Get Cologne Samples: Easy Ways To Try New Scents

There are many ways to get your hands on cologne samples. Some department stores, such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Dillards, offer samples, though some people feel uncomfortable asking for them. You can also order samples online from sites like DecantX, Etsy, and MicroPerfumes, or try Facebook groups. Some fragrance companies, such as Hermes, offer free samples if you email them. You can also purchase sample sets from Amazon and FragranceNet.com.

Ask in-store at shops like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, or Sephora

Asking for cologne samples in-store at shops like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, or Sephora can be a great way to try out different fragrances before committing to a full bottle. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Be Courteous and Friendly

It's important to be courteous and friendly when interacting with sales associates. They are more likely to help you if you build a rapport and show genuine interest in their products. Ask questions, be engaging, and don't be afraid to chat them up a bit. Remember that they are working on commission, so make it worth their while by showing that you are a potential customer.

Ask for Samples Directly

Don't be shy about asking for samples directly. Simply express your interest in trying out a particular cologne and inquire if they can provide you with a sample to take home. You can also mention that you want to test how the fragrance interacts with your body chemistry over a few days, as colognes can smell different on everyone.

Take Advantage of In-Store Sample Displays

Some department stores, like Nordstrom, provide small sample vials or paper strips that customers can use to create their own samples. Look out for these displays and don't be afraid to use them. If you're using paper strips, be sure to label them clearly so you know which fragrance is which.

Bring Your Own Sample Vials

If the store doesn't have sample vials available, you can bring your own empty vials and ask the sales associate to fill them for you. This may not always be allowed, but it doesn't hurt to ask politely. Alternatively, you can bring zip-lock baggies and cotton balls to create your own samples by spritzing the cologne onto the cotton balls and placing them in the baggies.

Time Your Visit Strategically

Try to visit the store when it's not too busy. This will give you more opportunities to interact with the sales associates and increase your chances of getting samples. You're more likely to get their full attention if they aren't juggling multiple customers at once.

Be Mindful of Sales Associate Concerns

Keep in mind that sales associates may be cautious about giving out samples due to concerns about moochers or people reselling samples on eBay. Be transparent about your intentions and assure them that you are a potential customer who wants to test the cologne before making a purchase.

Be Selective with Your Requests

Instead of asking for samples for every cologne you're interested in, focus on a few specific fragrances that you're genuinely curious about. This will show that you're serious about finding a scent that suits you, rather than just collecting free samples.

Combine with Other Purchases

If you're making an unrelated purchase at the store, don't forget to ask for cologne samples at the register. Many department stores are happy to provide free samples with any purchase, and it's a great way to build your sample library.

Order online from sites like DecantX or MicroPerfumes

If you're looking to order cologne samples online, sites like DecantX and MicroPerfumes are great options. DecantX offers a fragrance sampling and decanting service for men's, women's, and unisex fragrances. They have a wide range of niche and designer fragrances, allowing you to try unique scents and explore different brands. Decanting is taken seriously at DecantX, with a commitment to transparency, reliability, and competitive pricing. They guarantee that all their fragrances are authentic and unaltered, coming straight from the original bottle.

MicroPerfumes also offers a range of perfume and cologne samples, with prices starting at 99 cents. They have a large selection of over 500 scents to choose from, including well-known brands such as Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Chanel. MicroPerfumes provides free shipping on orders over $50 within the US and offers fast delivery, with orders often shipped on the same day they are placed.

Both DecantX and MicroPerfumes allow you to try different colognes without committing to a full-sized bottle, making them great options for those who want to explore new fragrances. You can discover new scents, find your favourites, and decide which colognes are worth investing in. These sites make it easy and affordable to experiment with different fragrances, so you can find the perfect one for you.

Buy sample sets from Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of cologne sample sets for men, with prices starting as low as $5.99. These sets typically include between 6 and 12 sample vials of popular and luxury brands, with some sets containing as many as 15 vials. The vials range in size from 0.01 fl oz to 0.07 fl oz, and the sets are often packaged with a small bag or pouch for easy storage and travel.

Many of the sample sets available on Amazon have received positive reviews, with customers praising the variety of scents, the quality of the fragrances, and the convenience of being able to try out different colognes before committing to a full-size bottle. However, some customers have expressed disappointment with the size of the samples, noting that the vials are very small and may not contain much product.

• Infinite Scents Cologne Samples for Men: This set includes 10 designer fragrance samples and has received positive reviews for its variety and quality. It typically costs around $29.99.
• Men's Designer Fragrance Sampler (8 count): This set includes 8 designer fragrance samples and is a best seller on Amazon. It is priced at $19.92.
• High-End Designer Fragrance Cologne Sampler Set for Men (Pack of 10 Sample Vials): This set includes 10 high-end designer fragrance samples and has received positive reviews for its quality. It is priced at $22.90.
• Men's Cologne Top Designer Sample Vial Set (Pack of 10): This set includes 10 popular designer fragrance samples and has been positively reviewed for its scent and value for money. It typically costs around $19.48.

Email brands directly, e.g. Mugler or Hermes

Emailing brands directly is a great way to get your hands on cologne samples. While some brands offer samples on their websites, others require you to reach out to them via email. When emailing, it's important to express your interest in their brand and products, and provide your postal address. Here are some brands that have been known to offer samples via email:

Mugler

Mugler is a brand that often provides free samples to customers who email them. They also include two free samples with purchases and a mystery gift with orders over $120.

Hermes

Hermes is another brand that offers samples through email. They also provide instructions on their FAQ page on how to receive fragrance samples.

Chanel

Some Chanel boutiques, both stand-alone and in-store, offer samples to customers.

Tom Ford

While Tom Ford fragrances are available as free samples through various websites and platforms, you can also try emailing the brand directly to request a sample.

Jo Malone

Jo Malone offers free samples with every purchase and has daily offers on its Benefits page, where you can score complimentary cologne.

Other Brands

In addition to the brands mentioned above, you can also try emailing other fragrance companies to request samples. Some brands known to provide free samples through various means include:

• Dior
• Bulgari
• Burberry
• Lancome
• Versace
• Calvin Klein
• Guerlain
• Michael Kors
• Giorgio Armani
• Valentino
• Dolce & Gabbana
• Chanel
• Gucci
• Prada
• YSL
• Viktor & Rolf
• Ralph Lauren
• Estee Lauder
• Jean Paul Gaultier
• Jimmy Choo
• Armani
• Givenchy
• Byredo
• Clinique
• Floris London
• Rue21
• Nest New York
• Montblanc
• Valentino
• Aqua Celestia
• Coach
• Elizabeth Arden
• Cartier
• Paco Rabanne
• Carolina Herrera
• Viktor & Rolf
• Wind Flowers
• Parfums de Marly
• Maison Margiela
• Kilian
• Tory Burch
• Frederic Malle
• Creed
• Maison Francis Kurkdjian
• Le Labo
• L'Artisan Parfumer

Sign up for Facebook groups or ads

Facebook is a great place to start your search for cologne samples. There are a few ways to go about it:

Facebook Groups

Firstly, you can search for and join Facebook groups dedicated to fragrances and colognes. These groups often have members who are willing to sell, trade, or even give away samples. It's a great way to connect with other fragrance enthusiasts and build relationships that could lead to free samples.

Facebook Ads

Secondly, keep an eye out for targeted ads on Facebook from brands offering free samples. These ads usually appear as sponsored posts on your news feed. To increase your chances of seeing these ads, you can follow and interact with fragrance brands on Facebook. Like and comment on their posts, and even search for their brand names and products to signal your interest to Facebook's algorithm.

Facebook Influencers

Lastly, you can follow Facebook influencers who specialize in fragrances. These influencers are often in the know about the latest developments in the fragrance world, including free sample opportunities. They may also host giveaways or have connections to brands that can lead to free samples for their followers.

Remember, the key to success on Facebook is engagement. The more you interact with fragrance-related content, the more likely you are to be served relevant ads and opportunities for free cologne samples. So, don't be shy to like, comment, and join the conversations happening in Facebook groups and on influencer pages.

Frequently asked questions