Barriers to the Fragrance Hobby: "Access to Sampling – Geography Matters" (3/6)

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Not everyone lives near a luxury mall or boutique fragrance shop. For many, access is limited to whatever sits behind a locked glass case at the nearest department store. If niche isn’t stocked locally, exploration becomes dependent on online ordering...often blind!

Sampling is the lifeblood of responsible collecting. It protects the wallet and sharpens the nose. But when samples are hard to find or overpriced themselves, the barrier becomes logistical rather than financial. Geography plays a bigger role in this hobby than we sometimes acknowledge.

Fortunately, the rise of decant services and online sample programs has helped level the playing field. Still, access remains uneven. The more brands prioritize approachable discovery options, the healthier the hobby becomes.

What say you, guys? How easy is it for you to sample where you live? Have you ever blind bought simply because you couldn’t test first? And who else has rolled the dice on a full bottle because patience left the building? Love to hear from ya'!

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