fragrance com

October 25, 2025

Fragrance.com: What It Really Is and How It Works for Perfume Buyers

Fragrance.com (also known as FragranceNet.com) is a large online store that sells brand-name perfumes, colognes, skincare, and beauty products at discounted prices. It’s been around for decades and has become one of the biggest names in discount fragrance retail. The company promises up to 80% off retail prices, same-day shipping in some regions, and a catalog that includes thousands of designer scents. But it’s not perfect. Here’s a breakdown of how it works, what to expect, and what to watch out for when buying from them.

How Fragrance.com Started

Fragrance.com began in the late 1990s in Deer Park, New York, under the name FragranceNet.com. The founders built it around one idea: genuine fragrances at cheaper prices than department stores. Over time, it expanded beyond perfume into skincare, haircare, aromatherapy, and candles.

In 2018, a European distributor called B&S Group acquired most of the company. That helped Fragrance.com expand internationally — now it operates both U.S. and European websites, with local shipping centers to speed up delivery.

Despite the ownership change, the brand still focuses on being an independent retailer that carries authentic, overstock, or discontinued fragrances. They buy directly from licensed distributors, not from counterfeit markets, which is why prices can still be low without being fake.

What You Actually Get When You Order

The biggest draw is the discount. Fragrance.com lists most perfumes at 30–80% off typical department-store prices. It sells over 17,000 items online, covering both luxury and everyday brands like Dior, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Chanel, and Versace. You can also find smaller niche labels and older bottles that regular stores don’t stock anymore.

Most products are new and sealed, though sometimes they’re from older batches. That means the perfume might smell slightly different or have a different box or cap design. The scent itself is still authentic, but the age can affect how strong or fresh it feels. That’s one of the trade-offs of buying discounted fragrance.

Fragrance.com also sells tester bottles. These are genuine perfumes meant for display in stores — they often come without the fancy retail box, and they’re cheaper. People who just want the scent, not the packaging, tend to prefer these.

Why It’s Cheaper Than Department Stores

Fragrance.com doesn’t run physical department stores, so its overhead costs are lower. It also buys in bulk and sometimes purchases surplus stock or discontinued lines that big retailers want to clear out. Those savings get passed down.

However, the discount model can cause confusion. Some people think “cheap perfume” means fake perfume. That’s not the case here. Fragrance.com is Better Business Bureau accredited (A+ rating) and has been operating for over two decades. Most of its negative reviews aren’t about fake goods — they’re about slow shipping, damaged packaging, or returns.

The company’s reputation depends on authenticity. If it sold counterfeits, it wouldn’t have survived since 1997 or been purchased by a multinational distributor.

Common Complaints and Real Problems

Customer reviews online are mixed. On Trustpilot, the company has a score above 4 stars with over 90,000 reviews. On SiteJabber, it’s under 2 stars. That’s a huge gap. The truth sits somewhere in between.

Here are the most common issues people mention:

Old stock: Perfumes can sit in warehouses for years. That doesn’t make them fake, but it can change the scent slightly if stored improperly.
Returns and refunds: Fragrance.com’s return process can be strict. Opened perfumes often can’t be returned for hygiene reasons.
Shipping delays: International shipping or holiday periods sometimes cause week-long delays.
Packaging differences: Boxes or bottles may look different from store versions due to manufacturing date or region.

These aren’t scams; they’re operational issues. But for fragrance collectors who care about bottle condition or exact batch codes, they matter.

What Happens When You Get It Wrong

If you buy perfume without checking reviews or batch codes, you might end up with an older bottle that doesn’t smell as vibrant. That’s not dangerous, but it’s disappointing. Perfume formulas evolve, and batches can vary. Some buyers blame the seller when it’s really just product age or reformulation differences.

Another common mistake is ignoring the difference between testers and retail packaging. Testers are genuine but plain. People sometimes return them thinking they got “used” bottles when that’s just how testers look.

Lastly, not reading the return policy carefully can lead to lost money. Fragrance.com accepts returns within 30 days for unused items. Once opened, it’s usually final.

European vs. U.S. Site Differences

Fragrance.com operates two main regions: fragrance.com for U.S. shoppers and eu.fragrance.com for Europe. The European site has its own warehouse, local payment options, and next-day delivery if you order before 20:00. Prices are in euros, and returns are processed locally.

The U.S. site ships from New York and handles North American orders. It offers free shipping on orders over a minimum spend (usually around $59) and runs frequent coupon promotions for 25–35% off.

Each region has its own stock, so availability and prices can vary. If a scent is missing on one, it’s worth checking the other.

How to Buy Safely and Get the Best Deal

Buying perfume online isn’t complicated, but there are steps to avoid mistakes.

Stick to the official domain. Fake discount sites mimic Fragrance.com’s name. Make sure the URL is fragrance.com or eu.fragrance.com.
Compare batch codes. Once you receive your bottle, look up the code (usually engraved on the bottom) to see the production date.
Avoid impulse buying. Prices fluctuate. Waiting for coupon codes can save another 20–30%.
Check the size and concentration. Some listings sell Eau de Toilette instead of Eau de Parfum. The price difference can trick people.
Read reviews by specific fragrance name. Some items get older batches more often than others.
Order earlier during holidays. Shipping can take longer in December.
Test with smaller bottles first. Especially for expensive scents — better to confirm authenticity and freshness before buying large sizes.

Why It Still Matters

Fragrance.com fills a niche that department stores can’t. It gives people access to real perfumes at lower cost, including discontinued bottles and niche brands that aren’t stocked locally. For collectors and frequent buyers, it’s a practical option.

The risk is minor if you know what you’re doing — mainly around product age and packaging differences. For most consumers, the value outweighs the small downsides. The convenience of browsing thousands of perfumes from home at half price is exactly why the company continues to dominate online fragrance retail.

FAQs

Is Fragrance.com legit?
Yes. It’s the same business as FragranceNet.com, in operation since 1997, accredited by the BBB, and purchased by B&S Group in 2018.

Are the perfumes real?
They’re genuine, brand-name products sourced from authorized distributors. Some items may be older batches or testers, but not fakes.

Why are the prices so low?
The company buys in bulk, sells overstock or discontinued items, and doesn’t have expensive storefronts. That allows big discounts.

Can I return a perfume if I don’t like it?
Only if it’s unopened and within the 30-day return window. Opened bottles are usually not accepted for hygiene reasons.

What’s the difference between Fragrance.com and FragranceNet.com?
They’re the same company. The name Fragrance.com is the global rebranding of FragranceNet.com.

Does Fragrance.com ship internationally?
Yes. The main U.S. site ships worldwide, and there’s a dedicated European site for faster EU delivery.

What if my perfume smells different from store samples?
Batch variation or storage time can cause slight differences. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fake.

Is it safe to buy testers?
Yes. Testers are real products without fancy packaging. They’re meant for in-store display, so they’re cheaper.

How long does shipping take?
In the U.S., orders typically arrive in 3–7 business days. In Europe, next-day delivery is possible for orders placed before 20:00.

Who should avoid buying from Fragrance.com?
Collectors who demand the newest bottle batches or perfect packaging may prefer buying directly from the brand boutique.

Fragrance.com remains a big part of the perfume-buying landscape. It’s not perfect, but it’s reliable enough for most people who want authentic designer scents without department-store markups. If you shop carefully — check batch codes, read policies, and expect small packaging differences — it delivers real value.