Understanding Build-a-Box

What is Build-a-Box?

Build-a-Box lets customers create custom subscription bundles by selecting from products you define as eligible. Skio offers three types of Build-a-Box structures, each designed for different business needs and customer experiences.

How Build-a-Box works

Build-a-Box creates virtual bundles in Skio's backend without disrupting your product catalog or fulfillment flow. Here's the basic process:

1. You define eligible products that can be included in the box

2. You set rules like minimum/maximum quantities, discount tiers, and pricing structure

3. Customers build their box by selecting products on a dedicated box builder page

4. The box becomes a subscription that customers can manage in their portal

5. You create a selling plan to define subscription frequencies and discounts for the box

Important setup requirement

All Build-a-Box types require a selling plan. When creating a new selling plan, navigate to Features > Selling Plans > Create new plan, then select the appropriate box type option.

Comparing Build-a-Box types

Dynamic Box

What is a dynamic box?

A dynamic box lets customers freely select from eligible products you define. The total price adjusts based on the individual products selected, and you can set minimum or maximum requirements based on quantity or total value.

When to use dynamic boxes

Use dynamic boxes when:

• You need to enforce minimum order quantities or values to maintain profitability

• Customers should be able to mix and match products without preset combinations

• You want to offer tiered discounts based on how many items customers add

• Products have different prices and you want the box total to reflect actual product values

Key features

• Flexible product selection: Customers choose any combination of eligible products within your defined constraints

• Quantity or value minimums: Set minimums based on item count (e.g., 3+ items) or total price (e.g., $50 minimum)

• Tiered volume discounts: Reward customers for adding more items with progressive discounts

• Portal management: Customers can swap products in their box anytime while maintaining minimum requirements

Example use case

A supplement company sells products ranging from $15-$45. They need customers to order at least 3 products to make shipping profitable. They set up a dynamic box with a 3-item minimum, offering 5% off at 3 items and 10% off at 5+ items. Customers can freely select any combination of supplements, and the price adjusts based on what they choose.

Sectioned Box

What is a sectioned box?

A sectioned box combines multiple dynamic boxes into one larger box, allowing you to set different product limits for specific categories or sections. Each section maintains its own rules while appearing as one unified box to the customer.

When to use sectioned boxes

Use sectioned boxes when:

• You have a large product catalog that needs category-level organization

• Different product categories should have different quantity constraints

• You want to ensure customers select a balanced variety across categories

• You need more granular control than a single dynamic box provides

Key features

• Category-based limits: Set different min/max ranges for each section (e.g., 2-4 lipsticks, 1-6 eyeshadows, 1-3 eyeliners)

• Inherited configurations: Each section uses the settings from its underlying dynamic box

• Unified customer experience: Appears as one cohesive box builder despite multiple sections

• Complex rule combinations: Different discount tiers and constraints per section

Example use case

A makeup brand wants customers to build a complete routine. They create a sectioned box with three sections: Lipstick (must choose 2-4), Eyeshadow (must choose 1-6), and Eyeliner (must choose 1-3). Each section has its own discount tiers, ensuring customers get a balanced selection across all categories.

Static Box

What is a static box?

A static box offers preset product combinations at a fixed price. Customers select from pre-configured bundles you've created rather than building their own combinations.

When to use static boxes

Use static boxes when:

• You want full control over which products are bundled together

• You're offering curated experiences or themed collections

• You want to simplify the customer decision-making process

• Fixed pricing is important for your business model

• You don't need customers to modify bundle contents after purchase

Key features

• Preset combinations: You define exactly what goes in each bundle

• Fixed pricing: Each bundle has one set price regardless of individual product values

• No post-purchase customization: Customers cannot swap or modify products in the bundle

• Simplified setup: Easiest Build-a-Box type to configure

Example use case

A coffee company offers three subscription bundles: Morning Blend Box (2 light roasts + 1 medium roast), Dark Roast Lover's Box (3 dark roasts), and Variety Box (1 light + 1 medium + 1 dark roast). Each bundle is priced at $45 and customers choose which bundle they want without modifying the contents.

Creating a Build-a-Box

Regardless of which type you choose, all Build-a-Box setups require creating a selling plan:

Step 1: Create your box in Skio

1. In the lefthand menu of your Skio Dashboard, go to Build-a-Box

2. Select the box type you want to create (Dynamic, Sectioned, or Static)

3. Configure your box settings, eligible products, and customizations

Step 2: Create a selling plan

1. In the lefthand menu of your Skio Dashboard, go to Features > Selling Plans

2. Click Create new plan

3. Select Create dynamic box subscribe and save (for Dynamic and Sectioned boxes) or use standard selling plan creation (for Static boxes)

4. Configure your subscription frequencies and discounts

5. Add your box product

6. Click Save

For detailed setup instructions for each box type, see:

• How to set up a dynamic Build-a-Box

• How to set up a sectioned Build-a-Box

• How to set up a static Build-a-Box