So here’s something that might be considered an unpopular opinion. Something you think doesn’t make any sense, because it makes everything easier etc. etc. (hint: Amazon subscriptions, or really any kind of subscriptions). But give it a read and hear me out! Will ya? 😉 Ok, great, let’s get to it!
Storytime
I was working with a client once who was aaaallll about Amazon subscriptions. He had everything from toothpaste, over tissues to hand soap set up to be delivered on a regular basis by way of Amazon subscriptions. He said it saves him money and that he wouldn’t have to worry about running out of something.
When we found 26 hand soaps (I’m not kidding) buried in a deep kitchen cabinet, I think something clicked in him. Because the next time we met for another tidying session, he informed me that he had canceled all his Amazon subscriptions.
Arguments Against Subscriptions
So the obvious arguments speaking in favor of having subscriptions set up is that they save you time and money. But in my opinion (and experience), that’s just not the case.
1) It Doesn’t Save Money
Having a subscription for something often DOESN’T SAVE YOU MONEY because you tend to get more than you can use up. Syncing subscription services to your exact consumption habits is impossible. Companies want our money and encourage us to “set it and forget it”.
It’s super easy to NOT run out of something if your home is clutter-free, everything has a home and you have simple organizing systems in place. I’m a huge proponent of buying something when you need it. This way you’re saving money (even if things cost a few cents more) and NOT when you get unlimited deliveries of all the things.
2) It Doesn’t Save Time
Having those subscriptions often DOESN’T SAVE you TIME. Let’s look at my client’s example: he had hired me to help him declutter and organize his home. Much of the clutter he had accumulated were things acquired from Amazon with the click of a button.
In fact, we spent quite some time together to get rid of a lot of the excess. So he spent quite some time “reversing the damage”. Again, if you have a simple system in place where you track the items you’re running out of and shop for them once a month (or bi-weekly), THAT’s how you save time.
What subscription or subscriptionS do you have? Also, I’m curious: do you agree or disagree with me? Let’s have a discussion below!
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