Cologne Tester Stickers: Are They Different From Originals?

Tester stickers on cologne bottles are used to differentiate products that are for sale and those that are for testing purposes. Tester perfumes are usually offered in an outer carton box without cellophane or a label, and sometimes, the packaging box or the perfume bottle has a 'not for sale' label. The liquid inside a tester bottle is 100% identical to the retail fragrances. Tester perfumes are ideal for personal use if you do not care about the packaging and find the price very important.

Tester stickers indicate the cologne is 'not for sale'

Tester stickers indicate that a cologne is not for sale. Tester perfumes are sample fragrances found in perfume stores and are not products for sale. However, some online fragrance stores do sell them. These bottles are manufactured in the same factories as the regular fragrances, but they are sometimes missing the cap and are offered in plain white or brown boxes without cellophane. Testers are usually presented in 100ml variants, but they can also be found in other sizes.

The purpose of tester products is to display and allow customers to try fragrances before purchasing them. The liquid inside a tester bottle is 100% identical to the retail fragrances. Tester stickers are used to differentiate what is for sale and what is for testing purposes. Testers are also often sold without the luxury packaging that comes with the original product.

Testers are a great way to save money if you are willing to accept some differences in packaging. They are usually 20-50% cheaper than the original fragrances. However, when purchasing a fragrance as a gift for someone else, it is better to buy the perfume in its regular retail packaging.

Tester colognes are cheaper

Simplified Packaging:

Testers often come in plain white or brown boxes without any cellophane wrapping or labels. Sometimes, the box or bottle may have a "not for sale" label, and they may or may not include a lid or cap. This simpler packaging reduces costs for manufacturers.

Direct Sourcing:

Tester colognes are usually bought directly from manufacturers or wholesalers, bypassing the retail distributors who typically add decorative packaging. This direct sourcing results in significant cost savings, which are then passed on to the consumer.

Bulk Purchasing:

Online fragrance discounters often purchase large quantities of testers directly from distributors at discounted rates, especially for perfumes that didn't sell well in a particular market. These bulk purchases allow them to offer testers at much lower prices.

Grey Market:

The fragrance "grey market" is a term used to describe the buying and selling of beauty products outside the official selling channels. Price differences exist across different regions, and grey market sellers take advantage of this by importing legitimate fragrances from other countries and offering them at lower prices.

Sampling and Promotion:

Stores carry perfume testers to encourage customers to sample different fragrances and promote sales. Testers provide an affordable way for customers to try out various options before committing to a full-priced purchase.

It's important to note that the liquid inside tester colognes is typically identical to the retail fragrances. The only difference lies in the packaging and distribution channels, allowing testers to be offered at more affordable prices.

Testers are often sold without a cap

Testers are meant for display and sampling purposes only, so companies don't always bother with a cap. They are usually offered in plain white or brown boxes without cellophane, and the bottles may have “Tester” printed on them or additional stickers listing the notes. Testers are typically cheaper than their boxed counterparts, making them a great option for those who are price-conscious or looking to expand their fragrance collection on a budget.

When buying testers, it is important to purchase from a reputable source to ensure authenticity and quality. Testers from trustworthy sellers will contain the same fragrance liquid as the retail version, and the lack of a cap should not affect the juice inside. However, it is worth noting that testers of vintage fragrances may be more susceptible to deterioration due to prolonged exposure to light and air during their time on display counters.

In summary, while testers are often sold without a cap, this does not impact the quality of the fragrance liquid inside. Testers offer a cost-effective way to acquire authentic fragrances, especially when purchased from reliable sources. For those who value the aesthetic of a complete bottle or intend to resell their fragrances, opting for the retail version may be a better choice.

Testers are sold in plain packaging

Additionally, tester packaging is cheaper than retail packaging because it isn't meant for resale. By eliminating elements like boxes, caps, and decorative bottles, companies can offer testers at a lower price point. This cost saving is passed on to the customer, making testers a more affordable option.

Testers are also often sold without caps or boxes, which contributes to the plain packaging. This is because they are meant to be sampled by multiple customers and are not intended for personal use. The lack of a cap also allows for easier access and use in stores.

Some testers may also have additional stickers or labels indicating that they are for testing purposes only. These stickers may include information about the fragrance, such as the notes or ingredients. Overall, the plain packaging of testers helps to differentiate them from retail products and allows customers to easily identify them as samples.

Testers are not diluted

There is a common misconception that testers are diluted or have a higher concentration of oils. However, this is not true. Testers are not diluted. The liquid inside a tester bottle is 100% identical to the retail fragrances. The fragrance inside tester bottles is of the same identical ingredient quality as their retail releases.

One of the reasons why customers get the impression that testers are diluted is that the fragrances inside the bottles mature with usage. By the time you use the bottle to about 50%, the fragrance has been subtly altered by the air that came inside with each spray.

Other reasons why a tester might smell different include:

• Reformulations – older formulations tend to be richer
• Wrong storage conditions under bright lights
• Testing the perfume on paper strips vs. testing on the skin
• Weather conditions alter how we experience perfume

Testers are typically larger than samples, coming in the 50ml, 75ml, 100ml, and 150ml range. They are also usually cheaper than the actual colognes, as they lack the cost of packaging and bottling.

Frequently asked questions