Wednesday, December 11th
2024 Perfume Subscription Reviews
Scentbird
- Over 700 fragrances to choose from
- $16.95/month
- 8mL (0.27 oz) in each delivery
- Can save 50% on your first month (timed offer)
- Cologne also available (as a separate subscription, no mix-and-match)
- Free case with your first order only
- In business since 2013
Scentbird has been delivering top-shelf fragrances since 2013. Founded by Mariya Nurislamova, a speed reaching coach and former professional ballroom dancer with a passion for perfume, this subscription can bring over 700 scents right to your home.
Hurry if you want to save 50%
When you start browsing the Scentbird site, you might spot a promo saying you can save 50% on your first month. Awesome, right? However, it comes with a high-pressure countdown timer; if you don't decide to subscribe within 20 minutes of browsing the site, too bad for you. (If you can't tell, we don't love those kinds of tactics.)
No mix-and-match between men's and women's fragrances
But, continuing onward, as you set up your Scentbird profile, you'll indicate if you prefer feminine or masculine scents - both perfume and cologne are available here, but you can't mix-and-match within one subscription. You can also take their scent profile quiz anytime you like - at the beginning of your subscription, if you'd like some suggestions, or later on if you feel like your tastes may have changed.
$16.95/month
You won't get quite as much perfume from Scentbird: where many rivals include at least 9mL of fragrance in each delivery, this club only gives you 8mL (0.27 fl.oz). You also only get a case for your perfume vial with your first delivery; you're expected to reuse it as each new fragrance ships (which can be a pain if you don't use all 130 sprays of the last one you received - you'll have to swap them out and store them somewhere they won't get broken). But, this perfume subscription is a bit cheaper at $16.95/month, compared with some competitors who charge $18.95+, so you do the math and decide if you'd rather pay less or get more fragrance.
Impressive selection
Another great resource is Scentbird's Discover section of the website. From the notes library and fragrance family library to the fun "scent horoscope”, you can get all kinds of ideas about where to take your scent style next. It's also where you can take a peek at the brands in the selection through this perfume subscription - it literally goes from A(cqua di Parma) to Z(irh). Scentbird makes it easy to try classic scents you've always heard about but never owned (like Versace Bright Crystal Absolu or Michael Kors Wonderlust), or try something lesser-known but amazing (like Juliette Has a Gun Ode to Dullness or the latest premium scent from Amouage). But, speaking of "premium”, pay attention to the fact that some perfumes come with a surcharge - they're considered luxury fragrances, and the extra will be added to your monthly bill.
No exchanges or returns
If you get a fragrance that you don't love, can you return or exchange it with Scentbird? Unfortunately, that's a no. That's pretty common within the perfume subscription industry, but there's at least one service on our list that gives you a certain number of swaps per year. If there's something defective or damaged, though, you can reach out to Scentbird's customer service team and they'll take care of it.
Worst possible reputation with the BBB
With all of that, are you wondering why we've given this company such a low rating? Scentbird lands at the bottom of our list because of its reputation. Not only does the company get an "F” rating from the Better Business Bureau, but there's also a whole alert on the BBB site saying that there have been numerous complaints about the site accepting subscription orders but never shipping out the perfume. It's unfortunate that the BBB had to make that kind of notice, because other reviews for Scentbird are decent, if not universally positive. On Trustpilot, for example, this perfume subscription platform comes in with a 3.7-star average. Some members love the packaging, the ability to pause their subscription when needed, and the ability to try new fragrances so easily. On the other hand, more than 25% of the ratings on Trustpilot are just a single star, and many of them were left within just a few days of our evaluation. Those complaints ranged from accounts being canceled out of the blue to customers continuing to be charged after canceling.
Not a perfume subscription we'd trust
We just can't get past that "F” rating and alert from the BBB. There's no excuse for Scentbird to take people's money and then not deliver the perfume. And, in a marketplace where there are more than a few trustworthy options with tons of variety (hint: you'll find them at the top of our list), Scentbird only stands out in a bad way - giving you less perfume in every delivery, assuming your orders arrive at all.
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The 8 Best Perfume Subscriptions
Which Perfume Subscription is the Best?
Perfumes have been an integral part of human culture for centuries, with scents carefully crafted from flowers, herbs, and exotic spices. From ancient Egypt to modern-day fashion houses, wearing perfume has always been a way to express identity, mood, and even status. Fast forward to today, and the art of choosing a fragrance has evolved.
Perfume is no longer just about sniffing your way through the options at the department store counter - perfumes can capture emotions in a bottle, or even become as distinctive as your signature. But here's the thing: perfume shopping in traditional stores can be overwhelming.
Perfume Subscription FAQ
Continued from above...
The options seem endless, and after sampling just a few, your nose might struggle to differentiate between scents. Add the high price tags for full-sized bottles, and you might feel hesitant to commit to a single perfume without fully experiencing it. Enter perfume subscriptions, the modern solution to all your fragrance woes.
Perfume subscriptions are all about convenience and discovery. For a monthly fee, you receive sample-size perfumes from a wide range of brands. It's the perfect way to try new fragrances before buying the full bottle, which can save you money and prevent any buyer's remorse. Plus, it's a way to break out of your usual scent preferences and experiment with something new - whether that's a light, breezy scent for spring or a deep, sultry fragrance for fall.
Another perk? Perfume subscriptions often partner with both luxury and niche brands, giving you access to a curated selection that you might not find at your local department store. And, since most subscription services come in handy travel-friendly sizes, you can carry them wherever you go - ideal for someone who's always on the move or who needs to freshen up after work and before drinks.
Additionally, these subscriptions sometimes come with personalized recommendations, often after giving you a quiz to see which scents match your style and favorite notes. With fresh perfumes arriving every month, it feels like a little just-for-you luxury delivered straight to your door.
With so many options available, it's super-easy to find the right perfume subscription for your "scent style”. Here are some criteria to consider when deciding where to get started:
- Brand variety. Some subscription services focus on well-known luxury brands, while others offer a mix of niche or indie fragrances. If you're someone who loves the classics, look for a subscription that includes iconic names. If you enjoy discovering up-and-coming perfumers, a service that focuses on smaller, boutique brands might be a better fit.
- Customization. Look into whether the subscription allows you to choose the scents you want to try or if it's more of a mystery each month. Some people enjoy the surprise, while others prefer more control over what they receive. Also, check if there's an option to swap fragrances if you get one you don't love.
- Pricing and flexibility. Prices for perfume subscriptions can vary, so choose one that fits your budget. Look into whether they offer monthly, quarterly, or annual plans, and whether you can pause or cancel your subscription easily.
- Value. The vials that come in perfume subscriptions sizes can range from tiny vials to larger travel atomizers that last for nearly 150 sprays. If you're someone who likes to really wear a fragrance before deciding, opt for a service that offers more generous samples.
- Additional perks. Some subscriptions offer added bonuses, such as discounts on full-sized bottles, access to exclusive perfumes, or fun packaging. If you're someone who loves those little extra touches, these perks could make one subscription stand out from the rest.
- Reputation. Perfume subscriptions can look really similar on the surface, so check out what members are saying about the overall experience. Does the company deliver what it promises, on time, with no drama if something goes wrong? What does the Better Business Bureau have to say?
Ready to smell fantastic? The fragrance fans at Top Consumer Reviews have put some of today's most popular perfume subscriptions to the sniff test and ranked them from first to worst. Whether you're new to perfumes or a seasoned collector, there's a subscription for you, so prepare to experiment a bit and find your next favorite scent - without breaking the bank.
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