This is a post that I've been wanting to write for a while. Recently I talked to some people on twitter about Julep and their Julep Maven program. After having these conversations, @JulepMaven unfollowed me. Do you think they were offended? Probably. Best way to stay popular on twitter? Don't talk bad about the people who follow you. But as a blogger, I'm not here to be popular. I'm here to speak my mind.
What prompted me to write this? Well, I forgot to skip my box last month...and the month before. You would think that I would learn. I'm just so busy with school and life. It's no excuse but it was still frustrating. I immediately called up Julep and cancelled my subscription after having a discussion with the customer service representative. I realized it was the best decision for me. I might sign up again when money is not so tight but for now I'm content to look at what others are receiving in their boxes. I think it's an amazing program. I'm rooting for this brand because I do believe that they have amazing products. I just can't afford them at the moment every month.
PROS
- It is a company based locally here in Seattle! [this might be a pro to only me and other Seattleites]
- It is exciting to get a package of goodies each month! This is why monthly subscription programs are so popular.
- Most of the colors are truly beautiful. I have only had two polishes that I found disappointing. In case you were wondering those polishes were Sofia [don't buy this one!] and Gayle [the color was lovely but a bit thick and gloopy].
- Shipping is included in the price of the box.
- If you don't like the box recommended, you can simply switch to whichever box you feel fits your style online before they ship. This also means that the element of surprise is taken away. You know what you are getting, so, in theory, you are less likely to be disappointed.
- The shipping is quick and the boxes are packaged beautifully. I especially appreciated the recent Easter themed box I received. So cute!
- The packaging of the polishes is sleek, polished, and timeless.
- One dollar from every nail polish sold is donated to "organizations that empower women". That quote was taken from the Julep website. It is a bit vague. It would be cooler to know what these organizations are. Plus, I'm not certain if this policy applies to Maven Boxes.
- It is a small business trying to compete with much larger brands.
CONS
- You can't cancel online. You have to call a number to cancel your account.
To skip a month, the skipping period is only a few days long. From the 20th to the 24th, if you do not wish to be charged. It is an odd time in the month and I wish it were for a longer period. Or like Birchbox where you can buy months without having to skip them. It is just a hassle.
If you wish to return your Julep Maven box [either you weren't pleased with the products or you forgot to skip the month] you have to pay a $4.95 re-stocking fee. The other option is to receive store credit and no re-stocking fee will be charged. Can't I just get my money back? Especially since the skipping month process seems to be set up in hopes that people will forget.
It is difficult [possibly impossible] to see the monthly boxes without an account.
The website can be a bit glitchy.
As of right now, Julep polishes are only available online or in Julep parlors. This makes it difficult to accurately judge the colors in person. But they will soon become available in certain Sephora stores.
It is a small business trying to compete with much larger brands.
And that is the end of my pros and cons list. I know that there have been a bit of talk on the Internet about problems with the referral program but none of that was relevant to me. I also know that Julep is a growing company and I am rooting for this underdog. I cannot, with good conscious, blindly recommend this program to everyone. It isn't for everyone. But I think it is important to present my readers with the pros and cons, thus allowing them to make their own decisions. I will continue to add pros and cons as I discover them in the future.
I think in the end that Julep is a small business and there are bound to be problems. Most of my frustration with Julep stems from my forgetfulness with skipping boxes. But I feel that the system is set up to capitalize on my forgetfulness and others like me. It seems a little shady. That is my biggest frustration. Are you a Julep Maven? Do you think the pros outweigh the cons? Tell me below!
