Making Money From Counterfeit Colognes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Getting into the fake cologne business can be lucrative, but it's important to understand the risks and potential dangers. While producing and selling counterfeit colognes may seem like a profitable venture, it is illegal and unethical. Counterfeit fragrances are often made with cheap, synthetic ingredients that can cause skin irritation and other adverse health effects. Additionally, they may not meet safety standards, and the complex scent profiles of authentic colognes are challenging to replicate accurately. To sell fake colognes, one would need to invest in packaging and bottles that closely resemble the originals, which can be costly and may still have tell-tale signs of being counterfeit. Overall, while the fake cologne business may be tempting for those looking to make a quick profit, it is important to consider the potential risks and the impact on consumers.

Creating the scent

Creating a fake cologne is not only about the packaging; you need to get the scent right, too.

The scent of a cologne is made up of essential oils, alcohol, glycerin, and water. The essential oils are the key to the fragrance, and you will need three types: top, middle, and base notes. The top notes are what you smell first, followed by the middle notes, and then the base notes form the foundation of the fragrance.

When creating your own cologne, you can experiment with different ratios of these notes to create your desired scent. A good starting point for beginners is a ratio of 60% base notes, 30% middle notes, and 10% top notes. However, you may prefer to use a ratio of 20% base, 50% middle, and 30% top notes.

For woody, slightly sweet scents, you could use cedarwood. If you prefer romantic florals, try jasmine, rose, or ylang-ylang. Remember that the final result will likely be more muted than the initial scent of the individual oils.

Once you have chosen your essential oils, you can start blending them. This is where trial and error come into play. Try adding a few drops of each oil, one by one, and start mixing. You can add up to 30 drops in total, but if one scent is much stronger than the others, use less. Once you are happy with your blend, add two ounces of alcohol.

Base notes such as sandalwood, tonka bean, violet leaf, and vanilla blend well with middle notes like geranium, ylang-ylang, rose, and lotus flower. Top this off with lavender, neroli, magnolia, and mandarin for a truly signature scent.

Allow the fragrance to sit for 48 hours, and then refrigerate for two weeks. After this, shake the mixture so that the molecules can mix. Once the fragrance is ready, it needs to be diluted. In a spray bottle, add two tablespoons of distilled water and five drops of glycerin. Then, slowly and carefully, swirl in your bespoke fragrance mixture.

And there you have it—your very own signature cologne!

Packaging

Materials

Use high-quality cardboard for the boxes. If the box feels flimsy or poorly constructed, customers will be suspicious. The wrapping should be a tight, flawless plastic wrap with perfect seams. If it looks loose, crinkled, or uneven, it might be assumed to be a fake.

Labels and Fonts

Spelling errors, misaligned text, or inconsistent typography are big giveaways of counterfeit products. Examine the labels and fonts closely and replicate the originals exactly.

Barcodes and QR Codes

Real products have barcodes or QR codes that direct the customer to the brand's official site or provide product information. Place the barcode on the lowest back portion of the box. If it’s located on the sides, it could be assumed to be a counterfeit.

Batch and Serial Numbers

Authentic perfumes will have a batch and serial number on the packaging, which can be independently verified on the manufacturer's website.

Online Sales

If you are selling your fake cologne online, be sure to include high-quality images of the packaging and product. While the beautiful brand photos look nice, it's often preferable to customers to see your own, self-made photos to scrutinize the packaging and colors.

Distribution

• Online Marketplaces: Utilize popular online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon to reach a wider audience. These platforms offer convenience and anonymity, making it easier to sell your products without attracting too much attention. However, be cautious and exercise diligence in examining your products to avoid detection.
• Discounted Fragrances: Take advantage of discounted fragrances, often referred to as the "gray market." This includes testers, samples, special gift sets, and aging fragrances that are sold off at lower prices. You can acquire these at discounted rates and resell them at a slight markup to unsuspecting customers.
• Social Media and Influencers: Leverage the power of social media and influencer marketing. Create attractive social media profiles and collaborate with influencers to promote your products. This will help you reach a wider audience and build a customer base.
• Private Websites: Consider creating your own private website to sell fake cologne directly to consumers. This allows you to control the branding, pricing, and distribution of your products without relying on third-party platforms.
• Wholesale Distribution: Establish relationships with wholesale distributors who can help you move large quantities of product. Approach businesses that are already involved in the distribution of counterfeit goods or those who are willing to turn a blind eye for a cut of the profits.
• Retail Locations: While it may be risky, you can attempt to distribute your fake cologne through retail locations. Approach small, independent stores that may be more lenient in their sourcing practices. However, be cautious and avoid leaving a paper trail that could lead back to you.

Remember, the distribution of fake cologne is illegal in many jurisdictions, and there are serious consequences if you are caught. Always exercise caution, disguise your identity, and avoid any practices that could leave a trail back to you.

Marketing

Social Media Marketing:

• Utilize social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to create content that showcases your products. Focus on visually appealing imagery and videos that highlight the packaging and fragrance notes. Use relevant hashtags to reach your target audience.
• Consider influencer marketing by partnering with influencers or micro-influencers in the fragrance community. Their endorsements can add an air of legitimacy to your products.
• Engage with potential customers by responding to comments and messages. Build a community around your brand to foster loyalty.

Discounts and Promotions:

• Offer discounts and promotions to attract price-conscious customers. This is a common strategy used by counterfeit sellers, but be cautious not to offer prices that are extremely low, as this may raise suspicion.
• Create limited-time sales events or bundle deals to encourage purchases.

Discrete Branding:

• Design your packaging and branding to be similar to the original fragrances you are mimicking, but make subtle changes to avoid direct copyright infringement. This may include altering the logo, brand name, or bottle shape slightly.
• Ensure your branding is consistent across all products to create a recognizable, yet discrete, identity for your business.

Customer Reviews:

• Encourage customers to leave reviews by providing incentives such as discounts on future purchases. Positive reviews will help build trust with potential customers.
• Feature customer testimonials and ratings on your website or social media platforms.

Email Marketing:

• Build an email list by offering subscribers exclusive discounts, early access to new products, or free samples.
• Send regular newsletters with product updates, fragrance tips, and other engaging content to keep your brand top of mind.

Advertising:

• Consider advertising on platforms that have less stringent policies regarding counterfeit goods. Be cautious of platforms with strict policies, as your ads may be removed.
• Use targeted advertising to reach your specific demographic.

Remember, while marketing your fake cologne business, it is essential to be discreet and avoid making direct claims that could land you in legal trouble. Focus on creating an appealing brand image, offering discounts, and utilizing word-of-mouth marketing through customer reviews and social media influencers.

Avoiding detection

Selling fake cologne can be a risky business. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly mobilizing against the trade of counterfeit goods, and penalties can be severe. To avoid detection, here are some key precautions to take:

• Sell online: The internet has given counterfeiters widespread access to customers. Platforms like eBay and Amazon marketplace are commonly used to sell fake fragrances.
• Source from countries outside the U.S.: Many counterfeiters operate out of Asia, particularly China.
• Avoid PayPal: PayPal makes it easy for buyers to dispute payments.
• Use your own product photos: While it's nice to have beautiful brand photos, it's safer to use your own self-made photos. This makes it harder for buyers to compare the product to authentic versions.
• Price competitively: Price your fake cologne similar to the RRP of the authentic product. A price that is too low will arouse suspicion.
• Sell through auction sites and other websites: This is a common tactic used by counterfeiters to make a little extra cash.
• Avoid selling in-person: Avoid selling at non-authorized retailers, including flea markets and mall kiosks.
• Perfect the packaging: Ensure the packaging is almost identical to the authentic brand. Use high-quality cardboard boxes with flawless plastic wrap and perfect seams.
• Avoid advertising as "limited edition": This is a common indicator of a counterfeit product, as it is not typically offered by the authentic manufacturer.
• Beware of excess glue and adhesive tape: This is a tell-tale sign of a counterfeit product, as authentic perfumes do not usually have a lot of tape or glue inside the box or on the exterior packaging.

Frequently asked questions