Selling Cologne On Amazon: Is It Possible?

Amazon offers a wide range of men's cologne with various brands, sizes, and prices available. However, some customers have expressed concerns about the authenticity of the cologne sold on Amazon, with reports of receiving counterfeit or watered-down products. It is important to carefully review the seller and product reviews before making a purchase to ensure the legitimacy of the product. Amazon has a policy of refunding customers who are not satisfied with their fragrance purchase, which can provide some reassurance for buyers.

Amazon's policy on fake cologne

In some cases, customers have encountered issues with cologne purchased directly from Amazon, indicating that the issue may lie with Amazon's sourcing or quality control processes. However, it is important to note that Amazon also allows third-party sellers to list products on its platform, and it is possible that some of these sellers may be offering counterfeit fragrances.

When purchasing cologne on Amazon, it is crucial to exercise caution and conduct thorough research. Checking the seller's reputation and reading reviews from other customers can help identify potential red flags. It is also advisable to compare the price of the cologne on Amazon with the recommended retail price. If the price on Amazon is significantly lower, it may be an indication of a counterfeit product.

In the event that a customer receives a fake cologne from Amazon, the company has a refund policy in place. Amazon typically offers refunds or replacements for unsatisfactory fragrance purchases, even if the product was sold and shipped directly by Amazon itself. This policy provides some level of protection for customers who may inadvertently purchase counterfeit cologne.

To conclude, while Amazon does not explicitly permit the sale of fake cologne, the presence of counterfeit fragrances on its platform suggests that stricter measures are needed to protect consumers. Customers should remain vigilant when purchasing cologne on Amazon and be aware of their rights in case they receive a counterfeit product. By being informed and cautious, buyers can minimise the risk of encountering fake cologne and make more confident purchasing decisions.

How to spot fake cologne on Amazon

While Amazon does allow the sale of cologne on its platform, there have been numerous reports of customers receiving fake fragrances. Here are some ways to spot fake cologne on Amazon:

Check the Seller

Amazon itself won't sell you fake cologne, but plenty of independent sellers using Amazon have. The Amazon reviews don't distinguish between sellers, as every vendor is assumed to be selling the same product. Make sure the seller is Amazon, and not Amazon Marketplace or "Fulfilled by Amazon".

Research the Cologne Before Purchase

Before you decide to purchase online or through a third party, it’s important to research your desired cologne beforehand to get an idea of what to expect. Check the manufacturer’s website to see if they have provided adequate information on the packaging and bottle. Visit a department store to get an idea of how the authentic colognes are packaged and priced. If you find a luxury fragrance on Amazon for a very low price, it’s likely too good to be true.

Inspect the Packaging

Authentic cologne will come boxed and wrapped in cellophane. The cellophane is usually wrapped tightly and flawlessly around the box. If the cellophane is loose or poorly wrapped, this could indicate a fake product. The box should be made from high-quality paperboard that protects the cologne bottle from damage. On the inside of the box, there should be a special construction that keeps the bottle in place. Check the box for errors such as misspelled words, grammatical errors, or an odd layout of information.

Check the Numbers

Authentic colognes will have a control, batch, and serial number on the packaging. These numbers are used to independently verify the authenticity of the product. If you have any doubts, consult the manufacturer to see if the numbers match their production numbering.

Observe the Bottle

A designer brand treats the bottle as part of the cologne experience. An authentic bottle will have smooth containers made from high-quality glass material and have spill-proof, symmetrical caps. A fake bottle is usually rough or poorly made from cheaper materials such as plastic and could have an uneven cap.

Know the Scent Notes

A real perfume from a high-end brand will have tapering top notes, middle and base notes that reveal themselves throughout the day. A fake cologne usually only has a top note that isn’t very long-lasting. Doing your research beforehand to know what scent notes to expect is important. However, there are authentic colognes that are supposed to have a single note, so just because you notice one top note doesn’t always mean it’s fake.

Notice Longevity

A fake cologne can smell very similar to the real thing, but longevity will be the telltale sign. A real cologne will last way longer on the skin and has a shelf life of up to 18 months. A fake cologne only lasts up to a couple of months in the bottle once it’s opened.

Amazon's refund policy on fake cologne

Amazon's official policy is that fragrances are non-returnable, but the company will accept items that arrive damaged or defective. However, several customers have reported receiving refunds for fake cologne, even though Amazon does not explicitly state that this is possible. In some cases, Amazon has offered refunds or replacements for fake fragrances, while in other cases, customers have had to resort to unethical tactics to obtain refunds.

To avoid receiving a fake product, it is recommended to only purchase fragrances sold directly by Amazon, as third-party sellers may be more likely to sell counterfeit goods. Additionally, it is a good idea to compare the product received with an authentic version from a physical store to ensure it is not a counterfeit.

If you receive a fake cologne from Amazon, you can try contacting their customer support to request a refund or replacement. Amazon is known to be generous with refunds and tends to side with the customer when it comes to counterfeit goods. However, be aware that some customers have reported that Amazon closed their accounts after issuing a refund for a fake product.

If Amazon refuses to issue a refund, you may consider filing a claim with your credit card company, as purchasing a fake product may be considered fraud. Alternatively, you can report the seller to the brand owner and the police, as selling counterfeit goods is illegal.

Third-party sellers on Amazon

To avoid purchasing fake cologne, it is recommended to buy directly from Amazon, rather than third-party sellers. Buyers should also be wary of purchases that are "Amazon fulfilled", as these are considered to be more questionable in terms of authenticity.

Another way to avoid purchasing fake cologne is to buy from a physical retail store, where the product is less likely to be affected by storage conditions and shipping methods. Some examples of physical stores that sell cologne include Macy's and Sephora.

If you do purchase cologne from a third-party seller on Amazon and suspect that it is fake, you can report it to Amazon and request a refund. Amazon has been known to issue refunds for fragrance purchases that customers are not satisfied with.

Amazon's fulfilment policy

There are several benefits to using Amazon's FBA service. Firstly, it allows you to save time by taking care of order management, delivery, and customer service, so you can focus on your business. Secondly, products sold through FBA are eligible for the Prime badge, which provides customers with fast next-day delivery. This can make your products more attractive to customers. Lastly, using FBA can help reduce costs as you don't need to maintain stock or employ additional staff.

To get started with FBA, you need to create an Amazon seller account and log in to Seller Central. You can then create new product listings or switch existing products to FBA. After preparing your products according to Amazon's guidelines, you can send them to Amazon's fulfilment centres. Once they receive your products, your FBA product listings will go live, and Amazon will take care of the rest of the fulfilment process.

In terms of costs, there is a monthly subscription fee of €25, as well as additional fees depending on the type of products and the programmes you sell them with. For example, there are shipping fees per unit sold, monthly inventory fees based on the inventory in Amazon FBA fulfilment centres, and processing costs per unit.

Amazon also offers other programmes and tools to support sellers, such as the FBA New Selection Programme, which offers free storage, removal, and returns processing for eligible new-to-FBA products. There is also the FBA Product Opportunity Explorer tool, which helps sellers identify products in their catalogue that can benefit most from FBA.

Frequently asked questions