Testers are used by department stores to promote a particular fragrance and are therefore the same quality as the retail product. They are authentic, fresh, and 100% original. However, they may be exposed to some light and may not come with a cap or official packaging. As long as they have been properly stored, there should be nothing wrong with tester bottles. They are a great way to save money on fragrances, but it is important to be cautious when buying them, especially online, as there are many fake testers on the market.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Price | 20-50% lower than original packaging |
Packaging | Outer carton box without cellophane or label |
Bottle | May have a 'not for sale' label and may not have a lid/cap |
Scent | Same as original |
Legitimacy | May be counterfeit if from untrusted sellers |
Storage | Should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight |
Expiry | Should not be older than 3-5 years |
What You'll Learn
Testers are not watered down
Testers of cologne are a great way to sample different fragrances without breaking the bank. They are the same product as the official fragrance, just without the fancy packaging. Testers are often produced in the largest range of branded perfumes and are usually 100ml, but can also come in 50ml, 75ml, 90ml, or 125ml sizes.
Testers are a more affordable way to experience premium quality fragrances at a discounted rate. They are bought directly from manufacturers and wholesalers, rather than retail distributors, which is why they are cheaper. The popular colognes come with all original accords, but at reduced rates.
There is nothing wrong with the juice from a tester. The only potential issue is that they often don't come with a cap or atomizer, so be careful when purchasing to ensure you are getting what you want. As long as they have been stored properly, in a dark place or box, there should be no problems with the cologne inside.
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Testers are cheaper
The lack of decorative elements and additional accessories in tester packaging contributes to the reduced price. The bottles used for testers may differ in size or design from retail packaging, and they may use different spray nozzles or caps. Testers are also not intended for resale, but rather for display or promotional purposes, which further reduces their cost.
It is important to note that while testers may be cheaper, the quality and quantity of the perfume inside remain the same as retail-packaged perfumes. The difference lies solely in the packaging and labelling. Testers are authentic and brand new fragrances made by the manufacturer, and they can be a great option for those exploring new scents or looking for a more affordable choice without sacrificing quality.
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Testers are harder to find
Secondly, tester bottles are usually not for sale and are intended for in-store sampling only. They often lack the attractive packaging and labels of the regular product, and sometimes even have a “not for sale” label on the bottle or box. This makes them less desirable to consumers who value the presentation and aesthetics of the perfume bottle.
Additionally, tester bottles may be missing a cap or lid, which can be a deterrent for some consumers who prefer a secure and complete package. The absence of a cap also makes it easier for people to try out the fragrance in stores, but it may be seen as an inconvenience for those who purchase the tester bottle for personal use.
Furthermore, the availability of tester bottles can vary depending on the popularity of the scent. Less popular fragrances may have tester bottles that sit on the shelves or in storage for longer periods before being restocked, while more popular scents will go through tester bottles at a faster rate. This can make it challenging to find tester bottles for specific fragrances, especially if they are in high demand.
Lastly, some stores or online retailers may not carry tester bottles at all, opting instead to use regular bottles for sampling purposes. This can further reduce the availability and accessibility of tester bottles for consumers.
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Testers are not for resale
Testers are also not for resale because they are often sold without their original packaging, which includes outer carton boxes, cellophane wrapping, and labels. Testers may also be sold without a lid or cap, which can be off-putting to potential customers. Additionally, testers may be exposed to certain conditions, such as bright lights in stores, that can alter the fragrance over time. This can result in disappointed customers who find that the tester they tried in the store smells different from the bottle they purchased.
Furthermore, selling testers can be unethical, as they are often given to stores for free. While it may not be illegal to sell testers, doing so can result in customers not receiving free samples, as stores may choose to sell the testers instead.
Finally, some companies do not produce testers at all, and those that do often engrave or sticker their tester bottles with "tester not for sale" to indicate that they are not intended for resale. As such, testers are usually sold through third-party websites or grey markets rather than directly by the manufacturer or authorized retailers.
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Testers are harder to fake
Additionally, testers are often sold by reputable online stores, further reducing the likelihood of them being counterfeited. Testers also tend to be more concentrated, ensuring better sales, which further discourages counterfeiting.
It is important to note that while testers may be less likely to be faked, there is still a risk of purchasing a counterfeit product, especially when buying from unverified sources. To minimize this risk, it is recommended to purchase from authorized retailers or trusted online stores.
Furthermore, proper storage of testers is crucial. They should be kept in dark places or boxes to prevent deterioration, especially for citric fragrances, which are the most vulnerable to degradation.
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Frequently asked questions
Testers are authentic, fresh, and 100% original. They are used by department stores to promote a particular fragrance and are the same quality as the retail product. However, they may have been exposed to some light and are often without a cap or official packaging.
There are no risks associated with the juice inside the tester bottle. However, testers may be fake, especially if they are priced very low. It is also hard to verify the age of the tester.
Fake testers are usually found in the higher-priced perfumes on eBay. Brands like Chanel, Tom Ford, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian are commonly counterfeited.
To avoid your fragrance from going bad, keep all bottles in a cool, dry area, away from windows as sunlight can unbalance the ingredients.