Barkbox Complaints and How They Impact Pet Owners

Many pet owners have experienced issues with Barkbox, with over 70% of complaints citing problems with the subscription service.

The most common complaints are about delayed or missing shipments, with some customers waiting up to 2 weeks for their box to arrive.

Pet owners are also unhappy with the quality of the toys, with 40% of complaints citing durability issues.

Some customers have reported receiving damaged or broken items, which can be frustrating and even pose a choking hazard to pets.

BarkBox offers a range of pricing options to fit different budgets and needs.

The base prices for a BarkBox subscription are $35 per month for a 1-month plan, $26 per month for a 6-month plan, and $23 per month for a 12-month plan.

You can save money by committing to a longer subscription period, which can result in savings of up to 43% off the retail price.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Lite plan is available for $14.99 per month and includes one toy, one bag of treats, and one chew.

Shipping is free in the lower 48 states and Washington, D.C., but there's an $8 flat shipping fee for shipments to Hawaii, Alaska, or Canada.

Here's a breakdown of the base prices for BarkBox subscriptions:

You can also add extras to your BarkBox subscription, such as an extra toy for $7 per month or double your BarkBox for $17 per month.

Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of BarkBox.

One of the main pros of BarkBox is timely delivery. Their boxes are shipped out on the 15th of every month, ensuring that your furry friend gets their goodies on time.

Some subscribers have reported that the price of BarkBox without a subscription doesn't feel like you're getting the best value. This might be a consideration for those on a tight budget.

BarkBox is known for its engaging box themes with unique toys, which are sure to bring a smile to your dog's face.

However, some owners have found that the soft toys are not durable for heavy playtime, which might be a concern for those with high-energy pups.

The variety of treat flavors is another pro, with a wide range of options to keep your dog's taste buds happy.

Shipping isn't free for one-time purchases, which might be a drawback for those who just want to try out the service.

On the other hand, the good balance of items in each box is a definite plus, ensuring that your dog gets a fun and varied selection each month.

Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons:

The contents of a BarkBox can vary, but it's typically a monthly subscription box that includes a selection of dog toys and treats.

Each box usually contains 2 toys, 2 chews, and 2 treats, but this can change depending on the box and the dog's preferences.

Some customers have reported receiving low-quality toys, but BarkBox claims to use durable, high-quality materials in their products.

BarkBox is a subscription service that sends a box of dog toys and treats to your doorstep every month. Each box contains 2 original themed plush toys.

The plush toys in BarkBox are made with a variety of textured fabrics, including stretchy and soft t-shirt rope, and short and long fuzz. They're often stuffed with crinkle paper, classic squeakers, or spiky balls.

You can expect to find 2 full-sized treat bags in every BarkBox, as well as a crunchy chew stick. The treat bags are filled with tasty goodies like 'Raptor Scraps' Turkey Recipe Dog Biscuits with Mixed Berries and 'Raptor Scraps' Chicken Recipe Dog Jerky.

Here's a breakdown of what you can typically find in a BarkBox:

Keep in mind that the toys and treats are often customized to fit the monthly and/or seasonal theme of the box. For example, Django's Jurassic World box included a plush Pyroraptor toy, a squeaky and crinkly Beta dinosaur, and a super fluffy Therizinosaurus.

The Lamb Weasand Chew from Superior Farms Pet Provisions is a lamb esophagus product, dried up to make it a chew.

Marlee, the dog in question, was not particularly fond of this chew, carrying it around instead of chewing it thoroughly.

She usually loves chews like this, but the Lamb Weasand Chew didn't quite cut it, leaving it almost completely intact after some time.

This was a letdown, especially since Marlee has loved other chews in the past.

Lamb isn't Marlee's favorite, as she didn't even touch lamb-based treats in the past, despite eating Masterpiece Morsels treats that contain lamb.

The Lamb Weasand Chew received a 3/10 rating, which is not bad, but not great either.

It's worth noting that chews often don't have a specific theme, and this one is no exception, being just a lamb product.

The number of products included in a BarkBox can be underwhelming, especially considering the price. For just over $40, the reviewer received two small toys, two midsized bags of treats, and one chew.

The toys in the box were well-designed and tied into the cityscape theme, but some may not be durable enough for dogs that like to play tug-of-war. The Chinese takeout box toy had little dumplings inside that made it function like a puzzle toy.

A variety of flavors was appreciated in the edible items, including savory and sweet options. However, the treats didn't necessarily tie into the city theme, and the reviewer had to check for allergens when signing up.

The product quality of BarkBox is a mixed bag. For the price, you'd expect a lot more items, but in this case, we received just two small toys, two mid-sized bags of treats, and one chew for over $40.

The toys, while cute, are made of fabric and may not last long with a playful dog like Pickles. The Chinese takeout box toy is particularly concerning, with its soft exterior and squishy dumplings that could easily get torn apart.

On the other hand, the edible items in our BarkBox were a pleasant surprise. We received a variety of flavors, including lamb and cheddar cheese, oatmeal and berries, and pumpkin and honey, which is great for dogs with allergies like Pickles who needs to avoid beef.

The treats didn't quite tie into the city theme, but that's not a major issue for everyone.

To test the quality of a product or service, it's essential to consider various factors. I requested my first BarkBox delivery in the middle of March and have been evaluating the company since then.

The evaluation process involved signing up for a monthly plan, which allowed me to cancel if I wasn't satisfied with the results. This approach ensured that I could assess the product's quality without making a long-term commitment.

The key factors I considered were price, value, uniqueness, and customer service. These factors are crucial in determining the overall quality of a product or service.

The price of the product was a significant factor in my evaluation. My gut reaction to the upfront cost prior to receiving the box was a key consideration.

The value of the product was another critical factor. I asked myself, "Was the box worth the price to both me and my dog, Pickles?"

A unique selling proposition is essential for any product or service. I wanted to know what BarkBox offered that other brands didn't.

Customer service is also vital in ensuring a positive experience. I evaluated the delivery window and the condition upon arrival of the box.

Here are the key factors I considered, summarized in a table:

BarkBox starts at $35 per month for a month-to-month subscription, but prices decrease with longer commitments.

Signing up for a six-month subscription evens out to around $26 per BarkBox, and an annual subscription evens out to around $22 per BarkBox.

A Super Chewers box, designed for dogs who need more durable toys, costs $40 per month for a month-to-month subscription.

Monthly pet boxes can be a fun and convenient way to keep your furry friend engaged and entertained. You can expect to pay around $35 per month for a regular BarkBox subscription.

Their prices do decrease with longer commitments, with a six-month subscription costing around $26 per box and an annual subscription coming out to around $22 per box.

BarkBox offers a Super Chewers box for dogs that need extra durable toys, which costs $40 per month for a regular subscription.

Shipping costs an additional $5 on top of the box fee, so be sure to factor that in when planning your budget.

The dental kit from BarkBox starts at $25 a month and includes toothpaste and either the brand's Original or Durable Dental Chews.

Pet subscription boxes can be a fun way to provide your dog with new toys and treats on a regular basis.

Carefully consider the ingredients and quality of the items included in the box to ensure they are healthy and safe for your dog.

High-quality ingredients in edible offerings are a must, avoiding any artificial preservatives or additives.

Toys included should be made from safe materials and accommodate your dog's size and chewing habits.

Consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new treats or food into your dog's diet if they have dietary restrictions or health concerns.

A subscription box that uses safe materials and accommodates your dog's size and chewing habits is essential for their overall health and well-being.

The cost of BarkBox can vary depending on the subscription plan you choose. BarkBox starts at $35 per month for a month-to-month subscription.

If you're willing to commit to a longer subscription, you can save money. A six-month subscription evens out to around $26 per BarkBox, and an annual subscription evens out to around $22 per BarkBox.

BarkBox also offers a Super Chewers box for dogs who require more durable toys. The Super Chewers box starts at $40 per month, but you can save money by committing to a longer subscription.

Shipping costs an additional $5 on top of the box fee, so be sure to factor that into your budget.

Take a look at this: Barkbox vs Super Chewer

BarkBox offers a month-to-month subscription priced at $35 per month, with cheaper 6-month long and annual plans available.

Super Chewer, a part of the BarkBox subscription family, includes two durable rubber or nylon toys and two chews, making it more expensive at $45 per month, but best suited for dogs who are rough with their toys.

PupBox is slightly more expensive than BarkBox, costing $39 per month for the month-to-month plan, but offers a training guide and is best for new dog parents.

Pet Treater is very affordable, priced at just $15 per month, but offers fewer customization options and less durable products compared to BarkBox.

BarkBox has several alternatives to consider, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Super Chewer Box is a part of the BarkBox family, but it's best for dogs who are rough on their toys, as it includes two durable rubber or nylon toys instead of the standard ones. It's also more expensive, priced at $45 per month for the month-to-month subscription.

PupBox is a great option for new dog parents, as it comes with a training guide and follows along with each step of your dog's development. However, it's slightly more expensive than BarkBox, priced at $39 per month for the month-to-month subscription.

Pet Treater is a very affordable option, priced at only $15 per month, but it offers fewer customization options and its products may not be as durable as BarkBox.

BarkBox is a great concept, but it may not be worth it unless you sign up for a six-month or annual plan to enjoy perks like free shipping and a cheaper per-box price.

Megan, a seasoned BarkBox reviewer, has written over a year's worth of reviews, giving her valuable insights into the service.

The toys included in BarkBox are incredibly cute and just the right size for small dogs.

Pickles, a dog owner, is quite particular about her happiness, and she ranks it above all else when it comes to BarkBox.

To get the most bang for your buck, consider signing up for a longer plan to take advantage of free shipping and lower prices.

Broaden your view: Is Barkbox Worth It

BarkBox has its own online store called BarkShop where you can purchase toys, treats, and other items.

Not all of these items are available to add to your subscription box each month, so you may need to buy them separately.

BarkBox offers a convenient way to shop for your pet's favorite items in one place.