Beware Of Fake Discounted Colognes: How To Spot The Legit Ones

Buying cologne online can be a great way to save money, but it's natural to be cautious about the legitimacy of discounted products. While there are some scammers and fake products out there, there are also many reputable discounters that sell real, discounted fragrances. These include well-known companies such as FragranceX, FragranceNet, and Gift Express, which offer significant discounts of up to 80% on popular brands. These discounters source their products from cheaper areas or buy in bulk, allowing them to sell at a lower price. While most of these online stores are not official authorised sellers, they are generally safe and secure, with customer reviews attesting to their authenticity and quality. However, it's always good to be vigilant and do your research to avoid scams and fake products.

How to spot a fake perfume

It's important to be able to spot a fake perfume, as not only can it make you feel tricked and upset, but it can also be harmful to your health. Here are some tips on how to spot a fake perfume:

Cellophane Wrapping

Authentic perfumes typically have thick cellophane that is folded flawlessly and wrapped tightly around the box. If the cellophane is loose, messy, or moving around the box, that's a telltale sign of a counterfeit perfume.

Packaging

Check the quality of the packaging. Real packaging is made from high-quality paperboard, which is designed to protect the bottle from damage. It should be white, not greyish, and should have a flawless seam (less than 5mm wide, even, and without excess glue). The box should also have a special construction inside to keep the perfume bottle in place.

Labels and Inscriptions

Check the labels and inscriptions on the packaging and the bottle. Look for any grammatical errors, misspellings, or poorly laid-out information. The gold circle with arrows should have the arrow pointing to the right be darker than the arrow pointing to the left.

Manufacturer's Information

Check the manufacturer's website to see if the information on the packaging matches the information provided on the website. Even the smallest mismatch is a sign of a counterfeit.

Colour of the Perfume

Famous brands don't use a lot of dye in their products, so the colour of an authentic perfume is usually pale. A bright 'chemical' colour is a sign of a fake perfume.

Bottle

The bottle of an authentic perfume should be high-quality, with a smooth and fine surface. The cap should be perfectly symmetrical and should fit tightly to be spill-proof. The serial number should be indicated at the bottom of the bottle (and not glued on).

Scent

Authentic perfumes have complex scents with top, middle, and base notes that reveal themselves over time. Fake perfumes usually have a one-dimensional fragrance that will often smell 'off' after a short time. Authentic perfumes will also have a longer longevity and effectiveness compared to fake perfumes.

Price

If a designer fragrance seems too cheap, it's likely to be a fake. However, there may be exceptions, such as a stock clearance or store closing down sale.

Seller

Most counterfeit perfume purchases can be avoided by going to a reputable seller. Department stores are the safest way to buy perfume, as you can closely examine the bottle and packaging and talk to the retail staff. Be very cautious when buying from flea markets or online marketplaces, and always ask the seller for more information and photos if needed.

Pros and cons of buying cologne online vs in-store

In-Store

Pros

• You can try out various colognes before choosing, so you know how they actually smell.
• You can get real-time help and expert advice from knowledgeable staff.
• You can chat with other shoppers who can suggest new fragrances.
• You can see the product first-hand and check for quality and authenticity.

Cons

• There may be fewer options available in-store.
• Prices may be higher.
• You miss out on the convenience of shopping from home.
• There may be stricter rules for returning opened bottles.

Online

Pros

• It's incredibly convenient – you can browse a huge selection of colognes from the comfort of your home.
• You can easily compare prices across different shops and find the best deals.
• You can read customer reviews to get a clear picture of the cologne's quality.
• Return policies are often more relaxed, allowing you to return unopened scents if you don't like them.
• You can access brands and scents that may not be available in your local stores.

Cons

• You can't try out the cologne before buying, so you may end up with a scent you don't like.
• It can be difficult to assess the authenticity and quality of the product.
• There is a small chance of receiving a fake or spoiled product.
• Customer service can sometimes be problematic.

How to get the best deals on cologne

There are many ways to get your hands on discounted cologne, whether you're looking for a classic scent or something new. Here are some tips to help you find the best deals:

Shop Online

Online perfume shops offer a convenient way to browse and buy fragrances from the comfort of your home. They often have lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores and may offer exclusive discounts, fragrance sales, and coupon programs. Some popular online discounters include FragranceX, FragranceNet, Perfume.com, and MaxAroma. These sites offer a wide range of designer and niche fragrances at significantly reduced prices, with some discounts going as high as 70% off.

Compare Prices

Don't settle for the first price you see. Compare prices across different online and offline retailers to find the best deal. Keep an eye out for stock clearance sales, promotional deals, and discount sales. Subscribe to newsletters and email lists to stay informed about the latest sales and promotions.

Shop at Discount Stores

Discount stores like Gift Express, Fragrance Outlet, and Perfumania offer a wide range of designer and niche fragrances at discounted prices. These stores often have a large selection of popular brands, including Versace, Calvin Klein, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana, with discounts of up to 70% off. They also offer the convenience of shopping from home and provide detailed product information, reviews, and secure payment options.

Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs

Many retailers offer loyalty programs that reward customers for their purchases. For example, Sephora has a program where you earn points for every dollar spent, leading to discounts on future orders. Similarly, FragranceX has a rewards program where you can earn points with every order and get deeper discounts on name-brand fragrances.

Shop During Sales

Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and promotions, such as the iconic Nordstrom anniversary sale, where you can find hundreds of markdowns on fragrances. End-of-season sales and clearance sections on websites can also be a great way to score discounted cologne.

Buy Wholesale

If you're looking to stock up on your favourite cologne or purchase in bulk, consider buying wholesale. Some retailers, like FragranceX, offer wholesale accounts with access to reseller pricing. This option may be particularly useful if you're a reseller or buying gifts for multiple people.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to finding the best deals on cologne and saving money on your favourite fragrances. Happy shopping!

Is it safe to buy cologne from online discounters?

Buying cologne online is usually safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, while online perfume shops are common, most are not official or authorised sellers for the brands they carry. This is known as the "grey market", where goods are imported from abroad and sold outside the manufacturer's official channels of distribution. While grey marketing is legal in the US and Canada, it is illegal in the EU.

Advantages of buying cologne online

There are several advantages to buying cologne online. Firstly, it is often cheaper than buying from a retail store, with discounts of up to 70% available. Online shops are also convenient, as you can browse and buy fragrances from the comfort of your home. They also offer a wider variety of products, including both popular and niche brands, and it is easy to compare prices across different retailers. Some online shops also offer free or discounted shipping, as well as membership clubs and loyalty programs that give you access to exclusive deals and discounts.

Disadvantages of buying cologne online

The main disadvantage of buying cologne online is that you may not receive a fresh product. Grey market goods are not counterfeits, but they may have been improperly stored or exposed to varying temperatures during transit, which can affect the quality of the fragrance. There is also a small chance of receiving a counterfeit product, especially when buying popular brands like Dior, Chanel, or Hugo Boss from unknown websites or flea markets. In addition, customer service can sometimes be problematic, and you may have to wait several days for your order to be delivered.

Tips for buying cologne online safely

To minimise the risks when buying cologne online, it is recommended to buy from reputable discount websites, such as FragranceX, FragranceNet, Perfume.com, MaxAroma, FragranceBuy, Luckyscent, Notino, Amazon, Strawberrynet, and Fragrance Direct. You can also buy directly from the manufacturer or from department stores, chains like Sephora, or specialised perfume boutiques. It is also a good idea to check the seller's return policy before making a purchase, in case the product doesn't meet your expectations. Finally, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

What are the best online discounters for cologne?

When it comes to buying cologne online, there are many legitimate discounters to choose from.

Firstly, it is important to note that while buying cologne online, you are generally very safe. However, there is a small chance of receiving a fake product, especially if the online store is not an official or authorized seller for the brand.

Now, here is a list of some of the best online discounters for cologne:

• FragranceX – With a large selection of authentic fragrances, including discontinued perfumes and colognes, FragranceX is America's largest fragrance outlet. They offer discounts of up to 80% on popular designer brands like Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Gucci, and Elizabeth Arden. They provide free shipping and have a rewards program for extra savings.
• FragranceNet – This trusted American beauty company has been in operation since 1997 and offers over 17,000 products, including skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products, in addition to fragrances. They have regular discounts of up to 80% and a coupon program for further savings.
• Perfume.com – Owned by the same company as FragranceX, Perfume.com offers over 13,000 authentic fragrances for men and women. They have membership and coupon programs for additional savings.
• MaxAroma – Based in New York, MaxAroma offers a wide range of designer and niche fragrances, as well as wholesale and dropshipping programs. They provide free domestic shipping and have a reward point program for extra savings.
• Fragrancebuy – As Canada's biggest fragrance discounter website, Fragrancebuy offers a wide variety of authentic designer and niche fragrances for men and women. They have regular deals and promotions, and shipping is free for orders over CAD 100.
• Notino – With a huge selection of 55,000 products, Notino offers not just fragrances but also makeup, hair, and body care items. They have weekly sales and a newsletter to keep customers informed about discount codes and sales.
• Amazon – As the world's largest online store, Amazon offers a vast selection of fragrances from various reputable sellers and official perfume brands. Prime members can take advantage of fast and free shipping and easy returns.
• Strawberrynet – With over 33,000 products from more than 800 brands, Strawberrynet offers free worldwide shipping and a three-month return policy. They also have a reward program where you can earn shopping points on every purchase.
• Fragrance Direct – The UK's biggest fragrance discount website, Fragrance Direct stocks over 14,000 products across 600 brands, including both niche and designer fragrances. They offer free delivery for orders over £25 and have a 90-day return policy.
• Gift Express – Gift Express offers a broad selection of casual and special occasion perfumes from renowned designer brands like Versace, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Elizabeth Arden, with discounts of up to 70%. They provide free shipping for orders over $69.95 and have a flexible 30-day return policy.
• Sephora – Sephora offers an in-store and online fragrance shopping experience. They have a fragrance quiz to help you find your preferred scent and offer a 30-day return policy for gently used products.
• Ulta – Ulta's website conveniently categorizes fragrances by scent families, such as floral, fresh, sweet, warm and spicy, and woody and earthy. They have a great loyalty program that offers discounts and rewards with every purchase, and they also accept returns.

These online discounters offer a safe and convenient way to purchase cologne, providing significant savings, convenient shipping options, and flexible return policies.

Frequently asked questions