Is Tester Cologne A Smart Buy?

Buying tester cologne is a great way to save money, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, testers are typically sold without official packaging and sometimes without a cap. This makes them a more affordable option, but it's something to consider if you're planning on gifting the cologne. Additionally, while the liquid inside a tester bottle is identical to the retail version, it's important to ensure that the tester has been properly stored to prevent deterioration. Testers purchased from reputable online fragrance discounters are generally considered safe, but it's best to avoid buying from untrusted sources to reduce the risk of counterfeits.

Tester colognes are authentic

The purpose of tester colognes is to allow customers to sample different fragrances at a reduced price, making the purchasing decision much easier and more affordable. Tester colognes are bought directly from manufacturers and wholesalers, rather than retail outlet distributors, which is why they are offered at discounted rates.

There should be nothing wrong with the fragrance inside a tester bottle, as long as it has been properly stored in a dark place or box. While it is likely that tester bottles have been exposed to some light, they are usually barely used or not used at all. Tester colognes are a great option for those who want to try out different fragrances without breaking the bank.

Overall, tester colognes are an excellent way to experience premium fragrances at a fraction of the cost. They are authentic, with the only difference being the packaging, and sometimes the lack of a cap or lid. If you are looking to try out new colognes without committing to the full price, then tester colognes are a perfect choice.

They are cheaper than retail colognes

Tester colognes are a great way to save money. They are usually offered at a discounted price, often between 20% and 40% cheaper than their retail counterparts. This is because testers are usually sold on the grey market, where beauty products are sold outside of official channels. Distributors can offer huge discounts on large quantities of perfumes that may not have sold well in a particular market. These are then sold by online fragrance discounters, who pass on the savings to the customer.

Testers are also a great way to get a bigger bottle of your desired fragrance for less. For example, a tester of Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male could be significantly cheaper in the United States than in Asia or Africa. Tester bottles are manufactured in the same factories as regular fragrances, and the liquid inside is identical. The only differences are usually in the packaging, with testers coming in plain white or brown boxes, and sometimes missing the cap.

While some people may be hesitant to buy testers due to the lack of official packaging, this is a small price to pay for a significant discount on authentic cologne. Testers are a great option for those who are not buying a fragrance as a gift and are more interested in the actual product than the presentation.

Testers are usually unboxed or have plain packaging

Testers are typically manufactured at the same factories as regular fragrances but are intended for display and sampling purposes rather than for sale. They are often marked as "not for sale" or labelled as testers with stickers or printed directly on the box. Testers may also have additional stickers with notes about the fragrance to help customers and shop assistants.

The main advantage of buying testers is the cost savings. Testers can be significantly cheaper than full-presentation perfumes, sometimes up to 80% off. This makes it easier to expand your fragrance collection without breaking the bank. However, it's important to note that the lack of official packaging may be a deal-breaker for some, especially if the tester is intended as a gift.

When purchasing testers, it's essential to be cautious and buy from reputable sources to avoid fake or stolen products. Trusted online fragrance discounters like FragranceNet, FragranceX, and Fragrancebuy are recommended for purchasing authentic testers. These websites offer a wide range of authentic designer and niche fragrances at discounted prices.

Testers may not have a cap

Testers are bottles made specifically for use in department stores, allowing customers to test the fragrance before purchasing a full bottle. Tester bottles are usually unsealed and have been opened and used by customers. They often come in a plain box, sometimes labelled "Tester", and may not include a cap.

Testers are a great option for those who don't care about the packaging and are looking for a more affordable option, as they are generally 20-50% cheaper than the same fragrance in its original packaging. The contents of the bottle are the same as the full presentation, and the bottles are usually new and unopened. However, there may be some variation in how full the bottle is, as they have been used for testing.

While some people may be hesitant to purchase a tester bottle due to the lack of a cap, this is not necessarily a deal-breaker. The absence of a cap does not affect the quality or authenticity of the fragrance. In fact, some people prefer tester bottles precisely because they offer the same product at a lower price.

It's important to note that there is a risk of fake tester bottles, especially when purchasing from unverified sellers or online marketplaces. To avoid this, it's recommended to buy from trusted sources that specialise in tester perfumes or have a good reputation for selling authentic products.

Overall, if you're looking for a more affordable option and don't mind the lack of a cap or fancy packaging, buying a tester bottle can be a great way to get your favourite fragrance at a discounted price.

Testers are ideal for personal use, not as gifts

Testers are ideal for personal use, especially if you are willing to accept some differences in packaging. Testers are usually cheaper than their more legitimate cousins, and you can often get a bigger bottle of your desired fragrance for less. The liquid inside a tester bottle is identical to the retail fragrances. The fragrance inside tester bottles is of the same ingredient quality as their retail releases.

However, testers are not ideal as gifts. Most people like to receive nicely wrapped and unopened gifts in their original packaging. Testers usually don't come with a cap or any official packaging. They are often presented in plain white or brown boxes without cellophane. Testers are also sometimes labelled "not for sale" or have stickers on the box.

Testers are also not always readily available for most fragrances, and some brands don't offer testers at all. Testers are usually sold out, and if you badly want a cap, you may be out of luck as they don't always come with one.

Finally, there is a risk of buying fake testers, especially if you are buying from untrusted sources.

Frequently asked questions