Mullybox is a subscription box that helps people play better golf. Each month we send newly themed box which contains training aids and gear that enhances a different area of our subscribers’ golf game. Some of our recent themes include: “Sharp Shooter,” “Bunker Box,” “Drive for Show and Putt for Dough,” and “On Course Entertainment.” For example, in our “Sharp Shooter” Box we sent: 3 accuracy-based training aids, a club groove sharpener, tees, and a ball marker. The total retail value was in excess of $60, and our box costs $35.
We actually started Mullybox to be a “golf essentials” company. One day when I was on the course, as has happened more times than I’d like to admit, I ran out of golf balls. The idea then popped into my head to start a subscription box business that sent golf balls and tees every month, and literally that night I went home, created a website, and went live. Surprisingly, within a week of promoting this idea on Facebook, we had received our first order. Over time, we offered a “step-up” box that had a new accessory every month, and noticed our subscribers were selecting this option about 90% more than the balls and tees only, and from there, Mullybox was born.
Our mission is pretty simple; we want to help people golf better. Golf better doesn’t just mean posting lower scores, it also means enjoying your time on the course with your playing partners. So every item that we curate for our box is selected with this mantra in mind. For all of the attributes that the sport of golf teaches, such as etiquette, honor, and integrity: We believe that bringing better golf to the world will make the world a better place.
There have been a lot of cool things, like: getting featured on celebrities' social media accounts, and podcasts like Talking Golf with Gary and The Fizz. However, I would have to say what I am most proud of is to see where the product is today compared to where it was when we launched. It’s truly morphed from a stocking stuffer to a product that is fine-tuned and valuable for the golf world.
Every week, Subbly hosts a free webinar to teach budding entrepreneurs and business owners how to create recurring revenue. You’ll learn how to build a subscription ecommerce store from scratch and how to start selling subscriptions with any existing store.
Funny story, we actually got our first customers before we had any product. I spent a little bit of money on Facebook Ads after making a generic website, and within a week someone had purchased a box. I went on Alibaba and rush shipped a few hundred units. I didn’t really know what I was doing at this point, but this was how we were able to learn.
I believe that our mission of “better” golf is not just achieved with a one time purchase or one lesson, it’s something that happens over time and with discretionary effort. For that, it makes more sense for us to facilitate better golf in pieces over time.
I first used Subbly because its ease of use, but over time, the main differentiator undoubtedly became customer service. For every issue that came up (and trust me, there are many), Subbly was either able to help me come up with a solution or workaround, within a few hours. Subbly is the perfect platform to launch your subscription business, but also has the tools and competency to help you at scale.
Just go for it! Paralysis by analysis will kill you in the startup world, especially the subscription ecommerce business. Launch, try to get customers, get their feedback, pivot, repeat!