Written by: Aiya Rodjel
If you’re fond of shopping online, most especially now that it’s the 11.11 Big Sale, you might have noticed that a lot of platforms and sellers sell mystery boxes. These mysterious packages take surprises to the next level. It gives recipients the thrill of receiving something unexpected, just like how people feel on Christmas morning as a child. The difference is that the recipients pay for the surprise they’re getting at a special price.
In this article, we’ll discuss more about why people are so fond of shopping for mystery boxes. We’ll talk about the history of these special packages, and why they’re still popular to this day.
You might even get inspired to buy your own. As long as you have fiber home internet, you can surf your heart out to find the perfect curated box for you.
You can also check out these related articles:
- Here Comes the Big 11.11 Sale in the Philippines
- What is Singles’ Day and What is Exciting in Its Celebration?
What are mystery boxes, anyway?
To phrase it simply, mystery boxes are essentially collections of items, all of the products are unknown to the recipient until the box is opened. Sometimes, they can just be one or two items. There are instances when it’s a big haul of various items.
The contents of these surprise packages aren’t totally random though. They’re usually narrowed down by a certain category. For example, a shopper can choose a general category like, ‘fashion.’ Then, this is specified even further by subcategory. This could mean a certain brand or specific kinds of fashion items, like accessories or resort wear.
While the items in the actual cart are out of the recipient’s control, they still have a certain degree of control as to what kind of items they’ll be getting from the shop. While some platforms offer a more general surprise package, like that of the Lazada Mystery Box or Shopee Mystery Box, most of these packages are themed.
Plus, the recipient has control over how much the prices of the items are. Sellers choose products according to the budget of the recipient. Sellers usually offer different price ranges so people know the worth of the stuff they’re getting.
On the flip side, some of the stuff in these special packages are discounted. This means that there’s a chance that the recipient will receive things that are more valuable than what he actually paid for. This factor adds to the allure of the concept.
Where did these mystery packages come from?
Interestingly, the origin of these special packages isn’t a total mystery. These packages can trace their origin to gamer culture. People have often compared these boxes, which contain physical goods to Loot Boxes.
Loot Boxes are basically a kind of in-game mystery package containing virtual goodies. These can include special skins or other visual customization options they can use in that particular game. Loot Crate was one of the first companies to capitalize on the gaming community’s interest in these special packages. They offered mysterious gifts with various game-related stuff.
Sometimes, these were narrowed down to a certain game. There are cases when the theme pertains to the era. The creativity behind these special packages adds to the reason why people love them so much. They’re basically a special care package from the shop people actually like.
From that basic concept, more stores have embraced the fun of mystery boxes. Some specialty stores offer products pertaining to a certain pop culture franchise. Some stores, like beauty shops, offer their latest products. The possibilities are endless.
While the actual stuff people receive is unique, what’s common about mystery boxes is that they bring together like-minded people. The boxes allow them to discover something new and enjoy novel content together.
More than a box of mystery
Gone are the days that these special packages are just a box of surprising content. A lot of stores take these boxes to the next level by carefully choosing the packaging itself.
The packaging of the mystery box adds to the whole experience. Unboxing videos have become popular content on social media. In order to entice more shoppers to add to cart these special packages, they make sure the process of opening the package is exciting.
Some stores not only curate the content but also how the package is received. This could mean special wrapping paper or a bespoke box. There are even cases wherein the things in the box pop out or are arranged in a special way. In a way, this adds to the whole thrill of the experience.
The fact you don’t know what you’re getting while receiving things in a special way makes the concept so exciting. These special packages don’t usually come cheap. Recipients pay for the whole experience, and the world will get to see what the shop is offering.
Making things personal
There are cases wherein shoppers choose to buy a certain item, and then the seller packs more stuff to add a flair of mystery. This makes the concept more personal.
If shoppers add to the box, what makes it mysterious? Well, the shop essentially adds things that they think the recipient would appreciate. The possibilities are endless as to what things are added to the box.
This is what makes niche stores so popular for those looking for special packages. These stores already offer the things that would pique the interest of the shopper. There’s an added element of excitement when secret products are added to the loot bag.
For example, if a shopper bought a certain kind of face cream, the store could add special applicators or masks that would enhance the effects of the product. Since stores know best which product would work well with their other offerings, they’re in the position to give the best recommendations.
To play it safe, some stores ask shoppers before adding things to the special package. Sometimes, they ask what ingredients the shopper is allergic to or what kind of item he would like to receive. In the end, the store is still the one that gets to choose what goes in the cart.
There are stores that give free sample products to shoppers as a way to entice them to shop again. Some shops take this to the next level by offering a small premium price in order for them to gain some profit from the mystery goodies.
For the fans
Another element that makes the mystery box so enticing is how curated it is towards a certain target audience. For example, fans of the K-POP super boyband BTS spend a lot of money on merchandise. While physical events may not be allowed, they can still get special niche gifts through the mystery box.
In addition to the latest trends and groups, the concept also caters to old franchises. For example, fans of the Harry Potter franchise might find it difficult to look for merchandise. Specialty stores have the contacts to source for things at the best price.
In a way, the niche stores that offer the curated boxes help other suppliers sell their things while making the rest of the fandom happy. The fact that people don’t know what they’re getting makes it so exciting. However, they do know that whatever they’re getting is something related to a thing they love.
As long as the shoppers have fast fiber home internet, they can look for special boxes of what makes them happy. This is a great way to market merchandise even without an in-person event.
Spreading the mystery
There are a lot of specialty stores on the web. Through a new internet provider in the Philippines, you can discover new concept shops that cater to your personal interests. So how do specialty stores spread the word on their special boxes?
Because the mystery box is essentially curated from the products to the actual packaging, there is great value in the box in itself. In order for more people to know about the special boxes, these stores usually send some top social media influencers.
These boxes don’t just go to anyone with a high follower count though. The stores usually add people who have similar interests to their target audience. In a way, the people who get to see the special package are those who are most likely to check the store itself.
While the purpose of the special box is to increase sales, the followers of these social media influencers have the purchasing power to buy their own mystery boxes. Plus, social media influencers usually chat with their audience. This gets the word around faster.
There are also stores that give out free care packages to select followers. The contest is usually conducted in a way so that the store gets marketed to more people. Social media has leveled the field in a way more shops can get creative in order to market their offerings.
A different month, a different theme
Big e-commerce platforms have the inventory to keep the audience guessing. They also have a lot of offerings that don’t get sold. That’s why some stores have monthly mystery care packages.
Before they ship out the parcels, they usually add some flair of excitement, like a theme or a clue as to what’s inside the box. Shoppers can subscribe to these special packages every month so they have something to look forward to.
In a way, it’s like they’re gifting themselves curated gifts. It just so happens that someone else will be handling the shopping on their behalf.
This is especially popular among concept stores with a lot of sample products. For beauty stores, they get to give shoppers a peek of the new offerings in their store by giving them a sample. If the recipient likes the actual product, he can buy more.
This is a smart way to give away samples without having to give them in person. Plus, stores even get to make a little profit from paying customers. What makes this endeavor profitable for the store is that the recipient is someone who already trusts the store. This means there’s an opportunity for patrons to shop even more.
More recipients, more fun
Another element that makes mystery boxes so exciting is that you can spread the fun and the mystery. Stores offer the option for shoppers to gift these special packages to others who might be interested in their offerings.
This is a fun way to get your friends something new and exciting. You can choose recipients of the same shared interest so they would appreciate what’s in the box. Even while social distancing, you can bond together through mystery packages.
This is why some stores offer the option of sending one box to yourself and another to a friend or loved one. It’s a way for people to shop for something thoughtful while the store gets to market its offerings in a fun way.
More than a mystery box
Throughout the years, the concept of the mystery box has evolved from being just a box of exciting new things. It has become an experience people have come to enjoy.
It’s a cool concept to try something new without exerting the effort of researching for interesting trinkets or specialty goodies. For you to shop mystery boxes for yourself and others, you need a fast fiber home internet connection. After all, how will you be able to search for specialty stores, right?
As a new internet provider in the Philippines, we at Streamtech Systems Technologies Inc. allow you to exceed your limits and unearth more mysteries. Not only can you entertain yourself with these care packages of joy, but you can also search for other fun ways to fuel your interests.
Streamtech paves the way for you to explore more interest even in the safety of your homes. To enhance the Streamtech experience at home, you can purchase our Extendifi WiFi Extender. This helps you enjoy fast fiber home internet wherever you are at home. You can even watch your favorite cable TV shows through our partnership with Planet Cable.
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