How to get free perfume samples/decants from department stores

[deactivateduser232015]

I went back a bit and I didn't see any threads (or at least any active threads) for this topic, so I thought I should bring it up.

I've had my eye on Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille for a while -- I haven't tried it before, but I've heard really great things about it from a friend who's a perfume junkie. However, it's $205 for a 1.7 oz bottle, which is between 2-3 times the price of most retail prices for perfumes. I don't know if I'd be able to pay for a full bottle of it up front but definitely not without a vial sample first.

Thankfully, it does seem like Nordstrom carries it and I've read a few places online that Nordstrom does give out little vial samples. So I have to ask now -- does anyone have any advice on how you should ask for perfume samples in stores? Is there a particular way you should act (other than courteous and grateful, obviously)? Is there a way you should dress that they will take you more seriously or does it not matter?

All opinions are welcome. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[MaryAnn888]

Nordstrom deals with 100's of customers, so don't over think it. Passively mention you're looking for a birthday gift for your sister so you're in the market for 2 FSB's .... but then ask for a sample and say you'll probably be back on the weekend (or during the week depending on when you're there). If you ever run into the same sales lady thank them for their help and that your sister loves the scent. They will just think you bought from them (they won't remember) and be even more nice to you /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Also, you might want to contact My Perfume Samples ... they sometimes have items in stock they don't list on their site ... or will just arrange to get it for you. I see they have some TF's: http://www.myperfumesamples.com/mps/womens-perfume-samples.html?manufacturer=238 - the anonymous factor can't be beat ordering online 

good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[tinkerbll695]

Sephora gives out sample vials of perfume too (don't know if they carry the one you're looking for). Nordstrom's policy is that they will give you a sample of whatever they can make a sample out of - they have signs out that state that samples can be made for you to take home and even have jars of little perfume atomizers and little sample pots throughout their makeup and skincare area. Whenever I ask for a sample I just say that it takes me a couple uses to get a feel for a product no matter what it is so I'd like to take a sample home with me to try out. I also ask for the sales associate's name and card if they have one so that if I do end up liking the product I'll go back to them to buy it - I tend to do this right before they're making up the sample and it seems that on more occasions than not that they're more generous with the sample and they'll give me other samples to try out as well.

 

[PeridotCricket]

I have been using perfumesforabuck.com since June. It's $12.99 a month for 5 samples of perfume that are 1 ml each. I always specify in the notes field which fragrance I want in the 2 ml spray bottle. The other 4 are in little vials with a hard to remove without spilling lid. The spray bottle sample is always 1.5 to 2 ml instead of just 1 ml. You can even add 5 samples of the same fragrance to your cart if you want. Just remember to cancel after your samples arrive or they will bill you the next month.