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Anyone buy JUST samples?

post #1 of 39
Thread Starter 
I'm relatively new to this fragrance hobby, but I have become a quick fan of sites that sell samples like The Perfumed Court. I currently have four full sized bottles and eight samples -- the eight samples that I have are the $5 1.5 mL spray bottle ones from TPC which I bought a few months ago, and I have been using them regularly and still have over half of the juice from each one. I was wondering -- does anyone ONLY buy samples and no full sized bottles? Or maybe to a smaller extent -- does anyone buy MOSTLY samples and very few full sized bottles? After using my samples, I don't really see any need in buying a full sized bottle. Am I alone here?
post #2 of 39
I buy the samples to see if I like a fragrance enough to be worthy of a full bottle not just for having samples by themselves. Though saying that sometimes like with Musc Ravangeur and L`Air du Desert Marocain I find a sample or decant goes a long way without having to purchase a full bottle.
post #3 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Hunter View Post

I buy the samples to see if I like a fragrance enough to be worthy of a full bottle not just for having samples by themselves. Though saying that sometimes like with Musc Ravangeur and L`Air du Desert Marocain I find a sample or decant goes a long way without having to purchase a full bottle.

Exactly this!
post #4 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Hunter View Post

I buy the samples to see if I like a fragrance enough to be worthy of a full bottle not just for having samples by themselves. Though saying that sometimes like with Musc Ravangeur and L`Air du Desert Marocain I find a sample or decant goes a long way without having to purchase a full bottle.

I do the same thing, I recently have only bought two new bottles of juice. But I've bought a hell of a lot of samples. I purchased over 100 different fragrance to not only smell the great scents out there and buy full bottles, but to get a better understanding about fragrances. Not all fragrances are made the same.
post #5 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by majorrajor View Post

I'm relatively new to this fragrance hobby, but I have become a quick fan of sites that sell samples like The Perfumed Court. I currently have four full sized bottles and eight samples -- the eight samples that I have are the $5 1.5 mL spray bottle ones from TPC which I bought a few months ago, and I have been using them regularly and still have over half of the juice from each one. I was wondering -- does anyone ONLY buy samples and no full sized bottles? Or maybe to a smaller extent -- does anyone buy MOSTLY samples and very few full sized bottles? After using my samples, I don't really see any need in buying a full sized bottle. Am I alone here?

This is a very sensible approach and I commend you for it. I prefer small bottles over larger ones for the same reason (once you get over 100 bottles you realise that life is too short... )
post #6 of 39
Samples are definitely a really good way to start. I don't just buy samples-- the typical sample is too small to last me more than two or three wearings. I do buy mini's, 4-15 ml, whenever I can, over the larger sizes. They are much cheaper, good to travel with, and take up much less space than the larger sizes. I figure if and when I use them up I can get something larger and by then I will have an idea of how much I might use, say, in a year (in fact, I've never gone all the way through anything larger than a 1.7 ml sample). Also the bottles are really cute! A downsize is that the smaller minis are usually splash rather than spray bottles.

Generally, I buy the smallest "cost efficient" size I can find, which means a balance between absolute cost for the bottle and per-ounce cost. On-line, I have found minis and half-ounces and sometimes even 30 mls often to only be slightly more expensive than a sample. On the other hand, a 125 ml can be a better deal if it is something I think I will use a lot. It really depends.

I am not buying many samples any more because I have figured out ways to what I want for free (there is currently a separate thread for this). At this stage free is actually easier than finding one for sale. I haven't used any decants to date, partly because I find them relatively expensive on the per-ounce side, and also because the manufacturer's bottles are so much a part of the experience of owning the fragrance.

A first stop for me in buying a fragrance is always to check Amazon.com. They are links to a lot of small on-line dealers and often you can not only compare prices from different dealers but prices for different sizes. On-line prices are very market-driven and if you check all the size prices, sometimes you find the larger sizes are actually offered cheaper than the smaller ones (e.g., a 100 ml oz for $40 vs. $45 for a 50 ml) because they are less in demand or because someone has a very large supply. It gives you good comparison for retail.
post #7 of 39
I’m heading in that way. 100 ml of any Amouage bottle would last me for years.
post #8 of 39
Majority of the time I am afforded the opportunity to try the perfume at the boutique before buying it.
If not I'll order samples from luckyscent and occasionally friends mail me decants.

If I like it ill buy a full bottle. I spray liberally.
post #9 of 39
Welcome!
The great part of my perfumes are full (not anymore) bottles.
I'd like to know many frags and samples would be a good way to begin; since I like to "really" wear a frag before buying at least twice. But here samples are difficult to get!
post #10 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by BurgundyMarsh View Post

Samples are definitely a really good way to start. I don't just buy samples-- the typical sample is too small to last me more than two or three wearings. I do buy mini's, 4-15 ml, whenever I can, over the larger sizes. They are much cheaper, good to travel with, and take up much less space than the larger sizes. I figure if and when I use them up I can get something larger and by then I will have an idea of how much I might use, say, in a year (in fact, I've never gone all the way through anything larger than a 1.7 ml sample). Also the bottles are really cute! A downsize is that the smaller minis are usually splash rather than spray bottles.

Generally, I buy the smallest "cost efficient" size I can find, which means a balance between absolute cost for the bottle and per-ounce cost. On-line, I have found minis and half-ounces and sometimes even 30 mls often to only be slightly more expensive than a sample. On the other hand, a 125 ml can be a better deal if it is something I think I will use a lot. It really depends.

I am not buying many samples any more because I have figured out ways to what I want for free (there is currently a separate thread for this). At this stage free is actually easier than finding one for sale. I haven't used any decants to date, partly because I find them relatively expensive on the per-ounce side, and also because the manufacturer's bottles are so much a part of the experience of owning the fragrance.

A first stop for me in buying a fragrance is always to check Amazon.com. They are links to a lot of small on-line dealers and often you can not only compare prices from different dealers but prices for different sizes. On-line prices are very market-driven and if you check all the size prices, sometimes you find the larger sizes are actually offered cheaper than the smaller ones (e.g., a 100 ml oz for $40 vs. $45 for a 50 ml) because they are less in demand or because someone has a very large supply. It gives you good comparison for retail.

Keep saying things like this so I'm convinced to save more money lol!
post #11 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by icanzapyou View Post

Keep saying things like this so I'm convinced to save more money lol!

I'm beginning to think the best way to save money is to stay off Basenotes.
post #12 of 39
Duplicate post.
post #13 of 39
I dont buy JUST samples but since I started to buy them I barely buy full bottle of anything... It is really great way to save lot of money you'd spend on blind or impulse buys.
post #14 of 39
Just bought a few more samples, its the best way to test the fragrance without risking a full bottle blind buy.
post #15 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by hedonist222 View Post

Majority of the time I am afforded the opportunity to try the perfume at the boutique before buying it.
If not I'll order samples from luckyscent and occasionally friends mail me decants.

If I like it ill buy a full bottle. I spray liberally.

Exactly this.
post #16 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by hedonist222 View Post

Majority of the time I am afforded the opportunity to try the perfume at the boutique before buying it.
If not I'll order samples from luckyscent and occasionally friends mail me decants.

If I like it ill buy a full bottle. I spray liberally.

Not everyone is as lucky as you my friend
post #17 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oupavoc View Post

Not everyone is as lucky as you my friend

Well not that lucky.
Roma, London, New York and Paris based perfumistas are much luckier.
post #18 of 39
I have never bough a sample and i have pledged that i never will.
I am luck to be somewhere that i can test almost everything or i get samples free w purchases or in trades. If i cant get a sample the, oh well, i will live....
post #19 of 39
Luckyscent samples are such a tease...I could get about 1 good wearing but I don't feel right about that, or I could apply to one spot for a few times to get a better feel of it...(or I could spill half of it on my hand)

But I do like 10ml decants, they last a while.

I'm sure that someone could live off of samples, but I'm always hesitant to use them because I feel like I don't have enough, it kind of halts the enjoyment since I feel like it has to be a special occasion. I'm sure that's just my head though.
post #20 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Hunter View Post

I buy the samples to see if I like a fragrance enough to be worthy of a full bottle not just for having samples by themselves. Though saying that sometimes like with Musc Ravangeur and L`Air du Desert Marocain I find a sample or decant goes a long way without having to purchase a full bottle.

Yep, same here. In the last 3 months I have bought/received over 50 samples and mini's and bought 3 full bottles. Sometimes one sample isn't enough to get a good enough feel for the frag (like the small ones from Luckyscent). I just ordered 2 more samples of Invasion Barbare. If it wasn't so steep I would have just bought a full bottle, but need to try it out a few more times before forking out so much.
post #21 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by heperd View Post

I have never bough a sample and i have pledged that i never will.
I am luck to be somewhere that i can test almost everything or i get samples free w purchases or in trades. If i cant get a sample the, oh well, i will live....

You ARE lucky!
post #22 of 39
I figure if I plan right I won't have to pay for any more samples.
post #23 of 39
I don't buy full bottles unless I really really like something. My favorite part of this hobby is getting to know as many scents as I can, and so I buy lots of samples. I have many more samples and small decants than full bottles.
post #24 of 39
I have a huge number of samples for just the reason that others have mentioned : I really want to get a broad overview of what the fragrance world is all about. I started off with a really big order from Perfumed Court, just to get a feel for things. The 4 samples for $20 offer from Malle came next, and at 2.5ml each ( and considering what they sell for on e-bay) is a really great deal.

And it's true : I could probably live off my samples, but part of the fun of the hobby is actually discovering something that you *really* like....enough that you feel good about searching out a larger amount of it. If you find yourself liking things that other people find sort of sketchy, all the better !

The "intermediate" stage of all this is getting 5-10ml decants through some of the folks here on the sales thread or at Crystal Flagon. 5ml is actually quite a bit, and enough that you can really be free with the stuff.

If you get through 5 ml of something, and still are in love with it....then it's time to watch out for your pocketbook !

.
post #25 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by heperd View Post

I have never bough a sample and i have pledged that i never will.
I am luck to be somewhere that i can test almost everything or i get samples free w purchases or in trades. If i cant get a sample the, oh well, i will live....

How will you smell the Profumum or Les Nez line for example?
I doubt retail stores nearby you carry these and it's not often that you'll come upon them in swaps.
post #26 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by heperd View Post

I have never bough a sample and i have pledged that i never will.
I am luck to be somewhere that i can test almost everything or i get samples free w purchases or in trades. If i cant get a sample the, oh well, i will live....

Also have never bought a sample, but welcome any samples given to me with purchases.
post #27 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by heperd View Post

I have never bough a sample and i have pledged that i never will.

Quote:
Originally Posted by hedonist222 View Post

How will you smell the Profumum or Les Nez line for example?
I doubt retail stores nearby you carry these and it's not often that you'll come upon them in swaps.

Quote:
Originally Posted by hednic View Post

Also have never bought a sample, but welcome any samples given to me with purchases.

I also have never bought a sample.

I do a lot of blind buying based on research and the opinions of people I trust. Alas, sometimes it just doesn't work out.

With a company like Le Nez, I would do a blind buy, like I did with Turtle Vetiver Front. Should be here any day, I hope I like that one
post #28 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by hobbes22 View Post


With a company like Le Nez, I would do a blind buy, like I did with Turtle Vetiver Front. Should be here any day, I hope I like that one

We must have the same batch from LS. Mine also shipped yesterday.
post #29 of 39
Hey, guys, don't listen to Hedonist: all his full bottles are like samples since he uses 20 sprays each time he goes out. A 50mL bottle is like a 1,5 mL sample to him; a 100ml bottle, a decant; a 1L bottle: yeah, this is his real concept of bottle.
post #30 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by moore View Post

Hey, guys, don't listen to Hedonist: all his full bottles are like samples since he uses 20 sprays each time he goes out. A 50mL bottle is like a 1,5 mL sample to him; a 100ml bottle, a decant; a 1L bottle: yeah, this is his real concept of bottle.

I'm urging people who don't buy samples to buy samples so that they dont miss out on some amazing fragrances. I'm not urging people to spray as much as we do in the Gulf States.
Glad you got that out of your system. I'm flattered that you would stalk my posts ^_^
post #31 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by hedonist222 View Post

I'm urging people who don't buy samples to buy samples so that they dont miss out on some amazing fragrances. I'm not urging people to spray as much as we do in the Gulf States.
Glad you got that out of your system. I'm flattered that you would stalk my posts ^_^

Lol! Now, seriously talking, you buy your frags in gallons, right?
Glad you has humor; it's becoming a species in extintction here.
post #32 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by moore View Post

Lol! Now, seriously talking, you buy your frags in gallons, right?
Glad you has humor; it's becoming a species in extintction here.

Yes in imperial gallons.
I have a few Droppers laying around from my babies stuff. Should i send them to you?
Will help you apply your perfume



post #33 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by hedonist222 View Post

Yes in imperial gallons.
I have a few Droppers laying around from my babies stuff. Should i send them to you?
Will help you apply your perfume




LMAO. I guess they drink milk with oud oil; by the air they may know their father is coming back home. The son of a friend sleeps sniffing her scarff cause of her perfume. Are they identical or fraternal twins?
I thought you had a boy either.
post #34 of 39
Girl and boy twins. Non-identical. As cute as thier father.
post #35 of 39
Hedonist, any chance their first words are "oud", "vetiver", or "leather"? ^^
post #36 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by hedonist222 View Post

Girl and boy twins. Non-identical. As cute as thier father.

That's great!!!! One to follow the mom and one to follow dad! Both to follow dad's (and grandpa's) taste to fragrances. I'm yet to understand twins interconnections: it's so interesting!

Not to by the way of the thread (I'm affraid of mods): Even if I had acssses to all the samples I want, I think I'd have to buy full bottles!
post #37 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by DNT View Post

Hedonist, any chance their first words are "oud", "vetiver", or "leather"? ^^

LMAO! This joke should be mine, but I was not so creative and insightful!
post #38 of 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by BurgundyMarsh View Post

I'm beginning to think the best way to save money is to stay off Basenotes.

Absolutely!
post #39 of 39
As a newb I buy mostly samples to get a feel for what I like. It helps when in an area you don't have many options.
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