
A big part of every artist’s education is observing and analyzing the art of others. Just as musicians listen to a lot of music, perfumers smell a lot of perfumes. In both cases, the pool of creations available to experience is almost inexhaustible. I have an uncountable number of perfume samples, some of which I like a lot better than others, but I learn something from every one that I test.
Today I don’t want to talk about the perfumes themselves, but about the presentation of the samples. I’m in the process of reorganizing my samples in a beautifully efficient filing system, but problems arise when samples are oddly packaged. I’ve become something of a connoisseur of samples, so have come to appreciate well-presented ones. Here are some of the types of samples I have had to deal with along with their pros and cons, in no particular order:

Microscopically small samples. It doesn’t matter what sort of container these come in, it always irks me that someone thinks their (or someone else’s) perfume is so extraordinarily valuable that they can’t part with at least 1 ml of it. A 1 ml vial that’s only one-fourth or one-half full but sold at the usual sample price (or more!) is not the way to win happy customers. I won’t knowingly buy these any more.
Unlabeled containers. I am always annoyed when I receive unlabeled sample vials attached to a card with the name printed on it, especially if the card is large and unwieldy. I don’t mind it quite as much if the sample vial comes in a little plastic baggie with the name written on it, but it’s still not ideal. One thing I want to avoid is having a lot of unknown samples sitting around. How hard is it to print or even hand-write a label and stick it on the vial?


Non-samples. Don’t even talk to me about peel-back papers, wax plates, wet towels, or anything that’s not actual perfume. These are not samples, they’re insults.
Screw-top vials. I haven’t seen many of these, but they do exist. I’ve received a few samples in screw-top vials, and like them a lot. I found some really nice 2-ml vials (really more like mini bottles) that I use for the larger samples of my perfumes. I haven’t seen any evidence of them leaking, they can be easily opened and closed, and they’re easy to store along with conventional sample vials. Best of all, they don’t make my protectively calloused thumb go numb from pressing stoppers into vials.
Odd-shaped containers. Occasionally samples will come in extra tall and thin vials, vials with rounded bottoms, or some other awkward configuration. These are generally hard to deal with.
What kinds of sample packaging do you like? What do you dislike? Leave a comment and you’ll be entered in a drawing to receive a sample of Guerlain Vetiver in a 2 ml screw-top vial. Why Guerlain Vetiver? Just because I have a large bottle of it that was sent to me as a gift. It’s more than I can ever use, so I'd like to share it.
The winners of the Guerlain Vetiver samples are Ines and JoanElaine. I will try to contact each of you regarding shipping.
Your classification is so true. :) I particularly like the non-samples part as I've been wondering about the practical use of those.
ReplyDeleteI was very pleasantly surprised by your samples - they are not only the most generous size but also very easy to use.
The ones I hate the most as so far I haven't been able to smell a single one, are the ones in vials that have some kind of a protrusion on top you're supposed to do sth with and I still haven't figured out what exactly - it breaks each time I try to open such a vial.
Ines, Thankfully I haven't seen any of the vials with protrusion yet. They sound horrible.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like my samples. I try to use a form of packaging that I would like to receive.
I have been reading excellent reviews of your fragrances, so I thought I would stop by.
ReplyDeleteI have only received one sample that leaked. It was a 1 ml vial with the pop-top. The other vials in the same package did not leak. Perhaps the top wasn't on tight enough?
I used to prefer dabbing perfume too, but recently I have become a spray convert. I keep some small spray bottles for myself to put vial perfume samples in when they are not avilable from the source.
I have never seen a screw top vial before, but I like the idea. What would be even better is an optional spray top you could screw on...I'm dreaming, I know.
I like those chubby containers (mini tubs) :) it is very easy to close them and label can fit nicely :)
ReplyDeleteThe mini tubs are really growing on me. They don't work with my old sample filing system, but I like them much better than most other options and they are relatively easy for me to develop a new filing system for (at least compared to many other odd vial types).
ReplyDeleteWhat I've been most annoyed with recently are minuscule samples (that are often sold for ridiculous prices). A 1/4ml sample is enough for maybe two wearings (less if you like/need to apply heavily when you test). I find that it's often not enough for me to make up my mind on a scent. If I had a slightly more generous sample I might have ended up buying a bottle rather than giving up on the scent and moving on. Apologies for the mini-rant; this has been bothering me a lot lately and I was happy to see someone else mention it. :)
I agree with your preference for screw top sample bottles...they please the aesthete and organizer in me. However they do sometimes leak... My absolute preference is for screw-top rollerball bottles (usually 5-10ml), but of course these can be pricey. Although I appreciate the convenience, I object to large perfume houses charging prices out of proportion for the amount of perfume contained in their rollerball 'purse' sized bottles. In general, as we move towards owning a larger variety of perfumes, I'd like to see more of them available in sizes midway between sample and FB amounts, eg 15-20ml.
ReplyDeleteHi Ellen, I just read your comment on my blog. That's great news! Thank you for going out of your way to notify me! (Perhaps I should provide some contact information on my blog.)
ReplyDeleteI don't want to put my information in the comments, so I will email you at you Olympic Orchids email address. I hope that's okay.
Thanks again!
Joan Elaine,
ReplyDeleteE-mailing me at Olympic Orchids is perfect. I probably need to have a contact button on here, too. I'm glad I found your blog!
Ellen
Hello! I discovered your blog recently and would simply tell i live very much your vision.
ReplyDeleteI like screw-top samples...and wax samples. I was surprised by the fact you think it is an insult. I could understand why but for me it is a tactile pleasure. Is the perfume notes altered by the wax ? Since I do not know much about the trade, it might be ? May I have your point of view please ? Thank you in advance ^_^