Are you ever really excited about something, but then something goes wrong? That’s what happened to me. Well, actually, several things went wrong. 🙁
As an “Ace,” I supposedly get first choice of boxes, and I specifically selected the box with the Milk, Smashbox, and Kiehl’s. Milk was especially important because since it’s so new, I had never tried anything from the brand, so I was really looking forward to it. I got confirmation of my selection, so I was good to go! Or so I thought…
What I was SUPPOSED to get…
Well, my debit card got stolen, and it didn’t occur to me to update Birchbox, so I got an email saying I had to update my Birchbox payment information, which I did on March 6th. I got confirmation of the update, and was told I would still have my reservation. Yay!!!!! Unfortunately, they still sent the wrong items. 🙁
What I ACTUALLY got…
I have been in contact with Birchbox’s customer service “Discovery Specialists,” and despite more than a few hiccups, they seem to be very friendly and willing to help. I was told in the email that if I updated my payment information by the 14th, I would still get my reservation. But then, they told me I did NOT get the reserved box because my payment information wasn’t updated by the 1st!! My whole issue is, why would they tell me I WOULD get it if that was not the case…?!? It really irritates me when one person at a company tells me one thing, but another says the exact opposite. Why tell me the 14th if they really mean the 1st…?!?!
I got confirmation of the Smashbox and Kiehl’s being sent, but they are saying they don’t have any of the Milk lipstick to send, which is what I wanted most. I’ll be posting about my experience with them as soon as the whole ordeal is either resolved or over, so keep checking back!
In the mean time, I’ll go over the (wrong) items I was sent…lol! The items themselves aren’t bad, they’re just not what I really wanted.
My March Birchbox contained the following:
Parlor by Jeff Chastain Smoothing Blowout Spray– I have long, thick hair, and it’s prone to damage, so I don’t usually blow dry it. But, the next time I do, this will be fun to try!
Wilma Schumann Hydrating Collagen Eye Pads– This was actually one of the items I was originally supposed to receive, woo-hoo! I got this as a free sample with a Birchbox purchase before, but I liked it, so I don’t mind another one.
FHI Heat Hot Sauce– Not really an item I need, as I have plenty of these types of products already. But, I do like FHI products, so this will be good for my travel bag.
Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow– This is probably the item I like least. On a good note, I very rarely get a BB cream sample in a shade that works for my medium-toned skin, and this one actually looks promising! BUT… a BB cream with NO SPF…???? WTF…?!?!?
treStiQue Color & Smudge Shadow Crayon in Aspen Pine– I’ve gotten a lot of these in subscription boxes. There’s nothing wrong with it, but I already KNOW I like them…lol! I would have rather had the Smashbox shadow because it was three colors instead of just one 🙂
Overall, despite getting the wrong items, nothing was terrible, so that’s good. On another note, there seems to be a packaging change. No cute tissue paper- what’s up with that??? Dear Birchbox- you’re supposed to UPGRADE packaging, not downgrade, if you want to remain competitive! Sephora and Beauty Box 5 both have adorable packaging, just sayin’… 😉
As for the issues I’ve been having with Birchbox, no company is immune to mistakes. When everything goes right, it’s easy for a brand to look awesome to customers. It’s how they handle the things that go wrong that can make them look bad, or allow them to really shine! So, keep checking back and I’ll let you know the deets!
Update: After corresponding a LOT with Birchbox, and despite the fact that I asked repeatedly, they still never told me why I was told I had until the 14th to update, when they really meant the first. While chatting with them online, they asked for my phone number so they could call me to address this. I waited for three hours, but they never called. Lo and behold, they called the next morning. I’m not available in the mornings, that’s why always message them in the evenings.
My April box had the wrong items, as well. At this point, I’m extremely disenchanted with Birchbox. I’m still debating whether or not to post all the screen shots and correspondence with them over the issue. If I decide to do so, I’ll update again.
