So you receive samples from multiple places and don't keep track of where you get them. I competely understand this. In fact, it makes sense. How exactly are you supposed to keep track of samples of products especially when you have multiple.
Clarifying, I don't have multiple samples of the same fragrance. Just samples of a number of fragrances.
Would it make a different to you if a SA was to attach their business card to the sample and give it to you?
No, this would be inconvenient given my storage method (I decant vials into empty 2.5 ml spray atomizers and store them stuck into a box filled with poly pellets.)
If they made the visit and experience great for you, would you be open more to remembering the SA?
I have only had one truly memorable visit to a perfume counter with an SA, and that was at JAR boutique. That SA is immortalized in my memory for sure.
I do not say this to fault the SAs. I prefer to sample independently without having to maintain a conversation with an SA simultaneously-- LOL I think my brain only runs on one track at a time! Seriously, conversation while sniffing practically guarantees that I won't retain any impressions of the perfumes. At JAR the difference was that we were seated, the perfumes were presented slowly and ceremoniously, and I had a table at which to take my own notes while sniffing. It was quite the experience, but not practical for most perfume counters!
You bring atomizers to the store and fill them with juice from the testers?
I buy empty atomizers in varying sizes from Accessories for Fragrances.com and use them for sharing samples with others, for decanting my current fragrances into (I keep the full bottles in fridge and the decants in the same poly pellets in dresser drawer) and I also bring some with me when we visit shops that sell perfume.
If after using the store tester on paper/skin I think I might like it enough to buy it, I request a sample. Almost always, I am told regretfully that they do not have samples. I then ask if I may decant a bit (usually 1-1.5 ml) into my own sample atomizer and with rare exception, I am told that I may. I would never take it without asking as I consider that to be theft.
The only places where I asked and was refused were Bendel and Barney's Boston. I do not ask for samples that I am not interested in, so obviously I have not tried this everywhere.
So it is a convience factor for you rather than a loyalty?
As I mentioned, the stores I buy from are almost entirely out of my local area, so yes, I buy where it is convenient. I don't make a special trip to a particular distant store if I can get the perfume closer to home. I have a family to care for, a teenager and elderly parent with needs, and I weigh the family's needs over loyalty to a particular store or sales associate. However, if I do recall where a scent came from and if it is convenient to buy from that store, I would do so.
"Follow-up calls-- I do not care to get these calls (unless I have specifically requested that I be called when a certain item becomes available."
Interesting. As a SA at a high end retailer, they actually encourage us to do this. Have you told the SA to add you to a don't call list? Has this method ever worked for you in returning, even without a request for a certain item's availability?
I've only had follow up calls from Bond No. 9 and L'Artisan so I don't feel the need to give such instructions. OTOH, when I have actually requested return calls (from Saks and Nordstrom) the calls never came. I think it probably works best for me to just call them myself to check on availability.
**I do want to say this, lest you conclude that I am callous about or rude to sales associates. They are humans like myself and are worthy of every bit of common decency. I make it a point to always be polite with them, and we do chat, but not when I'm sniffing if I can avoid it!
