Shaving subscription sites (also known as ‘shave clubs’) have become hugely popular over the last few years. If you are not already aware, these are services that deliver replacement razor blades directly to your door for a subscription fee. Shaving clubs are available for both men and women. But are they worth registering for? And do they save you money? Find out below.
How do shave subscription sites work?
Shaving subscription sites work on a rolling subscription model. You pay a subscription fee (e.g. monthly or quarterly) and receive replacement blades to your door on a regular basis. The idea is that you will never run out of blades, saving you the hassle of having to remember to purchase them from the shops.
If you have never used a shave club service before, you are not alone. Most people head to a chemist or supermarket when it’s time to replenish razor blades. In fact, this is still by far the most common way the majority of consumers purchase their shaving materials. But there are several companies now offering subscription-based shaving services via the web, and their popularity is growing.
Most shave club services have an introductory welcome offer, designed to tempt you to join. These offers tend to offer a free starter kit, including a razor handle, replacement blade, shaving gel, and a travel bag. There is typically a free trial period, usually for 2 weeks, after which you are placed on a rolling, flexible subscription.
Membership options are affordable and flexible. In most cases, you can cancel at any point, or even downgrade your subscription to a cheaper plan. For example, if you are on a 5-blade razor plan, you can downgrade to a 3-blade package to get a cheaper deal. This gives you plenty of flexibility should your circumstances change.
Are shaving subscriptions worth it?
It really depends what you are trying to achieve. If you want the convenience of having replacement blades delivered to your door on a regular basis, shave clubs are a no-brainer. They save you the hassle of having to travel to the shops and ensure you have a steady stream of brand new razors. They also ensure your blades are always relatively new, giving you a smoother, closer shave with less irritation.
But if you want to save money without having to subscribe to a shave plan, probably the best option is to switch to a cheaper brand or buy in bulk. While some providers claim you can save up to 15% off blades by using a subscription-based model, the truth is, buying in bulk gives you similar, if not greater savings. This is especially true if a supermarket has a particularly attractive discount deal. Remember: only you can truly decide how much you want to compromise on quality versus cost.
It is also worth noting that the use of shaving subscription sites may only make sense if you use new blades regularly. If you are happy stretching the use of a single blade over many weeks or months, the subscription model does not make financial sense. However, if you regularly use blades, shave clubs can be cost-effective. But you can often achieve the same savings by buying large bulk packs from popular stores.
What shave clubs are available online?
There are dozens of shave clubs available online, each offering a slightly different service. Some of the most popular ones are outlined below.
Shavekit
Shavekit is an established shaving subscription website offering a variety of flexible plans. Just choose between a 3-blade or 5-blade razor and cartridges, and the company will send you replacement blades on a regular basis. If you register as a new member, you get your first kit for a discounted fee. This welcome pack includes a razor handle and 4 replacement razor heads. The provider uses ceramic-coated carbon steel blades with a lubrication strip. The 5-blade variety comes with a trimmer blade (useful for keeping sideburns tidy). You can amend your order schedule or cancel the subscription whenever you like.
FFS Beauty
FFS Beauty is an online retailer of women’s razors. The company operates an online store selling a wide range of body care products and gift sets. But you can also take out a regular shaving subscription to receive replacement blades and custom products on a regular basis. You can build your own personalised plan based on your needs. Each subscription razor pack includes diamond-coated steel blades that provide an exceptionally smooth, close shave. If you want to test the service beforehand, opt for the trial razor set. A premium set is also available.
Harry’s Shave Club
Harry’s is one of the most popular ‘shave clubs’ on the market. Sign-up for a 2-week trial and get a razor and shave gel pack delivered to your door. You can then select a flexible subscription plan based on how often you need replacement blades. The razor is high-quality and ensures a smooth, clean, and comfortable shave. One advantage of Harry’s is the large number of products available to order on-demand. The company also sells a line of shaving products in popular stores. Similarly to other providers, you can amend your subscription or cancel without any penalty.
Gillette Shave Club
As the world’s foremost shaving brand, it will come as no surprise that Gillette operates a shave club. They offer a free starter kit alongside a 14-day trial period. You just pay a small postage and packaging fee to claim a starter kit worth £15. The kit includes a razor handle, single blade refill, shaving gel, and a travel bag. The service is reliable and competitively priced, plus enables you to cancel at any point. Replacement blades have free delivery. You can also pause or delay deliveries. Notice: cancel within the 14-day trial period to avoid being placed on a subscription.
Cornerstone
Cornerstone is a popular UK-based shaving club with over 250,000 members. The company launched in 2015 and offers a wide range of products available for delivery to your doorstep. This includes razors, shavers, bathroom products, and body care items. Cornerstone operates a subscription shaving club, but you also have the option to make one-off orders if you prefer. Like similar sites, you can modify, pause, or cancel your subscription as you wish. There is no free trial offer here, but the website allows you to order a personalised one-off kit with no ongoing commitment.
A few things to be aware of:
While the majority of shaving subscription sites are fairly self-explanatory, be sure to read the small print to avoid any surprises. Most shaving subscription sites have a welcome offer for new members. This typically includes a free starter kit, a free trial, or a combination of both. Starter kits often require you to pay a small postage and packaging fee. Free trials are typically 2 weeks in length. Unless you cancel within the trial period, you will be placed on a rolling subscription. That said, you can always modify, pause, or cancel your subscription whenever you like. Reading through the full offer terms and conditions before registering is the best approach to take.
Summary
Shave subscription sites are convenient, competitively priced, and hugely popular. But the advantage you gain is largely convenience rather than financial. Although shave clubs are more cost-effective than purchasing smaller packs of blades in-store, you can gain similar savings by using other methods. Buying in bulk is still the best way to get the best deals on shavers and razors. Despite this, shave clubs are highly popular, and with flexible plans and easy cancellation, what’s not to like?