Amazon is probably one of the easiest places to shop for perfumes and they provide fast shipping and its free if you are an amazon prime member. However, there are other places you may find interesting scents from that are reputable. Below is our list of ‘alternatives’ to amazon should you want to broaden your horizons.
| Retailer | Why It’s Popular / What They Offer | Notes & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| FragranceX | Large selection of designer scents at discounted prices FragranceX+1 | Look for “100% genuine” claims and check shipping to your location. |
| FragranceNet | Deep discount deals, frequent coupons, wide inventory of men’s colognes FragranceNet | Compare with similar sites; sometimes the same product appears across multiple discounters. |
| Perfume.com | Over 13,000 fragrances, discount focus Perfume.com+1 | Good option for finding less common bottles. |
| Perfumania | Both physical stores and an online presence, decent deals on designer cologne Perfumania+1 | If you live near one of their retail locations, you might be able to pick up or return locally. |
| Fragrance Outlet | Discounted designer fragrances, large national chain with online store Fragrance Outlet+1 | Be wary of “closeout” or “overstock” labels—check the bottle condition. |
| Fragrance Market | Large U.S. retailer with designer and luxury brands, frequent sales Fragrance Market | Look for authenticity guarantees and check reviews for recent customer experience. |
| Ulta Beauty | Mainstream retailer with strong fragrance section Wikipedia | Good for combination shopping (hair, skin, fragrance); has loyalty programs and in-store pickup. |
| Department Store Websites (Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, etc.) | Carry high-end, luxury, designer brands | These act as authorized dealers, which can help with authenticity and returns. Byrdie’s “best places” list includes these types of department stores. Byrdie |
| Niche / Indie Fragrance Boutiques (e.g. Luckyscent, niche-fragrance retailers) | Unique, hard-to-find scents, smaller runs | More expensive, but good for finding something off the beaten path. (Mentioned in discussion threads and fragrance communities) Basenotes+1 |
Tips for Choosing the Right Website & Avoiding Counterfeits
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Authorized Dealer vs. Discounters
Department stores and official brand sites are “authorized dealers.” Discount sites can be legitimate but always check user reviews and authenticity guarantees. -
Check Return Policy & Authenticity Guarantees
A trustworthy site will allow returns (unless it’s sealed) and often offer statements like “100% genuine product.” -
Compare Final Cost (Including Shipping & Duties)
Some sites offer low “sticker” prices but high shipping or import fees. Always compare “total cost to your door.” -
Watch for Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals
If a cologne is priced way below the usual market rate, that’s a red flag. Some users warn about counterfeit or diluted fragrances when prices are suspiciously low. The Sun -
Check Seller History & Feedback
Sites like Fragrantica, Basenotes, and fragrance forums often have community feedback on which retailers are reliable. Fragrantica+1 -
Look for Sample / Travel Sizes First
Some sites let you test with a smaller size before committing to a full bottle, especially helpful for more expensive or niche scents. -
Watch Regional Restrictions
Some fragrance retailers limit international shipping or require additional steps for certain countries.