Loot Crate is a monthly box subscription service containing geek or gamer related products. The company resides within the US, and this past November was the first time the service was available to the UK.
For a 1 month subscription in the US it costs ($19.37/£11.82), in the UK the cost is $29.95/£18.28. Of course, the reason why it costs more is due to shipping costs, but is it still worth it?
Each month the items are centered on one theme, so you have a generalized idea of what to expect.
Have a gander at these previous Loot Crates:
October’s:
Theme: SURVIVE
September’s:
Theme: ANIMATE
August’s:
Theme: CAKE
Looking at these, you’d have to assume that you’d get at least one figurine or a T-shirt in a Loot Crate box, or possibly both.
November’s theme was ‘CELEBRATE’, and there were three things that came to mind: Doctor Who, PS4 & Xbox One. So I immediately signed up for it, assuming that it would include some variation of all three.
It took around 14 days to arrive, and luckily there weren’t any tax charges. When it finally did arrive, it seemed smaller than I’d expected, considering the amount of goodies I’d seen from previous crates:
You also receive a small leaflet with every Loot Crate and contains information about the items you’ve received.
The Items:
1) Batman Wallet:
It’s made from 25% Tyvek, is 100% recyclable and is resistant to tears and stains. Trust me, I’ve tried. The design is pretty cool, it has the Batman logo on the front and Batman himself on the inside of the wallet. The downside for me, is that I don’t like wallets like these. There are 6 places to store things, from credit/debit cards, point cards, notes, but nowhere to store coins. Regardless of that, it’s a nifty design and I like the fact that it’s recyclable. It could come in handy during conventions, as that’s the only time I tend to spend a lot of money, or if I want to keep all my point cards in one place so they don’t clutter my actual wallet. It’s worth noting that you also get a voucher for 20% off your next purchase, ending December 31st 2013 but only for the US store.
Now, three important questions:
Would I have bought it?
No.
How much do I think it’s worth?
Honestly, probably around £5. It does essentially look like it’s made out of paper…with super powers. And I’m not a huge fan of Batman (sorry!) I’m more of a Freakazoid type o’ gal.
How much IS it worth?
Prices vary from £11.99 to £14.99 depending on the design. Specifically the Batman one, £17.70 on eBay. Though I’d be surprised if they’re not on sale at conventions. You can also buy personally customised ones (using photos, illustrations or Instagram) from their US store: www.dynomighty.com
2) Police Box Wall Graphic:
I took a photo of it next to my bus pass for reference. It would’ve been nice if the sticker was bigger, around the size of the actual Loot Crate box, that way it would have had more of an impact if I stuck it on my door, wardrobe or fridge. It has a fabric-like texture, which makes it fancier than a normal sticker, and is apparently reusable too (I don’t trust it).
Would I have bought it?
Yes.
How much do I think it’s worth?
If I saw this at a convention, I’d expect it to go for £2 tops. And even then I feel like I’m being generous, it is just a sticker, which may or may not be reusable. Though I’d probably use blue-tack to be safe.
How much IS it worth?
It doesn’t look like there are any wall decals like this for sale. There’s the exact same sticker for sale on eBay for £7.33 and comes with the Doctor Who balloon (no.3). Or you could get a magnet for £5.17 on eBay if you want one on your fridge. There’s a larger wall decal of the same design (not as detailed), on Etsy for £12.12.
3) Doctor Who Balloon:
There isn’t really much to say about this one, pretty much says it in the heading. As cool as a TARDIS balloon is, I have no intention of using it. Partially deflated balloons make me sad.
Would I have bought it?
Yes.
How much do I think it’s worth?
I’d expect these to come in a pack of at least 5 or 10. But for one, I’d pay £1 tops for it.
How much IS it worth?
Aside’s from the listing I mentioned in no. 2, you can’t get a balloon that looks exactly like this one, but you can get an official TARDIS foil balloon for £1.89 off eBay.
4) Bicycle Deck of Cards – Dragon Back:
There were five different packs I could have received, Robocycle, Stickman, Guardian, Gold Dragon and Red Dragon.
As a collector of playing cards and lover of dragons, I was ridiculously pleased to receive this deck. The cards themselves feel really well made, and the design on the back is beautiful and intricately designed. I was disappointed to see that the Jack, Queen & King cards were designed similar to a normal deck of cards, I expected them to look like dragons.
Would I have bought it?
Yes.
How much do I think it’s worth?
For the quality and design of these, I’d be happy paying £10 for them.
How much IS it worth?
You can find this deck of cards on eBay for £4.99. The most expensive out of the decks you could’ve received was the Robocycle deck, which is £8.95 on eBay.
5) South Park Rechargeable Pocket Speaker:
This is the best item in the box. I don’t really watch South Park anymore, but I was happy to receive my favourite character, Kyle. There were other characters available: Kenny, Stan and Cartman. It’s well made and the sound quality is pretty good. Though I don’t use speakers to listen to music. On the other hand, it makes a good figurine.
Would I have bought it?
No.
How much do I think it’s worth?
Considering its small, compact and rechargeable, £15.
How much IS it worth?
This specific figurine is available on Amazon for £31 or £26.31 on eBay. Kyle, Kenny and Stan sell for the same price, yet Cartman is available for £19.73. Why no love for Cartman?
6) BFAST – Breakfast Shake:
This I found a bit odd to receive in a ‘geeky and gamer’ box. I haven’t tried it, and have no intention either. Even though the expiry date is February 2014, I don’t know if I trust a milkshake that hasn’t been refrigerated for at least 14 days.
Would I have bought it?
No.
How much do I think it’s worth?
Because it’s an energy drink, I’d expect it to cost £2.
How much IS it worth?
This product is only available in the US. You can buy a pack of 3 on Amazon (US) for $14.55, making one carton worth £2.97.
7) First Person Shooter Glass:
I like the design of this glass and I’m glad it’s actually made of glass and not cheap plastic. Though, I very rarely drink alcohol and I don’t do shots, so this is pretty useless for me. Though I’m sure I’ll find a use for it one day.
Would I have bought it?
No.
How much do I think it’s worth?
I’d expect something like this to come in a pack of 3 or more, but alone £4.
How much IS it worth?
You can get a similar looking shot glass for £16.97 from eBay.
If you wanted these exact items or as close to them, using the lowest prices given, the total amount their worth is £70.59. Removing the items I wouldn’t have bought, the total cost is £12.05. A substantial difference. I was disappointed that you didn’t get anything Xbox or PS4 related, and the only Doctor Who merch was a balloon and a sticker.
Was it worth it?
Personally, no, it wasn’t. Even if I bought the items I would’ve paid for, the cost still comes to £13, which is £5 under the price I paid for the box.
There is a risk when signing up to Loot Crate, as you may end up receiving items you don’t like or don’t want. Though, because these items will be hard to find/non-existent outside the US, these items could make great gifts to nerdy friends and family. Personally, I’ve decided to continue subscribing to Loot Crate and hope that one day I hit the motherlode. And considering the next box will be during Christmas, I’m hoping it’ll contain Christmas related items.
I decided to introduce a three strike system, if I get to my third subscription and I’m still unimpressed, they’re out.
If you’re interested in Loot Crate and want more info visit:
Irwin Fletcher
I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.
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