Taking advantage of the fact that socks easily wear out and become riddled with holes, Taewoo through online service “Mehysox” makes deliveries of newly designed socks to its mostly 30s and 40s clientele. (Image: Mehysox)
SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Korea Bizwire) – No longer does the word “subscription” belong only to the magazine and newspaper industries, as the subscription-based business model is increasingly being employed by a wide range of enterprises in clothing, foods and even flower deliveries.
The core tenet of being a subscriber of a wine delivery service is the same as being one for the city newspaper; a customer signs up for periodic deliveries of wine, eliminating the need to go shopping either to the store or through online channels.
The benefits of this arrangement flow both ways, as customers who may lack the time, energy or expertise can expect dependable and consistent delivery of various products to an entity they trust, and companies can ensure greater customer satisfaction in a diverse manner of ways.
Sock-maker Taewoo Industries and snacks delivery startup Pallaksung are two such companies that are carrying out scheduled deliveries.
Taking advantage of the fact that socks easily wear out and become riddled with holes, Taewoo through online service “Mehysox” makes deliveries of “business”, “sports” or other categories of socks to its mostly 30s and 40s clientele. The company states that it also includes new designs of socks in every delivery, increasing their customers’ exposure to new fashions.
Pallaksung has used subscription commerce as an opening to unleash its creativity. Through its service “Snack For”, the company sells carefully assorted packages titled “snacks to eat quietly during meetings”, “special packaged snacks for trainees” and “great snacks to have while out on the golf course”.
For those without the time for hobbies and even less time for basic chores, “Weekly Shirts”, a shirt-ironing services company, delivers laundered and ironed shirts to customers’ front doors once a week. (Image: Weekly Shirts website)
Subscription commerce has also been put to use by companies catering to hobbyists and enthusiasts. Deliveries of Chilean and Spanish wines, craft beers selected by a brewmaster, and even paintings for hanging on the wall can be arranged.
For those without the time for hobbies and even less time for basic chores, “Weekly Shirts”, a shirt-ironing services company, delivers laundered and ironed shirts to customers’ front doors once a week.
A tech industry expert observed that “shopping fatigue” may be a factor in the increased prominence of subscription commerce.
“There are clear advantages as buying in bulk provides discounts, and quality that meets certain expectations is guaranteed by a company that possesses the expertise of curation in regards to a specific product,” she said.
The expert further explained that the feelings of anticipation when opening up a package and finding a new product is also a quality that has driven the growth of subscription commerce. She added that competition is fierce among businesses to develop new services tailored to consumers who have difficulty with traditional shopping methods like seniors and for those who enjoy receiving deliveries and being surprised with new products.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
