Luck with “Mystery Package”?

https://photos.smugmug.com/Private/n...ery_box-Th.png

Have any of you have had good luck with major pen retailer’s mystery packages? I did a fairly expensive one ($60 with shipping) on Black Friday with one of the big shops everyone knows. I’m not complaining because I knew it was a long shot that I would get anything significant from it despite their assurances. But I was a little disappointed when I received one fountain pen that sells for $21 on their site, three ballpoint pens, and a couple other miscellaneous items.

Just curious if the gamble has paid off any better for the rest of my pen friends?

I've once bought a mystery package.
From memory in there was a tiny notebook, a throw away cheap ballpoint, and a Mickey Mouse shower cap. :(
Never bought another one. :(

I think the concepts fun in reality its like getting a gift from some one who doesn't really know you.

I think subscription boxes are quite common these days especially in other interests. Sounds fun but paying significant sums for it not so fun.

I guess retailers see it as a way to take advantage of people and make extra money. If they were genuine, then each package would contain approximately the same value (retail) as what you paid. That way they still make money, but just not "extra" money. Alternately, they could also consider it like a lottery, but that would probably be illegal in some jurisdictions.

I was going to ask if anyone had bought a Mystery bag from The Pen Boutique.....think I'll give it a miss now :-)

Hi all,

When I was 12 y.o., I bought a mystery grab bag at a carnival for a buck.

The only thing inside was an EMPTY trial size bottle of Aramis cologne WITHOUT the cap.

Like Crissy, it was my first... and last... grab bag purchase. The old saw is true - never buy a pig in a poke.

It's just a way of getting rid of slow selling stock that they can't otherwise sell; or in other words:

"Son, you'll never get a Mont Blanc that way." 😁

- Sean :)