Do you notice the ads on Facebook? Maybe because I worked in advertising and advertising research for so many years, I actually do. Recently, a Facebook ad for a company called Brandless caught my attention. Everything they sell is priced at $3. Everything.
To me, Brandless initially sounded like the Dollar Store, but the reviews I read on their website said that the quality was nothing like Dollar Store items. For $3, it seemed worthwhile to take a chance.
Brandless, a company that launched in July 2017, sells “better-for-you-and-the-environment” goods from a limited number of categories. But at this point, they have over 250 products to choose from:
- food: mostly organic, non GMO cookies, tuna, steak and BBQ sauces, salad dressing, candy, baking mixes, mustard, maple syrup, and a lot of other food products
- household: kitchen tools and accessories, disposable kitchenware, kitchen wraps, tissue and toilet paper, kitchen linens in white or grey, white porcelain mugs/plates, cleaning supplies
- supplies for the home office: pencils, pens, highlighters, journals
- personal care/beauty: hand cream, hand wash, body wash, shave gel, body lotion, body scrub, hair care (cruelty-free, no parabens, phthalates, sulfates), organic cotton balls/swabs/pads
- health: vitamins, oral care products, feminine hygiene products
They’re asking customers what products they’d like to see next.
You can even buy in “bundles” for a set price either by flavor (e.g. lemon) or by concept (e.g. office coffee room snacks). Novel idea, I think.
My First Experience with Brandless
I ended up buying 4 random items from 3 different categories:
- silicone spatula
- silicone kitchen tongs
- honey
- hand wash.
There were a bunch of other things that I was considering, but I didn’t want to go overboard in case the quality wasn’t there.
The day I ordered, there was a “shipping for $1” promotion going on. The regular shipping cost is $5. Free shipping kicks in at $40. Or if you think you’re going to buy a lot over time, like if you’re a business, you can become a member for a year for $36 and get free shipping with every order.
So in total, my order with the $1 shipping cost me $13 plus tax, delivered. I received my order in less than a week. And it was nicely and simply packaged. The no-frills “non- brand” has a whimsical, contemporary vibe.
Everything arrived in good order.
Here’s what I got:
- The silicone spatula is insanely sturdy. I was afraid it would be a flimsy cheap plastic item – not at all! The acacia wood handle is incredibly sturdy and a bit heavy. The silicone is high quality. This thing should last decades! It has a hole in case you want to put a string through it to hang it.
- The silicone tongs are made with good quality brushed metal and silicone. I love that it has a built-in loop at the top so you can hang the tongs – now I wish I had a place to hang it and the spatula!
- The organic honey comes in an 8 oz. plastic jar. The label is simple, attractive, and gets across some key points: organic, True Source Certified, gluten-free (though all honey is gluten-free).
- Maple Ginger Gel Hand Wash in a 9.5 fl. oz. plastic pump bottle smells absolutely divine!
I must say that I am delighted with every single item I purchased. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy more from Brandless. I think it is an ideal place to shop for a student or a person setting up their first apartment or home because it’s so darn affordable and such good quality. Actually, it’s a good place to shop for anyone.
Brandless, a non-brand brand, says they can offer these prices because they are “unbranded” and don’t have to pay a lot to promote their products – though they did advertise on Facebook. Ah, contradictions. Whatever.
They give back by partnering with a program called Feeding America.
So far, I’m impressed with Brandless.
Check out the Brandless website to see for yourself, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Wow, this is awesome, I could use a few kitchen items.
This is such a cool concept. I love it!
wow this is cool! Ill have to check it out!
Wow, that sounds interesting! Wonder how its possible!
I assume they won’t spend a lot of advertising. Like you, I’m curious about who their manufacturing partners are since the products are really good quality.
Interesting concept but I feel like they kind of ARE a brand? No? It’s similar to Trader Joe’s buying other brands and marketing them under the TJ umbrella at lower cost. I’m all for it though!
Yes, they definitely are a brand! That what I was saying about the contradiction. But a $3 per product and really great quality so far, I’m OK with their positioning even though it’s a little fraudulent 😉
Ah yes, I guess I read through that a little too fast – we’re saying the same thing! 😉
<3 No problem, Jen! Yes, we absolutely are in agreement.
I have been considering purchasing from this company for a while, so I really appreciate your good review! I’m glad to hear that you liked your products.
Lorraine, I was really expecting much when I placed my order at Brandless, but the items exceeded my expectations. The silicone spatula was truly a revelation, lol. I have used it everyday since I bought it. It is ergonomically designed to go around a bowl perfectly, and it helped me make incredible scrambled eggs. If you do end up buying something(s), LMK what you think. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
This is an interesting concept for sure!