Misfits Market Review
Misfits Market is a subscription-based produce distributor redirecting items that are unfit for supermarket glory to the humble, sustainably-minded consumer. If you’re like me, you’re wondering if Misfits Market is legit, a good deal, and if the produce is serviceable.
The Short Answer: Yes, with some caveats. The box used in this analysis presented a 27% savings (about $15 dollars) over the retail value of comparable items, provided about 22 pounds of veggies and fruit, and arrived on time in a nice, chilly box.
The Long Answer:
I have a bi-weekly “madness” subscription box that shows up at my door every two weeks around noon. The base price of the box is $35. With shipping, every two weeks Misfits Market credits $40 from my credit card. This seems like a decent deal considering the amount of produce in each box. In fact, this week I received approximately 22 pounds of veggies and fruits. To check if this box is a good deal, I recorded weights for every item, researched comparable item’s prices from Mississippi Market Coop’s online shopping site, and calculated the retail value. Then, I compared the retail value to what I paid for the box. Here’s what was in my order:
Below is a breakdown of weight, cost, and savings:
As you can see above, the box we received seems to be a good deal, and it is a good deal. Misfits Market is able to sell this produce at an average rate of 27% (about $15 dollars) off retail prices. However, there are a few caveats. First, the packaging involved seems appropriate but makes me feel sad because there is so much of it. However, much of the packaging is recyclable (whatever that means in this era of post-peak recycling). Next, in my order there were a few items showing damage or outright missing. A green bell pepper was sliced which caused it to dry out. My collard greens were chopped up and messy from transit, and I didn’t receive any red onions. As a side note, the table above also shows zero for Russet Pears. I don’t know how to differentiate Russet from Bosc pears so I lumped them all together as the prices are the same. Lastly, Misfits Market is usually really good about providing credits toward the next box if items are missing/messed up — I’m anticipating receiving $5–10 of credit for the pepper, collard greens, and onion situation. So, in the end, it’s all good. Or is it?
Let me know if you subscribe to Misfits Market and if you do what you think about the arrangement.
If you’d like to subscribe to Misfits Market, feel free to use this referral code and save 50% off your first order. COOKWME-VC2JIB
Il cibo è per sempre.
-Q
