Visiting the mall can be a rather tiresome outing. The queues can be long and you will sometimes be faced with the disappointment of not being able to find the products that you set out to get.
As a result, many consumers turn to online shopping as it offers greater convenience.
Online retailers are becoming increasingly popular. You can browse through a vast selection of products and easily check and compare prices of different brands with a few simple clicks, all without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Public Goods is a prime example of a well-known online-only retailer. This store takes the hassle out of decision making by offering an assortment of trustworthy products in one place.
If you are not very familiar with Public Goods you have come to the right place.
Below we have compiled a review of everything that you need to know about this online store, from the product’s that they sell, to what we like and dislike. Continue reading if you would like to find out more.
What Is Public Goods?
Established in 2015, Public Goods is an online one-stop-shop home goods store that works via a membership system. They have several categories of products and a range of Public Good’s products can be seen on display in several other stores.
The company also prides itself on keeping up with demand by regularly releasing new product categories.
A quick browse on the company website confirms a commitment to the production of healthy and sustainable products, many of which surround the concept of self-care.
In fact, each of the product descriptions contains an explanation as to why the product is sustainable.
The company works alongside Eden Reforestation Projects and every time a new member joins, a tree is planted in an attempt to restore the rainforests.
As for the variety of products available, they produce a single product per need. For example, they don’t offer a huge selection of different types of body washes.
Initially, this may seem like they offer a limited variety of goods but it is important to remember that they don’t solely focus on selling a single line of goods, instead, they offer personal care products, household items, vitamins and supplements, pet products, groceries and CBD.
Upon initial inspection, you will notice that the aesthetic of the brand is simple and minimalistic.
The packaging tells you what you need to know about the product without being too overpowering. As such, these products will sit nicely inside your home, complementing the rest of your interiors.
Through their packaging, they also avoid pinpointing people’s insecurities. As such, they choose not to identify a problem that they are providing a solution to.
Another thing that Public Goods prides itself on is selling goods that are both affordable and accessible, without sacrificing the quality.
They also tend to have discount codes available that will deduct a certain percentage from the cost of your order.
Why you should trust us?
Our team has spent over 15 hours extensively testing and researching the best wellness products, including Public Goods. Our goal is to find the best brands who care about your well-being and help people live better lives. We evaluate products based on their quality, effectiveness and customer support.
We often ask ourselves a simple question: would we buy the product for ourselves and recommend it to our family and friends? This review is reviewed and thoroughly vetted by Amy Bells, our in-house wellness and self-care expert and product tester herself!
What Products Does Public Goods Sell?
From personal products to pet care and household essentials, Public Goods gives you access to all of the necessities and also has some slightly more unique products. A great thing about their range is that it is frequently refreshed with new product releases.
We have identified all of the products that you will find on the Public Goods website below.
Personal Care
- Hair and body – including hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shampoo bar, facial spray, and much more.
- Dental Care – including toothpaste (standard and travel size), breath mints, dental floss, and bamboo toothbrush.
- Vitamins and supplements – including probiotics, hair, skin & nails, men’s daily multivitamins, and more.
- Menstrual care – including tampons and pads.
- Essential oils – including Euphoria Essential oil blend, Focus essential oil blend, Argan oil, tea tree essential oil, and many more.
- Travel – Public Goods offer many of their products in travel size versions which are convenient options for travelers.
- Bundles – their bundles contain multiple products so you can try out a few different products.
A great thing about most Public Goods products is that there are refills available. This means that you aren’t going to go through so much packaging because once you have run out of the product, instead of discarding it, you can keep it and add the refill.
Household
- Cleaners – includes bathroom cleaner, glass cleaner, surface cleaner, tree-free paper towel, hand sanitizer, a walnut scrubber sponge, and lots more.
- Laundry – laundry detergent pods, fabric softener sheets, wood dryer balls, and more.
- Kitchen – a selection of lunch and dinner plates and bowls, a variety of glasses and mugs, straws, tote bags, and many more products.
- Linens – bath and hand towels, and washcloths.
- Candles
- Zero waste – public goods produce a range of zero waste products. This includes reusable bags, compostable trash bags, and vacuum bottles. Using zero-waste products will help to avoid plastic pollution.
Groceries
Public goods produce a variety of healthy food products along with new groceries too.
Whether you are looking for whole wheat flour, green curry paste, broth concentrate, cookies, chocolate, or coffee you are bound to find everything you need when browsing the grocery category on the website.
Pet (Dogs And Cats)
- Dog food, dog kibble, treats, catnip and shampoo
CBD
- CBD oil
- CBD softgels
- CBD salve
How Does A Public Goods Membership Work?
An annual Public Goods membership costs $79. As stated on the company website, this allows them to focus on delivering better value than their competitors.
If you are new to Public Goods and want to try out the products before jumping in and requesting an annual membership, you will be pleased to know that they offer a free two week membership.
Now you may be wondering what the benefits of a membership are, to some, spending $79 a year may seem like quite an expense. However, as a member, you will be given access to every line of high-quality products that are ethically sourced and affordable.
What’s better is that you don’t need to do anything to get this membership. When you make your first purchase, it is automatically added to your cart at checkout.
If at any point you decide that you want to cancel your membership, you can do so by emailing a member of the customer service team.
If you are happy with your membership and wish to keep it in place, continue as you are; your membership will automatically renew at the end of each year.
Remember that if during your free trial you decide that the membership isn’t for you, you will need to contact the team to cancel it, otherwise, you will automatically be charged the annual fee.
Should you decide that you want to shop from Public Goods again in the future, you will need to rejoin.
Are Public Goods Products Organic, Vegan-Friendly, And Gluten-Free?
Public Goods now creates plenty of products that are Vegan Friendly and Gluten-Free. They also sell several products that are Organic Certified. You will find that the products have a certification clearly stated on their packaging.
The team responsible for creating the goods are also against animal testing. As such, all of their shampoos, conditioners, and shampoo bars are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
You may be wondering how you can identify a product that has not been tested on animals. First, you can browse for the brand on the Beauty without Bunnies website.
You will also receive further clarification if the packaging of the product clearly shows the Leaping Bunny logo.
How Much Does Shipping Cost?
If you spend over $45 on products you will not be faced with a shipment charge. Your package will then be shipped to you via standard delivery. If the contents of your package do not qualify for free shipping you will have to pay a fee.
This isn’t a fixed amount but one that will be determined by evaluating the size and weight of your package. It can also vary depending on where it is being shipped too.
If you cannot wait for your products to arrive by standard shipping you can upgrade to a speedier option, however, you must be prepared to pay an additional cost for this service.
What Do We Like About Public Goods?
There are many things that we like about Public Goods, we have identified them for you below.
The Packaging
One of the main selling points of Public Goods is the use of minimalist packaging. The no-frills packaging means that very few materials are used.
For example, ahead of shipment, the packages are carefully wrapped so that the contents do not get damaged, but they do not have a lot of unnecessary bubble wrap, etc.
The packaging is also great for those who do not like their products to stand out. The choice of neutral colors means that they will blend in nicely when sitting alongside other products inside your home.
Low Waste Product Selection
As we have previously touched upon, Public Goods offers a range of Low Waste products, examples including the bamboo toothbrush, reusable tote bags, and floss. They also give a free tote bag to customers that are placing their first order.
Although you may notice slight differences in the quality of these products, e.g the bamboo handle of the toothbrush may feel slightly different from plastic, it is important to remember that your purchase will be supporting a good cause.
Usability Of The Website
As this is an online store, it solely relies on consumers finding and using its website to make a purchase. A website that isn’t very user-friendly is not going to result in many sales.
Also, consumers that have to flick through several product pages to find what they need may be put off visiting the store again in the future.
Thankfully, this website is super easy to use and consumers can easily navigate their way through the website by searching the different categories.
Ingredient Content
A great thing about public good’s products is that they do not include an extensive list of ingredients and the majority of ingredients that they do use are healthy. Therefore they are good for your wellbeing.
The bathroom cleaner only contains 7 ingredients. A product that contains fewer ingredients isn’t going to be as toxic as a product that is made using a lot of complex ingredients.
The Price
Products from Public Goods are fairly inexpensive. In fact, very few individual products retail for more than $10. They also offer bundles which for many, is going to be a cost-effective option, because you will be able to test multiple products.
Aside from this, you can also purchase refill products. As such, instead of having to purchase a replacement product every time you run out of the original, you can invest in a refill and pour the product into the packaging.
What Other Customers Are Saying About Public Goods
Public Goods have an average of 4 out of 5 stars on their website. Many customers are particularly pleased with the results they get from their Silk Dental Floss. One such review reads:
“I thought it would be fragile since it is silk, but it worked just as well as regular floss, plus it’s eco friendly!”
Other products across the Public Goods range are rated as:
- Shampoo Bar: 4/5 stars
- Toothpaste: 4.5/5 stars
- Hand Sanitizer: 4.6/5 stars
- Surface Cleaner: 4.5/5 stars
- Glass Cleaner: 4.6/5 stars
What Do We Dislike About Public Goods?
On the whole, we are pretty impressed with the Public Goods store and we discovered very few flaws, however, we have identified what we disliked about the company below.
Membership Requirement
As we have mentioned, to shop on Public Goods you are required to be a member. As each year concludes, your membership is automatically going to be renewed unless you cancel it. This may make it unappealing to some shoppers.
The membership fee amounts to $79 and this has to be paid in addition to the cost of the products that you wish to buy. For this reason, it may be considered to be a rather expensive way of shopping.
Your order also has to reach a certain amount to qualify for free shipping. If it is not within this threshold, then you will have to pay a shipment fee.
Again this is an extra cost that is going to need to be paid on top of the membership fee and the cost of the product. Some shoppers may prefer to make their purchases using a website that doesn’t require them to be a member.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Shopping On Public Goods?
Pros
- Unlike most other retailers, they don’t have an overloaded product selection. Instead of having thousands of options for each item, they have one of each product and this will make it much easier to decide on what you need.
- The company focuses on sustainability and this is reflected in its product range. They also have many that are organic and vegan.
- It is a one-stop-shop that provides many different products from haircare to food and vitamin supplements. The diverse product range means that you certainly aren’t restricted in what you can purchase.
- The packaging is simple and eco-friendly.
- They have a surplus store where you can purchase some of your favorite products at a discounted price.
- You will often be able to benefit from a discount code that can be applied to your order at checkout. This is great for those who want to save a few pennies on their shop.
- If any of the products that you receive are damaged in any way, after contacting the customer service team, you will be eligible for a refund.
Cons
- You have to spend a minimum of $45 in order to meet the threshold for free shipping.
- This shop can only be used by those that have a membership.
- When you compare the ounces of Public Goods products to those made by other brands, they are slightly more expensive.
Who Should Shop On Public Goods?
Public Goods is recommended for those who are happy to shop less specific brand names that are very well-known on the high street.
Although Public Goods has a vast product range, they only sell products from their own brand. Whilst this isn’t likely to be an issue for those who like to venture out and use different products, it may be less suited for those who are seeking a product from a specific brand.
If you enjoy the convenience of shopping and having the goods delivered directly to your doorstep, Public Goods could be perfect for you. It’s super convenient because you don’t have to do anything other than flick through the product selection, place your order and then wait for it.
It is also good for those who are conscious shoppers. If you are becoming more aware of your shopping habits and want to shop sustainably, you should check out this store.
As stated multiple times throughout this review, their products are also eco-friendly so you don’t have to worry about them having any detrimental effects on the environment.
The majority of personal care products and cleaning products are formulated using very few ingredients that do not possess any harmful chemicals.
When you compare them to similar products from competitor brands, you will find that the ingredient list is much less extensive.
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for a one-stop-shop that is going to deliver all of your goods to your doorstep, Public Goods is a strong contender. The products are sustainable and relatively affordable so you aren’t going to break the bank when making your purchase.
The packaging is aesthetically pleasing and details all of the important details and information that you need to know about the product.
Should you try any of these products, you will likely find that they soon become your new must-haves and you may even find yourself repurchasing many of them in the future.
If you are looking for a store that offers more than one variety of each product, Public Goods may not be right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is Public Goods Located?
Public Goods does not have a physical store but they do have headquarters which are located in New York.
Where Can I Purchase Public Goods Products?
Although Public Goods does not currently have a physical store, you will now find that many of its products are stocked and displayed in several other stores and pharmacies.
Do Public Goods Use Plastic For Any Of Their Products?
The majority of Public Goods personal care products are packaged in plastic bottles that are made from sugarcane-based plastic.
This brand prides itself on prioritizing sustainability and this is showcased via its products. This plastic is thought to be far less harmful to the environment than standard types of plastic.
Can You Order From Public Goods Without A Membership?
Unfortunately, you cannot place an order on Public Goods if you do not have a membership. You can make use of the free trial to see whether you enjoy their products.
If you do, once the two weeks have passed you will automatically begin paying an annual membership fee. You aren’t tied to this membership and you can cancel it by contacting the team at any point if needed.
Are Public Goods Products Good?
Public Goods makes shopping convenient for its members. Rather than having to visit multiple websites to find the products that you need, you can find the majority of what you need on this website.
Most of their products are also eco-friendly and sleekly packaged.
Is Public Goods Cheaper?
The majority of products that are available on the Public Goods website are pretty inexpensive considering that they are sustainably sourced and well packed.
Despite this, some may find the overall concept of the membership shopping system to be more pricey than they would like.
How Do Public Goods Help To Combat Climate Change?
Every time a customer makes a purchase on Public Goods, the company plants a new tree. This is because planting trees can help to fight climate change.
Working in partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects they aim to help those living in poverty by encouraging the growth of healthy forests. Impressively, since the company’s establishment, it has planted an astounding 100,000 trees on behalf of all of its customers.
Is Public Goods A Reputable Company?
Public Goods has earned itself a reputation as being a trustworthy supplier of a range of home goods and personal care products.
Is Public Goods An Ethical Company?
This company has a good focus on sustainability initiatives. For example, the ingredients in each of their products have been carefully selected and the packaging is recyclable. They also have a zero-waste range that aims to help lower levels of plastic pollution.
You may also like
The 5 best puzzle brands we are loving
Gravity – weighted blankets for a better night’s sleep
Brooklinen – The Internet’s favourite bedsheets
