Subscribe and save: the maths of when it pays off

Subscription discounts are attractive. Many shops offer something like 15 to 20 percent off if you accept regular deliveries. Whether it saves you money depends on a few things.

The basic sum#

Take the one-off price and subtract the discount. Compare that with what you would really spend in a year. A product that costs 30 once, or 24 on subscription, saves you 6 per delivery. If you'd buy it six times a year, that's 36 saved. If you only needed it three times, you've spent on three extras you didn't want.

Would you buy it anyway?#

Subscription only saves money on things you use at a steady rate: vitamins, coffee, pet food, toiletries. For anything where use varies, deliveries pile up. Be honest about how fast you get through it.

Check the commitment#

Read the terms before you start:

• Can you pause, skip or cancel online at any time?

• Is there a minimum number of deliveries?

• Does the price rise after the first order?

• What is the cancellation deadline before the next shipment?

• Are returns allowed on subscription orders?

A discount is worth less if cancelling takes a phone call.

Watch the first-order tricks#

Some subscriptions start with a heavily discounted trial and then switch to full price. Put the renewal date in your calendar when you sign up.

Free gifts#

Starter bundles and free gifts can be genuine value, but price the gift honestly. If you wouldn't buy it, it's not a saving.

Compare with other ways to save#

Occasionally a one-off sale, a multi-buy or a bulk size beats the subscription. Compare unit prices across the options.

Review once a quarter#

Look at what you receive, what's piling up and what you're paying. Adjust the frequency or cancel. A subscription you forgot about costs you everything.

Short version#

Subscribe when you use it steadily, the terms let you stop easily and the discounted price is lower than other routes. Otherwise, buy once.