Here’s a short video we made called, “What is Happy Mail?” Here we describe the inspiration behind Happy Mail and the basics of how it works!
We also created an “unboxing video.” We plan to do this each month. This is the best way to get a closer look at all the pieces included in Happy Mail #1! (Not gonna lie. This video was SUPER fun to make!)
And here are some photos of the first Happy Mail package.
Okay! Q&A time. We’re attempting to answer all the questions that we’ve been receiving most often. Hopefully all your questions will be answered here.
Q: Do I have to commit to a whole year?
A: Nope! On the pre-order page, if you click the dropdown menu you can select a commitment of one year, six months, or one month. If you’re on the fence and just want to try it out, I suggest you try one month for your first time. The one-year commitment is the best value, but you can always do that next month if you’re not ready to commit yet (we think you’ll love it and be hooked!).
Q: How long will Happy Mail be for sale?
A: Until it sells out. Each month the new Happy Mail will be revealed on the 10th. Billing and shipping will also happen on the 10th of each month. Beforehand we’ll share sneak peeks on Instagram. Some months may sell out quickly—we don’t know yet. Subscribing is the best way to know for sure you will always get a Happy Mail package.
For this very first month we are doing a pre-order, so anyone who wants to ensure they have a package before it sells out can get one! We honestly had no idea how many to produce, so they will likely sell out. (Hint, hint: don’t delay in placing your pre-order if you know for sure you want one!) November’s Happy Mail kit will ship mid-month. All future months will guarantee shipment on the 10th.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes! We ship everywhere in the world. (Hooray!)
Q: How much is international shipping?
A: International shipping is just $2, worldwide.
Q: How does billing work? (If I sign up for the year do I pay all at once, or monthly?)
A: The payments will be monthly! So if you subscribe to the 12-month commitment, you will pay $15 on the 10th of each month.
Q: Are there a lot of religious/holiday cards, because those may not apply to me?
A: Each package is a big mix! We do have some seasonal/holiday pieces, but they do not make up the bulk of the packages. I’ve already designed three months, and I can tell you that the majority of the cards are year-round occasion cards like birthdays, wedding, baby, thinking of you, get well, etc. There are also a lot of blank cards with cute designs that can be used for any occasion. Our big picture theme is variety!
Since each month is a surprise, you can expect to get some cards that you wouldn’t have picked out. As much as we would love to do a club that was curated for each individual person, that would be very expensive for you guys ($$$). So we hope you love and embrace the surprise aspect of the club! We think it’s super fun, and it’s also how we’re able to offer the incredible value.
So with that said, if you are worried about getting a package and disliking too many of the individual pieces, I recommend you order on a month-to-month basis, because that way you can always see all the themes before you buy. 🙂
Q: How many pieces does each box include?
A: Every month will be a little different, but it’s an average of twelve pieces. Each box is at least a $50 retail value, but the number of items may vary a little month to month.
Q: What else do the boxes include beside cards?
A: In addition to cards and postcards, we have been including art prints, note pads, stickers, and tags. Each month these additions are a little bit different.
Q: Did you design all the cards, or are they curated?
A: Yes. I designed them all, along with my awesome graphic designer, Ryan, and designers from the Studio Calico team. In the future we may include pieces from other companies, but for now we are designing each one (and loving every minute of it!).
Q: I already pre-ordered! When does it ship?
A: Your package will ship in mid-November. In the future they will ship on the 10th of each month.
And a few other new-website-related things to note!
Transitioning your previous A Beautiful Mess Shop account:
Because this shop site is on a whole new platform, you’ll need to set up a new account (or you can use a Studio Calico login, if you have one). But don’t worry. You still will have access to all your previous purchases. You should have an email in your inbox with instructions on how to get all that set up. It’s super simple. But if you didn’t receive the email or are having any trouble at all, please contact support.
Still have a question? Ask us in the comments. 🙂 Thanks for your support. We’re super excited to bring you Happy Mail! Love, Elsie
107 Comments
This is such a cute idea! I’m a huge fan of subscription boxes, because it’s just so much fun to receive something on a monthly basis. If only I didn’t already live above a discount party supply store with an infinite number of cards, haha.
Cat
http://oddlylovely.com
I am beyond obsessed with this idea!! Cannot wait to sign up, you guys are the best! XO, D
can’t get over how cute everything looks! If these were in stores I’d totally look at them all day 😉
http://everydayingrace.blogspot.ca/
Guys these videos are so so so much fun. I can’t wait to live off of more than a student budget cause I would love to subscribe and am crazy about snail mail. So happy for you guys this seems super awesome!
Liefs,
Yara
Very cool.
Happy mail is such an awesome idea!
http://talisatalksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/winter-primark-haul-november-2014.html
Just preordered! I cancelled my Birchbox so I didn’t feel guilty doing another subscription! I am beyond excited and can’t wait to receive my first package. Keep the art prints coming too because I plaster my home with them. Thanks!
Have you ever thought about doing a scrapbooking-type subscription box? That would be so fun!
Love love love this whole concept. Amazing value and I am so very excited to be a subscriber!!! The kit looks gorgeous.
I am excited about the Lightroom presets! Is there going to be more, with an eventual “Complete Collection” discounted option? Or is this one set, THE set and I should purchase now?
Thanks ladies (and behind the scenes gents)!
-S
Fun! I have a blog dedicated to reviewing subscription boxes/services. I’d love to review Happy Mail sometime! 🙂
I think i need longer address box. Because my address is really long one 🙁
Such a fabulous concept!! I would love to order subscriptions for friends and family as a Christmas gift! Is it possible to order them as gifts? When would I need to place the Christmas order?
One more quick question: Will you be considering offering a 3-month package as a “holiday gift”?
I am SO excited for this! Just signed up! I’ve been following you two since before you merged both of your blog sites! My favorite bloggers with my favorite hobby: stationary! Can’t wait!
If I place a month to month subscription and reveal and billing are both done on the 10th, will it be too late for me to cancel the subscription if I don’t fancy a particular month’s kit after viewing it at reveal? Thanks!
Can’t wait to receive the first package! So. Much. Fun.
Awesome!
Thanks so much!!
-Elsie
Hi Ariel,
Yes! We are doing one, but not till after the new year when our albums come out. It’s called Messy Box. You can sign up to get info when the time comes here- http://shop.abeautifulmess.com/preorder/messy-box
xoxo! Elsie
Thanks so much Penny! I can’t wait for you to get your package in the mail.
xx- Elsie
Hi there.
We don’t plan to do more Lightroom sets in the near future (I never say never, but they’re definitely not coming soon!) so for now this is the full collection we will offer for Lightroom!
xx- Elsie
Hi Szasa,
Contact our customer support team here- http://shop.abeautifulmess.com/conversations/new We would love to help you!
xx- Elsie
Hi there!
Yes we will be sharing a special downloadable “gift card” for those who want to give the subscriptions as gifts! 🙂 I’m giving some as gifts too.
Stay tuned!!! Elsie
Thanks so much Lily!!!
xx- Elsie
Hi Waihan,
So, this month you’re already seeing the full package so you know if you like it or not, but for NEXT month, yes, it would be too late.
If you want to be able to see before you buy, the best way to do that would be to do the month-to-month commitment and then cancel before the 25th of the month. Then when the next kit is revealed you can do the month-to-month again once you see that you like it!
I know that’s a lot of steps, so we hope that for 99% of people that won’t be necessary after you get a month or two and see how great the quality and variety is! :))
Hope that helps! Here’s the FAQ page if you have more questions http://shop.abeautifulmess.com/faq
xx- Elsie
So excited! I can’t wait for you to get it in the mail, Dawn! You’re gonna love it!
xx- Elsie
Ah! Awesome sauce!
So flippin’ excited for mid-November! Looking forward to seeing all you create! If you want to include a a stamp or two I won’t be mad at ya 😉
Love the new site!! Are you guys still offering the crash courses from the previous shop? I can’t find them anywhere in the new shop! Thanks so much!!
Hi! I love the idea 😉 all the cards are cute and unique, you have so much talent!
My first language is French, and since most of the cards have texts, It will probably limit the way that I can use them… Do you plan on making some “packages” without any texts, for non-english speaking person like me?
Thanks and continue your amazing blog!
The cards in the happy mail are so fun…love each and every one… this is gonna be so helpful this holiday season..
xo
Hems
agoldentulip.blogspot.com
Just wondering if you will ever include letter writing paper? I do love cards but a little bit of cute letter paper would be awesome 🙂 I have a few penpals that I like to keep in touch with 🙂 Already subscribed, can’t wait!
This is such an amazing idea!! I can’t wait to subscribe. I am terrible when it comes to sending out handwritten correspondence but I think this may be just the motivation I need. 🙂
One thing occurred to me today – I set up my subscription to come to my office, and we might be moving in the next few months. Will I be able to update the shipping address? 🙂
This is so fun!!!! I absolutely LOVE this idea!!! And thanks so much for including international too – Im definitely going to look at getting this! 🙂
Love this idea, but would like to see no more than 2 specific cards each month and then the rest blank please! Love the notepad, great extra! Will be seeing what cards are like in next box but will most prob subscribe x
So this is really cool! I love love stationary and this is some amazing stuff! So different x
Bec x
http://www.dancingthroughsunday.com.au
Yayayayyayay! Repeat that loudly as a pregnant woman jumping about (cautiously) and you’ve just captured my excitement and reaction! Can’t WAIT to sign up. I adore snail mail.
If I subscribe for a year and move, is it possible to change my shipping address?
P.S. SO EXCITED!
Such an amazing idea. You would not believe my joy when I saw that international shipping was $2, totally made my day!!
YAY! Worldwide shipping! Woohoo! 🙂
This is a great idea! I love to send unique cards.
I followed you since.. I think it was 2011. So good to see how you developed.
I need this in my life!!
Ooooh my goodness–you must have realized that stationery is my love language! Heading to the site right this instant!
you two are geniuses. seriously.
love, arielle
a simple elegance
I cannot even imagine how fun this project was to design! I don’t really do a lot with stationary but everything is so cute I think I might have to start.
Oh I love this so much! You guys just keep on throwing more awesome stuff at us. I love stationery 🙂 BUT I think the best thing about this post was this awesome video! It’s so great to hear you guys talking and actually see you ‘live’! I mean I’ve been following ABM for around a year now and I’ve seen a lot of photographs of you, but never any film! I guess I sort of had a ‘Emma’ and ‘Elsie’ voice in my head when reading your blogposts, but they don’t match with the real ones haha. And that’s funny. 🙂 Love you guys.
xo Cinnamon
http://www.cinnamonetcetera.nl
I am so excited about this. I have just order the first month and I am very tempted to subscribe for longer but I am definitely not an impulse buyer and find it nerve-racking.
I also just found your ‘404-page not working’ page and I love it! I have never found it before and have been reading for a few years now but it was so cute. Brilliant attention to detail.
Looking forward to receiving my happy mail so I can send some happy mail too. Zoe
Oh what a fun concept!
Love love love this! When my best friend got married, I made it a point to handwrite her a letter on beautiful stationary for every single “major” event that happened surrounding her wedding (shower, wedding weekend, rehearsal, dress fittings, etc.) and also gave her a scrapbook that she could put the letters in. I am at the age where a lot of my friends are getting married (or already are!) and I havent been able to find stationary I love as much as the ones I used for my best friend’s letters. What I am saying here, is that this looks like the perfect idea- and such a great gift idea, too! Good luck! I will be subscribing soon 🙂
I love love love this idea. I always wish I had cards on hand to use at any time and this is the perfect way to get cute cards without hunting through stores. I am already thinking of where I would start storing all of my new cards. Any ideas? Thanks!
Hi Elizabeth! We have retired our crash courses at this time, but they are still available for those who purchased them in the past. 🙂 -Jacki
so funny you mention that because i JUST re-subscribed to birchbox and now I see this and I’m like “uh i think im gonna cancel my birchbox…again”. Good on you!!
haha!! I like the way you think!
Will some of these be added to the shop to buy individually? I love the floral one and would be interested in purchasing a pack of those.
This is so ridiculously awesome!! I see myself never using the cards because they are just too cute and pretty and I will forever be waiting for the “perfect moment” to use them, haha!!
I really like how cute your voices sound Elsie and Emma. Oh and I vole how thoughtful and creative each piece is. I think I see myself hoarding them. Haha. 🙂
https://annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com/
So excited! I had to sign up after watching the videos and seeing how pretty the pieces are. It will be great to get them and be inspired to send snail mail again. This is such a good idea, I hope it goes well! And I’m sure it will, as all of your ventures have. 🙂
Hi Haley! At this time everything in Happy Mail is exclusive to the club. That’s part of what makes each month special! 🙂 -Jacki
This is a super cute idea, I love that you guys are doing an unboxing! I’m a big package designerd, it would be fun if you had a whole unboxing experience (though definitely more expensive…). Also, Emma totally has an NPR voice (in the best way possible)
Hi Jessica!
Yes! Just login to your account, click on your name in the upper right hand corner of your screen and select “My Account” from the dropdown menu. It is here that you can update your shipping address. Please note that the address must be updated by the 9th of the month, as orders will be created and shipped on the 10th with whatever address is on file. 🙂 -Jacki
Hi Amanda!
Yes! Just login to your account, click on your name in the upper right hand corner of your screen and select “My Account” from the dropdown menu. It is here that you can update your shipping address. Please note that the address must be updated by the 9th of the month, as orders will be created and shipped on the 10th with whatever address is on file. 🙂 -Jacki
Hi Eve,
We don’t have plans to expand into other packs yet, but maybe in the future! 🙂
Thanks so much for asking,
Elsie
Hi Hilary,
That’s something we’re considering for future months. 🙂 We love hearing your requests!
xx- Elsie
Awe!! Thanks Lindsay!
(and Congratulations!!!)
-Elsie
Haha! Thanks so much!!! :)))
-Elsie
What a great idea! My Mother and Grandmother will love receiving these from me and my daughter. I don’t know if you have had this conversation but my family tends to talk about the lost art of handwritten notes and thank yous 🙂 The random email and text is not how they are used to communicating and I think this will be a great way to share moments and well wishes. This is just one of the reasons I love you guys at A Beautiful Mess! Great ideas! can’t wait to let my 2 yr old grab her colors and go to town! Thank you for this!
So cool. Love this idea.
LOVE this! Now if only I had a job…
P.S. Elsie’s and Emma’s hands are so cute!!
Will you be selling the items found in Happy Mail seperatly? Specifically the note pad, its awesome and I want one but I also want to give a couple to some friends.
Thanks!
Hi Katelyn! Hi Haley! At this time everything in Happy Mail is exclusive to the club. That’s part of what makes each month special! 🙂 -Jacki
Do you have any plans to bring back the package that has a few of your different actions?
I think it was around $10. I would LOVE to try them and kick myself that I missed the chance first time around
Thanks!
Hi! I’m sneaking in this comment while at work so I didn’t have time to read all the comments, so I’m hoping this question wasn’t already asked, hehe. I’m thinking of buying a subscription as a gift for my sister-in-law..is there an option for signing up under her name but payment going through me as a surprise?
Thanks!
I want to say first off, you both are SO cute! Secondly, these new products are SO cute and pretty! I love snail mail, so this is perfect! Thank you for creating such great products. I can’t wait to get my 1st Happy Mail!
As soon as I saw this, I couldn’t stop smiling and immediately signed up!!! I love the idea, and I think it will help me be more intentional about sending cards and letters to loved ones in 2015. Thank you guys for the thoughtful work and obvious passion that went into this. I can’t wait to receive my first package!
Hi Gretchen! We have retired those for now. 🙂 -Jacki
Hi Amanda! You can absolutely “gift” a subscription and can select this option at checkout 🙂 -Jacki
I am in love with this idea, but sadly have too few people to send pretty stationery too, especially in the digital age.
You guys should start a pen pal program to accompany and let your readers from all around the world connect and share happy mail!
It is a wonderful idea and I will def sign up!
Only thing is with creating the new account, I no longer have access to all the courses I have bought in the last year or more…not sure what is happening but I really hope the support team can work it out for me, as I have not completed the new Blog Life course and of course really want to!
Hi Jeanine! We would love to help! Send us an email at customercare AT studiocalico DOT com 🙂 -Jacki
I have a quick question… If I were to purchase this in say, January… Would I still get a full 12 months? or since it started in November only get 10?
What an adorable idea! Each card I buy for showers, birthdays, thank-yous, etc. Is so expensive so this is really a great deal- and SUPER cute!
I especially love the art print this month. I have one question–
is the envelope thick enough to prevent bending of the cards and art print?
Thanks!!
LOVE THIS! Elsie, I could listen to you talk all day – so cute! Thank you for your continued creativity and inspiration!
so cute!! i love this idea you guys!
xx nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
AWE! That’s so sweet Madison. Thank you!!!
-Elsie
Such a sweet idea!!!
xx- Elsie
Hooray!! Thanks so much Jenna!!
Hi Sarah,
The envelope we ship your package in is lined with cardboard! 🙂
Whatever month you get your first package in would be our first month and you would continue getting it for 11 months after that! So you can start anytime. You won’t miss anything. 🙂 We’ll be doing it for more than a year. 😀
-Elsie
This is such a sweet idea! The stationary care packages are such a good idea for those who just love to collect stationaries like myself!
I just can’t deal with how creative you people are! <3
Expect an order from South Africa soon 🙂
XX Tracy
Hi ladies! I just pre-ordered my 12-month subscription to Happy Mail and am SO excited! I wanted you to know that the Instagram link in your confirmation email links to an Instagram account that is not your account. Thanks!
Hi Allison! Thanks so much for your support! Which instagram account does it link to? -Jacki
Why is the paypal option not available at pre-order? 🙁
Just signed up yesterday and am considering this a christmas present from me…to myself (for an entire year too, yay!). My inner stationery addict totally fainted with glee the moment I hit “sign up”! Can’t wait for the first package 🙂
Lots of love from Germany!
This is one of the most exciting things (to me) that you guys have done maybe ever! So awesome. I just signed up and can’t wait. And seriously – thanks for totally affordable international shipping rates. That is amazing.
These are lovely!
If I place an order on the 10th will I still get that month’s box or will I not get a box until the next month?
Hello ABM team
It’s Eba from Hong Kong. Glad that I found the ABM blog around the same time last year.It’s been a year and I wanna say it’s my fav lifestyle blog.
I never purchase any paid app, except ABM photo app, just love using it!
And sooo great to see your shop with physical product :-), i’ve just subscribed my every first Happy Mail! (thanks for the worldwide shipment).
I am really looking forward to receive my 1st Happy Mail!
2 bucks for international shipping? yay! that is amazing!!!
you girls are doing wonderful things, and I can’t wait for Messy Box too! =)
Perfect, thanks!
Hi friends! I just signed up for happy mail and I love mail. I think the color and design and style etc is all in line with the ABM brand, however, I haven’t seen much related to cards on the blog. I’m a lover of snail mail and I’d love more posts related to cards. How do you store them? Creative envelope ideas? Creative stamp ideas? Creative packaging gift ideas? How so you display cards you get from people? If you’re hosting happy mail, it’d be super great to get some more card related posts…and if you need somewhere to get started, I have so many cards and I don’t know how to organize them!!!
Honestly, you guys are amazing. I’m so excited to give these cards to friends/family. Everything you do it perfect-o!
This is such a good idea! and your video was so adorable!
Just wanted to subscribe to these beautiful mail cards and … it’s now unavailable 🙁
Are they going to be back soon (I hope) … or never ? Or do I have to wait the next month ?
Love your blog ! And I hope to be as good as you when I finish your DSLR class !
Hi Melanie! They will be available again very soon. We should be posting about that on our instagram sometime today so stay tuned! 🙂 -Jacki
Hi,
Do you know how long this would take to ship to the UK? I’d like to order a one off Happy Mail for my sister in law for Christmas but want to know if it will arrive in time?
🙂
Hi Linda! Our customer care team can answer that for you. To contact them, go to: http://shop.abeautifulmess.com/conversations/new and they will be able to help you out! 🙂 -Jacki
I really want to get a year’s worth of Happy Mail but am currently at school and will be moving back home for the summer months. Is there an option to update your address?
When in the month do you think you will post the “unboxing”?
Simply can’t wait to see what I’ll be getting this month! 🙂