FAQs
WHAT IS A SAMPLE-SIZED TESTER?
A sample sized perfume tester is extracted from the original perfume bottle and transfered to a smaller unbranded bottle.
A perfume sample does not include the original brand bottle or original brand labeling.
A perfume sample does not include the original brand bottle or original brand labeling.
HOW CAN I MAKE PERFUMES LAST LONGER?
Perfume longevity depend on a number of factors:
1. The composition created by the perfumer.
2. How the perfumer is kept and stored by the user.
3. The users own body chemistry and body heat.
4. Whether the user has a sensitive sense of smell or not. It's easy to become 'nose blind' around strong perfumes and not sense them as impactful as those in the surrounding feel the fragrance.
Perfumes evaporate faster in heat including body heat. Perfumes should always be stored away from heat and light to last longer and keep their performance,
It's advisable to spray or dab a perfume on clothing, around the front of the neck and the sleeve cuffs. However, do not spray perfumes on natural fibers like silk and rayon as the alcohol in the perfume may effect these textiles.
1. The composition created by the perfumer.
2. How the perfumer is kept and stored by the user.
3. The users own body chemistry and body heat.
4. Whether the user has a sensitive sense of smell or not. It's easy to become 'nose blind' around strong perfumes and not sense them as impactful as those in the surrounding feel the fragrance.
Perfumes evaporate faster in heat including body heat. Perfumes should always be stored away from heat and light to last longer and keep their performance,
It's advisable to spray or dab a perfume on clothing, around the front of the neck and the sleeve cuffs. However, do not spray perfumes on natural fibers like silk and rayon as the alcohol in the perfume may effect these textiles.
DO SAMPLES COME IN THE ORIGINAL BRAND BOTTLE?
No, a perfume sample or tester never comes with the original brand bottle. The perfume is added into a non-branded bottle.
It's only testers from the manufacturer that come in original mini-bottles, and these are usually sold at quite high prices.
The unfortunate fact is that many brands do not hand out small testers of their perfumes anymore, unless you buy a full bottle. It can be quite difficult to get a tester, or to get a tester in a decent size to allow sufficient time to try the fragrance. Sometimes the testers cost almost equal to a full bottle. Therefore, sample sized perfumes are the perfect way to try expensive perfumes before buying a full bottle.
It's only testers from the manufacturer that come in original mini-bottles, and these are usually sold at quite high prices.
The unfortunate fact is that many brands do not hand out small testers of their perfumes anymore, unless you buy a full bottle. It can be quite difficult to get a tester, or to get a tester in a decent size to allow sufficient time to try the fragrance. Sometimes the testers cost almost equal to a full bottle. Therefore, sample sized perfumes are the perfect way to try expensive perfumes before buying a full bottle.
WHY DO PERFUME SCENTS DIFFER ON TWO DIFFERENT PEOPLE?
Perfumes do differ quite a lot between person to person. This is due to the individual body chemistry.
Food, spices, alcohol, medicines, body temperature, etc., affect the body chemistry. This can alter how a perfumes unfold and blend with our individual body chemistry.
For example, people with acidic body chemistry may perceive floral and citric notes differently than a person with sweeter body chemistry.
The same is true with longevity of the fragrance. The molecules in perfumes evaporate in contact with heat meaning the lifespan shortens with heat. Individuals with higher body temperature will therefore have a shorter scent lifespan, shorter longevity, from their perfume. The way to solve this is to spray the fragrance on the clothing near the chest, neck and sleeve areas.
Food, spices, alcohol, medicines, body temperature, etc., affect the body chemistry. This can alter how a perfumes unfold and blend with our individual body chemistry.
For example, people with acidic body chemistry may perceive floral and citric notes differently than a person with sweeter body chemistry.
The same is true with longevity of the fragrance. The molecules in perfumes evaporate in contact with heat meaning the lifespan shortens with heat. Individuals with higher body temperature will therefore have a shorter scent lifespan, shorter longevity, from their perfume. The way to solve this is to spray the fragrance on the clothing near the chest, neck and sleeve areas.
CAN I ORDER ROLLER BOTTLES?
We do offer some fragrances in roller bottles.
While most people prefer spray bottles, roller bottles are much easier for us to ship, especially internationally.
The bottles are much thicker than spray bottles with less likelihood to break or leak, and the regulations for packaging roller bottles are particularly convenient for shipping and handling.
While most people prefer spray bottles, roller bottles are much easier for us to ship, especially internationally.
The bottles are much thicker than spray bottles with less likelihood to break or leak, and the regulations for packaging roller bottles are particularly convenient for shipping and handling.
DO PERFUMES CHANGE COLOUR?
Yes, a perfume can change colour as it ages and get darker in shade. When a perfume ages the notes become richer and deeper. Often, the perfume can also get stronger. A high-end aged perfume tend to be a more valuable perfume.
A cheap mass-produced perfume do not mature like a high-end perfume. These perfumes are made with chemicals that emulate a scent. They have shorter longevity and tend to lose their scent-tree in a year and start to smell chemical, or off. They are also less prone to change colour.
A cheap mass-produced perfume do not mature like a high-end perfume. These perfumes are made with chemicals that emulate a scent. They have shorter longevity and tend to lose their scent-tree in a year and start to smell chemical, or off. They are also less prone to change colour.
CAN COVID-19 AFFECT MY SENSE OF SMELL?
Yes!
Loss of smell (Anosmia) or reduction in ability to sense smells is one of the most common side effects of COVID and COVID vaccines and booster shots, and can continue long after a mild or severe infection.
COVID can also cause a distortion of scents.
The good news is that it's only temporary.
Other causes for scent distortion or loss are allergies, hay fever, colds. Like COVID these conditions can make fragrances smell odd, strong scents can smell weak or poorly lasting, or completely distorted.
Loss of smell (Anosmia) or reduction in ability to sense smells is one of the most common side effects of COVID and COVID vaccines and booster shots, and can continue long after a mild or severe infection.
COVID can also cause a distortion of scents.
The good news is that it's only temporary.
Other causes for scent distortion or loss are allergies, hay fever, colds. Like COVID these conditions can make fragrances smell odd, strong scents can smell weak or poorly lasting, or completely distorted.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS CAN I USE?
We offer multiple payment methods; PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Shopify payment processing and the option to pay by Bank Transfer.
WHY DID MY ONLINE PAYMENT FAIL?
For security reasons, the payment provider require that the card payment details must match your bank statement details associated with the card you use:
1. The card holders name
2. The card billing address
3. The delivery address (should match your bank statement)
4. The CVC code (last 3 digits on the back of the card)
If these details differ from your card provider details, the payment will often be held or rejected due to security concerns. Try to process the payment again and make sure all your account details matches the input on your payment.
If you continue to have problems, contact our support. We may be able to help.
1. The card holders name
2. The card billing address
3. The delivery address (should match your bank statement)
4. The CVC code (last 3 digits on the back of the card)
If these details differ from your card provider details, the payment will often be held or rejected due to security concerns. Try to process the payment again and make sure all your account details matches the input on your payment.
If you continue to have problems, contact our support. We may be able to help.
WHAT IS THE SHIPPING TIME?
Our Lab take up to 2-working days to decant and prepare the product. We do not generally process orders on weekends, holidays or bank holidays.
MINIMUM ESTIMATED DELIVERY
Royal Mail estimate:
(Plus 2 day lab decant process. Weekends not included)
- UK orders: 5 working days
- EU orders: 2-3 weeks
- Worldwide: 2-4 weeks
EU DELAYS
Please note that new EU customs procedures can cause delays. Do not place orders that require tight deliveries.
TRACKING
Once orders leave the lab, only Royal Mail will know the delivery status. We have no access to updates on delivery status beyond what Royal Mail provides on their official tracking details.
LOST ITEMS
Be aware that we provide no guarantees, compensation or refunds for any lost or delayed orders shipped Internationally. All shipping issues are the responsibility of the carrier.
Read our terms and conditions for delayed and lost deliveries before placing your order.
MINIMUM ESTIMATED DELIVERY
Royal Mail estimate:
(Plus 2 day lab decant process. Weekends not included)
- UK orders: 5 working days
- EU orders: 2-3 weeks
- Worldwide: 2-4 weeks
EU DELAYS
Please note that new EU customs procedures can cause delays. Do not place orders that require tight deliveries.
TRACKING
Once orders leave the lab, only Royal Mail will know the delivery status. We have no access to updates on delivery status beyond what Royal Mail provides on their official tracking details.
LOST ITEMS
Be aware that we provide no guarantees, compensation or refunds for any lost or delayed orders shipped Internationally. All shipping issues are the responsibility of the carrier.
Read our terms and conditions for delayed and lost deliveries before placing your order.
WHAT IS THE STATUS OF MY ORDER?
TRACK YOUR ORDER
Tracking information can be found in your shipment confirmation email, or from your accounts in the "order history" section. You can search the tracking update via the Royal Mail:
Royal Mail: Track Your Item
Or direct via the Royal Mail website: https://www.royalmail.com/track-your-item#
EU/US ORDER DELAYS
The most common causes for extended or lost delays: - Unclaimed orders - Faulty address
Royal Mail do not provide compensation for parcels destroyed from unclaimed or missing address details, or parcels rejected over customs/duty payments.
You may have limited consumer rights for missing items in this catagory.
FAULTY ADDRESS
Please assure your delivery address and contact details are accurate. If you suspect that the delivery address is in error, contact us as soon as possible.
We do not reimburse or credit orders with delivery issues from faulty details, rejected deliveries, or refusals to pay customs duty.
Failure to provide accurate delivery and contact details may cause a full loss of your order.
Tracking information can be found in your shipment confirmation email, or from your accounts in the "order history" section. You can search the tracking update via the Royal Mail:
Royal Mail: Track Your Item
Or direct via the Royal Mail website: https://www.royalmail.com/track-your-item#
EU/US ORDER DELAYS
The most common causes for extended or lost delays: - Unclaimed orders - Faulty address
Royal Mail do not provide compensation for parcels destroyed from unclaimed or missing address details, or parcels rejected over customs/duty payments.
You may have limited consumer rights for missing items in this catagory.
FAULTY ADDRESS
Please assure your delivery address and contact details are accurate. If you suspect that the delivery address is in error, contact us as soon as possible.
We do not reimburse or credit orders with delivery issues from faulty details, rejected deliveries, or refusals to pay customs duty.
Failure to provide accurate delivery and contact details may cause a full loss of your order.
ARE NON-UK ORDERS SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS DUTY?
Yes, they can be. It does not happen often with orders, but if you are based in the European Union or outside the UK you may be charged additional duty, VAT and import fees on arrival.
All import and customs fees are the buyers responsibility. These fees are billed to you by your government and are payable before the release of the goods, or billed after delivery.
Refusal to pay customs fees can result in cancellation and loss of your total order value. Please be aware that compensation will not be issued by Royal Mail for RTOs or refusal to pay customs and duty. TPS provides no refund on orders with RTO rejections.
Learn more here:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/vat/vat-e-commerce_en
All import and customs fees are the buyers responsibility. These fees are billed to you by your government and are payable before the release of the goods, or billed after delivery.
Refusal to pay customs fees can result in cancellation and loss of your total order value. Please be aware that compensation will not be issued by Royal Mail for RTOs or refusal to pay customs and duty. TPS provides no refund on orders with RTO rejections.
Learn more here:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/business/vat/vat-e-commerce_en
WHAT IS YOUR RETURNS, EXCHANGES AND REFUNDS POLICY?
Returns
We do not accept returns or provide refunds on perfume testers. The perishable and customized nature of the products do not permit returns under the UK's Health & Safety Regulations. Perishable goods cannot be re-stocked and have to be discarded.
We are trying to offer better options in the near future.
Exchange
- Exchange is offered on faulty / wrong items with a replacement.
- Faulty items need to be notified to us within 36-hours of delivery date to qualify for exchange.
- Note that an exchange will not be provided for returned goods that show signs of use or unreasonable use.
- For replacements, returns must be received within 30-days of the purchase date. Returned items must be pre-approved with a return reference code and be posted by tracked delivery and with tracking proof with the return label emailed to you upon approval.
- Please ensure that the returned parcel is properly sealed and contains the Returns Note or original packing slip.
Order Cancellations
- We accept cancellations with full refund on orders provided support has been notified prior to the product(s) being prepared and/or shipped.
- We cannot accept cancellations once the order has been processed for shipping, or has been shipped.
- Make sure to include your order number and name. If the cancellation is processed, you will receive a cancellation verification by email with refund details.
- A refund will be credited back to the same card used in the purchase within 2-5 business days.
Damaged Items
The following exceptions apply:
- Replacement of the same product will be provided for damaged items.
- Replacement is not offered on products that have been tampered with for other usage.
- Please report damaged items within 24-hours of delivery date to qualify for replacement by emailing support via the online contact form.
Faulty/Wrong Goods
- If you receive a faulty item a replacement will be issued. Please report faulty goods within 36-hours of delivery through the contact form.
- If you receive a faulty item and we are unable to replace it, a refund will be issued within 14-days of receipt of the return.
Lost Items:
Royal Mail Compensation Claims:
For lost items you may file a compensation claim with Royal Mail via the Online Compensation Form. We cannot accept liability for goods lost in transit (although this is rare) and we do not provide refunds or compensation for lost items. Missing items would need to raised a claim with Royal Mail:
Royal Mail: Missing Items Claim
Or direct via: https://personal.help.royalmail.com/app/webforms/claim
Please assure you have all details ready before filing your claim with Royal Mail:
1) Your purchase receipt that was emailed to you
2) The order value and order date
3) Shipping label reference (for non-tracked deliveries) or tracking code.
4) External packaging description ["White padded envelope with printed label"].
This information is emailed to you upon shipping confirmation. You can take a screencap or image of the label reference or tracking number and upload it with your proof for a claim filed with Royal Mail.
Please note that compensation claims by Royal Mail is generally processed for tracked postage and is limited for non-tracked orders. You can however, still file a missing items claim. Missing claims can only be filed after 14-days of shipping date, the earliest.
We do not accept returns or provide refunds on perfume testers. The perishable and customized nature of the products do not permit returns under the UK's Health & Safety Regulations. Perishable goods cannot be re-stocked and have to be discarded.
We are trying to offer better options in the near future.
Exchange
- Exchange is offered on faulty / wrong items with a replacement.
- Faulty items need to be notified to us within 36-hours of delivery date to qualify for exchange.
- Note that an exchange will not be provided for returned goods that show signs of use or unreasonable use.
- For replacements, returns must be received within 30-days of the purchase date. Returned items must be pre-approved with a return reference code and be posted by tracked delivery and with tracking proof with the return label emailed to you upon approval.
- Please ensure that the returned parcel is properly sealed and contains the Returns Note or original packing slip.
Order Cancellations
- We accept cancellations with full refund on orders provided support has been notified prior to the product(s) being prepared and/or shipped.
- We cannot accept cancellations once the order has been processed for shipping, or has been shipped.
- Make sure to include your order number and name. If the cancellation is processed, you will receive a cancellation verification by email with refund details.
- A refund will be credited back to the same card used in the purchase within 2-5 business days.
Damaged Items
The following exceptions apply:
- Replacement of the same product will be provided for damaged items.
- Replacement is not offered on products that have been tampered with for other usage.
- Please report damaged items within 24-hours of delivery date to qualify for replacement by emailing support via the online contact form.
Faulty/Wrong Goods
- If you receive a faulty item a replacement will be issued. Please report faulty goods within 36-hours of delivery through the contact form.
- If you receive a faulty item and we are unable to replace it, a refund will be issued within 14-days of receipt of the return.
Lost Items:
Royal Mail Compensation Claims:
For lost items you may file a compensation claim with Royal Mail via the Online Compensation Form. We cannot accept liability for goods lost in transit (although this is rare) and we do not provide refunds or compensation for lost items. Missing items would need to raised a claim with Royal Mail:
Royal Mail: Missing Items Claim
Or direct via: https://personal.help.royalmail.com/app/webforms/claim
Please assure you have all details ready before filing your claim with Royal Mail:
1) Your purchase receipt that was emailed to you
2) The order value and order date
3) Shipping label reference (for non-tracked deliveries) or tracking code.
4) External packaging description ["White padded envelope with printed label"].
This information is emailed to you upon shipping confirmation. You can take a screencap or image of the label reference or tracking number and upload it with your proof for a claim filed with Royal Mail.
Please note that compensation claims by Royal Mail is generally processed for tracked postage and is limited for non-tracked orders. You can however, still file a missing items claim. Missing claims can only be filed after 14-days of shipping date, the earliest.
HOW DO I CONTACT CUSTOMER SERVICES?
You can reach us via the contact form (in top menu) or via info###theparfumesshop.com. Replace the ### with @.
Our customer service team is available throughout business days from Monday to Friday, local United Kingdom time zone.
During busy holiday seasons we prioritize to respond to existing customers, so we advice to check the FAQ for answers for quicker resolution before contacting support.
Please make sure to check the spam folder if you're missing replies.
Opening Hours (UK Time Zone)
Monday 10:30 - 5 pm
Tuesday 10:30 - 5 pm
Wednesday 10:30 - 5 pm
Thursday 10:30 - 5 pm
Friday 10:00 - 4 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Bank Holidays
We are closed on the following bank holidays in 2024:
1 January New Year’s Day (substitute day)
29 March Friday Good Friday
1 April Monday Easter Monday
6 May Monday Early May bank holiday
27 May Thursday Spring bank holiday
26 August Monday Summer bank holiday
24 - 31 December Christmas / New Year week
Our customer service team is available throughout business days from Monday to Friday, local United Kingdom time zone.
During busy holiday seasons we prioritize to respond to existing customers, so we advice to check the FAQ for answers for quicker resolution before contacting support.
Please make sure to check the spam folder if you're missing replies.
Opening Hours (UK Time Zone)
Monday 10:30 - 5 pm
Tuesday 10:30 - 5 pm
Wednesday 10:30 - 5 pm
Thursday 10:30 - 5 pm
Friday 10:00 - 4 pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Bank Holidays
We are closed on the following bank holidays in 2024:
1 January New Year’s Day (substitute day)
29 March Friday Good Friday
1 April Monday Easter Monday
6 May Monday Early May bank holiday
27 May Thursday Spring bank holiday
26 August Monday Summer bank holiday
24 - 31 December Christmas / New Year week
