 more photos
Hide full review
1 comment
Add a comment
K
K
Kelly_1
Meridean, US
Oct 26, 2022 1:34 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Worst idea I ever had! I paid for 1 year in advance… if they ever send a box it has less items than they promise and it’s literally junk. There’s no way to contact them, they do not respond to emails. They sent a one time butt wipe in a 1 inch by 1 inch rip open package… what a joke! And now I’m terrified they will re-new automatically after the end of the 1 year subscription I paid, so I will be changing my payment card out to make sure that won’t happen. They are crooks!

ComplaintsBoard
J
11:36 pm EDT

Birchbox These people are the worst ever, do not deal with them!

I have signed up for Birchbox 5 months ago. 5 months = 5 boxes.
I was supposed to get a box every month but in total I received 2 boxes and tons of empty promises. When I contacted Birchbox customer service they said they'll find out what was going on and promised to contact me back later, but that never happened, and that's not all. When I tried to reach them myself and asked for a refund they ignored me! These people are the worst ever, do not deal with them!

Read full review of Birchbox
Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
J
12:04 am EDT

Birchbox Service is horrible

Ordered some products from Birchbox and was really disappointed with the quality, so I decided to cancel my subscription. Wanted to do it myself but could not find a way to do it, so I contacted customer service and asked them to cancel my subscription. They said that I need to go here and there and will find a cancellation option. I did as they said, but found nothing useful! Every time they told me that somewhere on their site there is something that will help me to cancel. When I asked them to do it in my place, they said that it was not their job. Terrible service!

Read full review of Birchbox
Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
E
8:52 am EST

Birchbox Total waste of money!

I used Birchbox only to get their really cool lipsticks. I was very disappointed with this company because they actually never sent me what I wanted, every time received things that I don't need and don't use! When I received my latest box there was a cream! I actually emailed customer support and they told it was only my fault because my profile wasn't filled out correctly. What a joke! This place is horrible, better save your hard earned money and shop elsewhere!

Read full review of Birchbox
Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
P
6:51 am EST

Birchbox Not worth it

I spent some time filling out my style profile on Birchbox website. I have no idea why I have wasted my precious time on it because my profile was entirely disregarded. I received my first box and was so disappointed with it that I decided to cancel my profile. I selected liking natural make up and got a thick black liquid eyeliner and red lipstick! Noted having oily hair and they sent me a shampoo for dry hair. Horrible service. I gave everything to my sister. I emailed the company and told how much I hate them. I just wasted my time for nothing.

Read full review of Birchbox
Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
T
9:15 am EST

Birchbox I'm done with this site!

I wanted to order something from this site, but accidentally pushed the wrong button and made the wrong purchase. I tried to cancel it immediately, but every time I pressed the confirmation button there was an error. I contacted their service and they told that it is impossible to cancel orders on weekends. I was told there will be no problem if I'll try to do the same on Monday. Well, I wanted to cancel my order on Monday, but early in the morning I got a message from Birchbox, stating the product I didn't want has shipped. I contacted them again, but they said it was too late and wished me a nice day. I'm done with this site! They just ignored what I said! And now I'm stuck with the product I don't need!

Read full review of Birchbox
Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
B
5:00 am EDT
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

I subscribed for the website www.birchbox.com. I got two boxes with the beauty products, but the quality was poor. Also the products have specific smell. After I got two boxes, the employees from this company stopped the further orders and vanished somewhere. They didn’t reply to my emails. They didn’t send the boxes and I tried to cancel the subscription...

Read full review of Birchbox
ComplaintsBoard
A
5:03 am EDT
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

I subscribed for the website www.birchbox.com. I paid for the 6 months subscription, but it would finish soon. However, I have received only 3 boxes. I already asked the seller, when I would get the remaining boxes, but still this guy hasn’t provided any info or help. It was really strange and suspicious experience. I won’t advise it to other people, because it is impossible to prove anything.

Read full review of Birchbox
ComplaintsBoard
H
3:50 pm EDT
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

I subscribed for beauty box from the website www.birchbox.com. The price was $10 per month, but I got the first box and was disappointed. It really sucked and all things I threw out. The next box was the similar and when I tried to cancel my subscription, nothing happened. They continued to send boxes and charge me. I really need help and hopes that someone would help me to cancel it and return money back. Please, post comments.

Read full review of Birchbox and 4 comments

About Birchbox

Screenshot Birchbox
Birchbox is a popular online beauty retailer that offers a unique subscription service to its customers. The company was founded in 2010 by two Harvard Business School graduates, Katia Beauchamp and Hayley Barna, who wanted to create a more personalized and convenient way for women to discover and purchase beauty products.

Birchbox's subscription service is simple yet effective. Customers sign up for a monthly subscription and receive a box of beauty samples delivered straight to their doorstep. These samples are tailored to the customer's individual preferences and needs, based on a personalized beauty profile they fill out when they sign up. The samples are from a variety of high-end and niche beauty brands, allowing customers to try out new products without committing to a full-size purchase.

In addition to its subscription service, Birchbox also offers a full range of beauty products for purchase on its website. These products include makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance, from both well-known and emerging brands. Birchbox's website is easy to navigate, with helpful product descriptions and customer reviews to assist shoppers in making informed purchasing decisions.

Birchbox has become a popular destination for beauty enthusiasts, thanks to its personalized approach to beauty discovery and its commitment to offering a wide range of high-quality products. The company has also expanded its offerings beyond beauty, with a curated selection of lifestyle products available for purchase on its website.

Overall, Birchbox is a trusted and reliable source for beauty products and a convenient way for customers to discover new products that are tailored to their individual needs and preferences. Its subscription service and online store make it easy for customers to access a wide range of products from the comfort of their own homes.
How to file a complaint about Birchbox?

Here is a guide on how to file a complaint against Birchbox on ComplaintsBoard.com:

1. Log in or Create an Account:
- If you already have an account on ComplaintsBoard.com, log in using your credentials. If you don't have an account, create a new one by following the registration process.

2. Navigating to the Complaint Form:
- Locate and click on the 'File a Complaint' button on the ComplaintsBoard.com website. You can find this button at the top right corner of the website.

3. Writing the Title:
- Summarize the main issue you have with Birchbox in the 'Complaint Title'. Be concise but descriptive to grab attention.

4. Detailing the Experience:
- Provide detailed information about your experience with Birchbox. Mention key areas of concern, any transactions with the company, steps taken to resolve the issue, the company's response, and the personal impact of the issue.

5. Attaching Supporting Documents:
- Attach any relevant supporting documents to strengthen your complaint. Avoid including sensitive personal information in these documents.

6. Filling Optional Fields:
- Use the 'Claimed Loss' field to state any financial losses incurred and the 'Desired Outcome' field to specify the resolution you are seeking from Birchbox.

7. Review Before Submission:
- Review your complaint for clarity, accuracy, and completeness before submitting it. Ensure all necessary details are included.

8. Submission Process:
- Click the 'Submit' button to officially submit your complaint to ComplaintsBoard.com for review.

9. Post-Submission Actions:
- Regularly check for any responses or updates related to your complaint on ComplaintsBoard.com. Stay engaged in the resolution process.

By following these steps, you can effectively file a complaint against Birchbox on ComplaintsBoard.com.

Overview of Birchbox complaint handling

Birchbox reviews first appeared on Complaints Board on Jun 4, 2014. The latest review Disappointing Experience with Birchbox was posted on Mar 28, 2024. The latest complaint birchbox went downhill real fast was resolved on Jun 21, 2018. Birchbox has an average consumer rating of 1 stars from 54 reviews. Birchbox has resolved 1 complaints.
Ratings on other review websites
Trustpilot
Trustpilot
4.1
1030 reviews
Trust badge
Collect Your Trust Badge
Be recognized for outstanding customer service
  1. Birchbox Contacts

  2. Birchbox phone numbers
    +1 (877) 487-7272
    +1 (877) 487-7272
    Click up if you have successfully reached Birchbox by calling +1 (877) 487-7272 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Birchbox by calling +1 (877) 487-7272 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Birchbox by calling +1 (877) 487-7272 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Birchbox by calling +1 (877) 487-7272 phone number
    Customer Service
    +1 (646) 461-4617
    +1 (646) 461-4617
    Click up if you have successfully reached Birchbox by calling +1 (646) 461-4617 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Birchbox by calling +1 (646) 461-4617 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Birchbox by calling +1 (646) 461-4617 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Birchbox by calling +1 (646) 461-4617 phone number
    Text Only
  3. Birchbox emails
  4. Birchbox address
    433 West Broadway, New York, New York, 10012, United States
  5. Birchbox social media
  6. Janet
    Checked and verified by Janet This contact information is personally checked and verified by the ComplaintsBoard representative. Learn more
    Jun 13, 2024

Our Commitment

We stand for unbiased reviews

We make sure all complaints and reviews are from real people sharing genuine experiences.

We help resolving issues

We offer easy tools for businesses and reviewers to solve issues together. Learn how it works.

We advocate freedom of speech

We support and promote the right for reviewers to express their opinions and ideas freely without censorship or restrictions, as long as it's respectful and within our Terms and Conditions, of course ;)

We ensure transparent and fair ratings

Our rating system is open and honest, ensuring unbiased evaluations for all businesses on the platform. Learn more.

We care about your privacy

Personal details of reviewers are strictly confidential and hidden from everyone.

We are easy, free and open to everyone

Our website is designed to be user-friendly, accessible, and absolutely free for everyone to use.