As you know, we have been on a lengthy quest to figure out which of the various men’s subscription services are the best. There are so many out there that any guy would feel he needs a guide, and that is where we come in. Last time, we gave you the first review of GuapBox, a new subscription box from Ties.com. We liked it quite a bit, but found that it largely was about the same realm as Gentleman’s Box or SprezzaBox (the latter of which is our reigning champ) — as opposed to pricier boxes like Bespoke Post or GQ’s Best Stuff box — and that it needed to iron out some shipping and packing issues. With that in mind, we wanted to give it the usual 3 or 4 months to really get a sense of it, and what it has to offer over the course of time.
Shipping Issues
Well, unfortunately, there was something of an issue with their shipping. Their system totally skipped a month of the box, without informing us. Worse, there was an almost 3 week delay in the shipping of the subsequent month’s box. None of this is great, but after speaking to customer service, they threw in one or two extra items to make up for it. In truth, though, it doesn’t really make up for it. A monthly subscription box should have its monthly shipping down pat, no questions asked. Worse, our main critique last time was that the box just seems unrefined and unfinished. There is card explaining the items you got, nor their prices or the great deal you’re getting, nor a “theme” of the month, nor a tracking email when the box is shipped (the excitement of which is usually a big part of these boxes). The fact is that, even two months later, none of this has changed. So, from an experience perspective, GuapBox is certainly the worst of Gentleman’s Box vs SprezzaBox competition. So, if it is to take the throne away from SprezzaBox, it had better make up for it big time in the items it actually includes.
The Box Contents
Sock Genius Socks x2: The extra pair is likely the bonus item they threw in for us. Both pairs are solid quality, and pretty “out-there” designs. I tend not to like lighter color socks (as they just remind me too much of white gym socks), but the purple ones I could actually see myself wearing in the coming warmer months. With jeans and a pair of boat shoes? They might look pretty cool.
Ties.com gingham pocket square: Pretty versatile, will look great with a navy blazer. Solid quality, folds and holds a shape nicely, without being too thick nor too thin.
Ties.com floral skinny tie: I liked quite a bit the fact that GuapBox offers wider ties than many other boxes (at 3.00”-3.25”), though this month’s box included a skinny tie. It’s also not much not to my taste, though would look nice with a navy blazer and khaki pants either way.
Ties.com arrow tie bar: Continuing the Ties.com-heavy box, we have a tie bar that I would not really ever wear. I’m not into shaped tie bars, especially one with such a thick, big clip which often causes the tie bar to sit oddly or uncomfortably beneath the tie. It’s solid quality, and if you like these tie bars, then you won’t be disappointed on that front. It’s just not for me, personally.
Jason Markk Quick Wipes: If you are out and about and find your shoes a bit too dirty, just use one of these guys. They work really well (and we’ve liked products from them in the past), though cannot be used on suede or nubuck. White sneakers pick up a bit too much dirt? These are your answer to that. Throw them in your bag, and you’re good to go. This item is a nice addition in the box, and, honestly, my favorite item.
Price, Value, & Conclusion
GuapBox — $35 per month: While there was certainly a lot of promise in this box to best its rivals by using a questionnaire to get a better sense of what you want each month, in the end, it mostly delivered much of the same as the competition. There was no real edge in the items you were getting. Instead of the company doing the curating, they, to some extent, passed that on to you via the questionnaire. But, like in the case of SprezzaBox, if the company does a good enough job with curation, it’s all the same in the end, and you’ll end up with items you like each month regardless. Worse, there are severe shipping issues here, and not a great unboxing experience with a total lack of any packing slip, card, explanation, theme, or magazine each month. They might iron these things out over time, so we might check in after about 6 months or so, but, as it stands, these are real downsides here. And then there is the price. It’s pricier than SprezzaBox by quite a bit, and, in the end, we just don’t see it as being worth it. We still like SprezzaBox as our reigning champ in the men’s accessories monthly subscription box space.