A. There is no need to hide the fact that you have come only to try fragrances. Saying at the outset, “Today I would like to try a few options and think it over after seeing how they develop on my skin,” puts you and the salesperson on the same page. Rather than feeling intimidated because it is a department store, it is practical to focus on these three things: check how the testers may be used, try fragrances on blotters before trying them on skin, and say thank you on days when you do not buy anything. Procedures vary by counter and brand, so ask a salesperson if you are unsure. Drawing on my experience serving customers as a salesperson, I will explain a straightforward approach for first-time visitors.
Explain What You Want the Perfume For, Rather Than Focusing on What to Wear
Rather than putting together a special outfit for perfume shopping, explaining when you will use it, such as for work, days off, meals out, or a gift, gives the salesperson a better starting point for recommendations. Wear something that is close to your usual style, and also mention any impression you would like to create or scents you want to avoid.
Comparing scents will be easier if you do not wear your own perfume that day and avoid applying strongly scented hand cream to the wrists or arms where you plan to test fragrances. There is no need to assume that the quality of service will depend solely on your clothes or belongings. If you find it difficult to ask for advice, you do not have to press on; it is fine to choose another counter or another time.
What to Say When You Only Want to Try Fragrances
If you are unsure what to say to a salesperson, explain what you are looking for and that you want to compare options today in a single sentence.
- “I am looking for a perfume for work. Could I compare a few options on blotters today?”
- “I would like a scent that is not too sweet, and my budget is around [amount] yen. Could you show me two or three recommendations?”
- “I would like to look around on my own first, so I will ask if I need anything.”
- “I liked this on the blotter. May I try it on my skin as well?”
When it is busy, rather than giving up on visiting the counter, ask, “Would it be possible to try some fragrances now?” or “Can I make an appointment if I would like a longer consultation?” Whether appointments are available depends on the counter. Do not judge a salesperson’s knowledge or service solely by whether they greet you; consider how they answer your questions and what they recommend.
How to Try Fragrances: From Blotters to Skin
- If you do not know how the testers may be used, ask, “May I try these myself?”
- Spray onto a fresh blotter and note the perfume’s name and the time. Do not judge it only by the impression you get from smelling the nozzle directly.
- After checking with the salesperson, apply only the candidates you liked on blotters to your wrists or arms. Do not layer them on the same spot or rub them.
- Do not decide solely on your first impression at the counter; continue to check how the scent changes after you leave.
How to Decline a Purchase That Day
If you do not intend to buy on the spot, “I will think it over after seeing how it develops on my skin today. Thank you very much,” is enough. You could also say, “I would like to compare it with some other options, so I will think it over and come back.” If the counter becomes busy, bringing the consultation to a close with “I will take a little time to check the scents myself” makes it easier for the salesperson to help other customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It All Right to Visit a Department Store Just to Try Perfumes?
Say at the outset that you would like to compare options today or think it over after seeing how they develop on your skin. Tester procedures vary from counter to counter, so ask a salesperson about anything you are unsure of.
Do I Need to Dress Up?
Explaining when you will wear the perfume and the impression you would like to create is more useful for recommendations than a special outfit. Comparing scents will be easier if you go without wearing your own perfume that day.
How Many Perfumes May I Try at Once?
There is no universal limit on the number. Compare them on blotters first, then narrow down the ones you apply to your skin.
What Should I Say If I Am Not Buying Anything?
“I will think it over after seeing how the scent develops today. Thank you very much,” is enough.
