SmallBizGenius Analysis
Owlcrate is a book subscription service specializing in special edition books and bookish merchandise, earning high praise for its customer service and the quality of its book editions. However, some customers report issues with shipping, particularly international orders and advent calendars, leading to mixed experiences.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews
Customer Service
9.2/10Reviewers consistently praise Owlcrate's customer service, highlighting quick response times, helpfulness, and friendly interactions. Many reviewers specifically mention individual customer service representatives like Tara and Amber, noting their efficiency in resolving issues such as damaged items and subscription changes.
40 reviews mention thisProduct Quality & Design
8.8/10Customers frequently commend the high quality and unique designs of Owlcrate's books, often featuring special covers, sprayed edges, signed editions, and other customizations. Reviewers appreciate the attention to detail and the overall aesthetic appeal of the books, making them treasured additions to their collections.
35 reviews mention thisShipping & Delivery
5.5/10A significant number of reviewers report issues with shipping, including delays, damaged items, and problems with international orders. Some EU customers mention being charged VAT twice, while others experienced late delivery of time-sensitive items like advent calendars.
28 reviews mention thisCommunity Engagement
8.5/10Several reviewers highlight the positive aspects of Owlcrate's online community, "The Nest," praising its inclusivity, supportive atmosphere, and opportunities for book discussions. They appreciate the active involvement of Owlcrate staff and the various activities offered, such as read-alongs and author chats.
15 reviews mention thisSubscription Value
7.0/10While many customers find the subscription worthwhile due to the quality of the books and items, some express concerns about price increases and occasional dissatisfaction with the included merchandise. Some feel that the value has declined over time, particularly with changes like the removal of spoiler cards.
8 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"Tara has helped me with customer service questions quite a few times and has always replied quickly and kindly!"
"The books are always so beautiful. The newsletters are full of information and opportunities. I love this company"
"I love the OwlCrate Community! This community has been really supportive and is wonderful to be apart of!"
"Every box a delightful surprise! The books are gorgeous and I have found new authors with many of the boxes, tempting me to read names I've never heard of and tropes that I normally would avoid."
"While there are some really great book boxes out there, props to Owlcrate for having the BEST community and customer service team. I always get a friend response when I have to reach out to the CS team, the team is transparent about changes and delays, and they go out of their way to make the community feel seen/appreciated."
Common Complaints
"I ordered an advent calendar in October, as a present for my daughter. I didn't get the advent calendar until December 20th and then of course it was a useless gift."
"Unfortunately, one of my latest orders came in damaged. I emailed Owl Crate and they responded in less than an hour offering me two different solutions."
"Owlcrate does not care about their EU customers. This is incredibly clear by the fact that even after repeated issues for EU customers getting charged VAT on delivery in spite of paying at checkout, Owlcrate refuses to take responsibility for the mistakes they are making which cause this and have done nothing to prevent it from happening again."
"They hiked up the prices for it claiming shipping and production costs, dropped the quality of their products (like a tote bag whose strap was attached via a plastic keychain clip that wasn't meant to ever hold weight), and removed the spoiler / info cards and replaced them with QR codes on the boxes that only work half the time, are up for less than a month, and then the info is gone."
"I brought the six of crows with goodies from them based on other goodies they've produced from the same book series and I was incredible disappointed, I got a small plastic bag of coffee with a sticker and a cheap candle and I can't have coffee due to my bodies reaction and I have a heart condition, and I struggle with scents so a candle was unusable for me."
Common Questions About Owlcrate
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Owlcrate legit and trustworthy?
Yes, Owlcrate is generally considered a legitimate and trustworthy company. Many reviewers praise the quality of their special edition books and the responsiveness of their customer service. While some customers have reported issues with shipping and occasional product flaws, the majority of reviews indicate that Owlcrate delivers on its promises of providing unique and well-designed bookish items. The company's active engagement with its community and transparent communication further contribute to its reputation as a reliable service.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Owlcrate have good customer service?
Yes, Owlcrate is widely praised for its excellent customer service. Reviewers frequently mention the quick response times, helpfulness, and friendly demeanor of the customer service team. Many reviewers share positive experiences of having their issues resolved efficiently, such as receiving replacements for damaged items or assistance with subscription changes. The customer service team's dedication to addressing customer concerns is a recurring theme in the reviews.
Based on 40 reviewsIs Owlcrate worth it for small business owners?
For small business owners, whether Owlcrate is worth it depends on their specific needs. If a business is looking for unique, high-quality bookish items for gifting or resale, Owlcrate's special edition books and curated merchandise could be a good fit. However, it's important to consider the potential for shipping delays and VAT issues, especially for international customers. Small businesses should also weigh the cost of the subscription against the value of the included items and factor in the time required to manage any potential customer service issues.
Based on 8 reviewsWhat is Owlcrate's return policy like?
The reviews do not provide extensive details on Owlcrate's general return policy. However, it is evident that Owlcrate is willing to offer replacements or store credit for damaged items. In cases where customers received advent calendars late, Owlcrate's willingness to accept returns seemed limited, with one customer being told to donate the item instead. Customers should check Owlcrate's official website for the most up-to-date information on their return policy.
Based on 3 reviewsWhat is "The Nest" and what are its benefits?
"The Nest" is Owlcrate's online community platform, designed to connect book lovers and foster discussions about books and related topics. Reviewers praise The Nest for its inclusive and supportive atmosphere, where members can share their love of reading, participate in read-alongs, and engage with authors. The Nest also provides early access to Owlcrate book releases and exclusive content, making it a valuable resource for subscribers and book enthusiasts alike.
Based on 15 reviewsLooking for Something Different?
Compare Owlcrate against 24 similar lifestyle & perks options.
View Alternatives