10 years ago
ZeZe, I agree about the store sampling experience being less than ideal - I usually walk away queasy, confused and reeking of multiple, conflicting scents. Plus, it takes time to assess a new fragrance which means a return trip for re-testing or possible purchase. I never rely on paper strips and only use them for an initial cull. Isn't it always the way that the first thing you daringly spray on skin turns out to be the scrubber of the day!
Getting carded samples is near impossible unless you make a purchase - even then you usually only get samples of whatever flanker they're flogging or something ho-hum that's been languishing unloved in the supply drawer.
So, yes, there's a market for mainstream sampling as well.
Stocking a wide range of niche would cost the earth unless one was also an official stockist (like Luckyscent} and had access to the house's tester bottles.
Oh, one more thought: a site like this is good when giving designer fragrance as a gift. I always try to include a sample of the fragrance along with the bottle. That way, if the recipient doesn't like the perfume after trying the sample they have the option of exchanging the still-sealed full bottle. I have heard of people decanting their own samples in-store from the tester bottles but I've never had the nerve!
Last edited by Triffid on 02.12.2013, 08:36; edited 3 times in total