Frequently Asked Questions
Want to get answers to your questions? Please feel free to ask! We have covered most of the questions we get asked here. If you do not find your answer here, please contact us on WhatsApp 072 519 3457 or feel free to email us at [email protected]
What is a parallel import perfume in South Africa?
Parallel imports are genuine goods, typically branded products, which are imported without the authorization of the official distributor or intellectual property (IP) owner and are usually sold at a lower price without the usual guarantee/after sales service.
Why are they sometimes confused with fakes?
- The lower price of parallel imports can sometimes lead consumers to believe they are dealing with counterfeit goods.
- The absence of the usual warranty or after-sales service associated with authorized distribution channels can also raise suspicion.
- However, parallel imports are not illegal in many jurisdictions, provided they comply with local regulations and do not infringe on intellectual property rights.
Why are the fragrances labeled PREMIUM perfumes?
Premium parallel import fragrances, also known as grey market goods, are genuine, original products (like perfumes) purchased from authorized sellers in one country and then imported and sold in another country, often at a lower price, without the explicit permission of the original manufacturer or their local distributors. These are not fake or counterfeit products, but rather, they are legally imported and sold provided they don't infringe on intellectual property rights.
Genuine Products:
Parallel imports are authentic, original products, not imitations or fakes.
Unofficial Channels:
They bypass the manufacturer's or brand's authorized distribution network, often being sourced from countries with lower prices.
Legal, But...:
While legal, provided they don't infringe on intellectual property, parallel imports often come with a disclaimer stating that they are not covered by the brand's warranty or guarantee.
Why are They Cheaper?
Price Discrepancies:
Parallel importers exploit price differences between countries. They buy products where they are cheaper and sell them where they are more expensive, pocketing the difference after import costs.
No Local Distribution Costs:
Since they bypass the local distributor, they avoid the costs associated with that distribution network, further contributing to the lower price.
Risks and Considerations:
Warranty and Guarantee:
Parallel imported goods often lack the manufacturer's or local distributor's warranty or guarantee.
Potential Quality Differences:
Although the product is genuine, there might be slight variations in packaging or even the product itself (e.g., a slightly different smell or consistency) due to differences in manufacturing plants or sourcing of ingredients.
Consumer Awareness:
Consumers should be aware that they might be purchasing a product that differs slightly from what they would find in a local authorized retailer.
In essence, parallel importing offers a way to access genuine products at potentially lower prices, but it's crucial to understand the implications for warranty, potential quality variations, and the lack of official support.
Is parallel import perfume original vs fake?
A parallel import is a non-counterfeit product imported from another country without the permission of the intellectual property owner. Parallel imports are often referred to as a grey product and are implicated in issues of international trade, and intellectual property.
Why are the "imported" Perfumes so cheap?
As these are imported perfumes, they may have a defects to the bottle and packaging, some perfumes have been in circulation longer than others, they are sold with no warranties, this allows them to be sold at insanely discounted prices.
Why does perfume smell different on different people?
Your own body chemistry affects how different notes react on your skin. Anything that affects the "natural" smell of your skin, such as stress, hormonal changes, your current diet, or medications, might change how a perfume smells on you.
Where are you based & do you deliver?
We are based in Gordons Bay, Western Cape, we are a online based business and do not have walk-in stores and work via our local courier services. We courier all around South Africa for an additional R110 extra per delivery.
What payment methods do you accept?
It is very easy. If you are ordering online, you can pay through our 100% safe and secure Yoco portal. You can make a Direct Bank Transfer (EFT) as well (kindly WhatsApp us, and we will then send you a manual invoice with banking details provided on the invoice), as explained in the following point.
If we are processing the order for you directly, then kindly send us a WhatsApp or email. You will then get an invoice via WhatsApp or email, which will have the banking details provided on the invoice. Orders paid via EFT will be processed on our side once payment clears.
Are the Alcohol, Water, or Oil-based?
They are alcohol based.
Parallel imported designer perfumes are typically alcohol-based. These perfumes are genuine products imported from other countries without the brand's direct authorization, but they are not typically oil-based. While some niche or specialized perfumes might be oil-based, the vast majority of designer fragrances, including parallel imports, use alcohol as the primary carrier for the fragrance oils.
It can happen in the case of imports from other countries that the concentration of the perfume may differ from that of the local version that you find in your regular retailer. This is because they are made in different manufacturing plants.
How long does the smell last?
This is a "tricky" question.
There are varying factors when it comes to how long a fragrance will last; our fragrance will last anywhere up to 4-6 hours if not longer.
Lastly, heat maximizes perfume. Parts of your body, such as your neck, wrists, backs of knees, and other pulse points, emit more heat than other parts of your body. That heat actually activates and maximizes your perfume that was sprayed onto your skin. There are times during the day where perfume might smell stronger than other times because of heat.
- First: It's very important to note that these perfumes DO NOT last as long as the SA RETAIL ONE in store would. If you are used to the Retail Quality and you can spend the R1000 to R3000 for the retail ones, please don't buy these at this price and expect the lasting power of the one in store. These are, as explained in the Disclaimers, imported fragrances, and except from person to person skin density, their longevity is between 4-6 hours (certain reviews from customers said some lasted longer).
- Second: Every single perfume is different and cannot be expected to have the same lasting power as some scents are meant to be lighter and some heavier.
- Third: Your skin & diet play a huge role. We have had clients who bought the same perfume, but one said it lasts up to 7-8 hours on her skin, whereas the other said 30 mins.
- Fourth: Heat maximizes perfume. Your neck, wrists, backs of knees, and other pulse points emit more heat than other parts of your body. And that heat actually activates and maximizes your perfume. There are times during the day where perfume might smell stronger than other times because of heat.
Do you have Testers?
Unfortunately, we do not have these perfumes in 5ml testers.
Why are these perfumes so popular?
In an economy like ours, 85% of households need to be careful with what luxuries they can afford for themselves or as gifts for relatives or friends. Most people would rather spend R600 - R700 instead of paying the full price of R1000 – R3000 in the store per bottle.
How do I stay updated with current stock?
We will update our stock availability on the website, but do also note that stock might go out without prior notice, in which case we will communicate with you with a replacement of the same value.
What happens once I’ve placed an order?
Once you've placed an order, it goes into processing and packaging. Please allow up to plus minus (1 – 3 ) business days for processing and packaging to be completed. Thereafter, it is handed over to our local courier company. Once this step happens, you will receive your tracking information to track your parcel via email.
Time frame for delivery?
Delivery takes between 2-4 business days, but delivery may take between 3-5 business days if you live in an outlaying area. Please note lead times do not include weekends and public holidays, as couriers do not deliver over these days. Once your parcel has been dispatched, delivery to local areas will be 2-4 working days, outlaying areas 4-7 working days, outlying area deliveries will only take place on certain days as per the courier company's own schedule.
How do I track my order?
You can track your parcel by the waybill number we will send you on the courier's website. It might take them a few hours to scan the parcel, which activates the tracking number, so please allow time for this process.
Can I pay COD?
Unfortunately not, we use local courier services from different courier companies for deliveries, and they do not accept payment on our behalf. No stock leaves us without payment received in full.
Delivery Cost?
We charge a flat fee of R110 for delivery.
Is this a scam?
We understand that the number of scams on the internet is so huge at the moment, and we urge you to please have a look at our Facebook page for client reviews to see that we do not scam or run a dishonest business.
We are also registered with Yoco, and they have our ID numbers etc.
We also have plenty of waybill numbers we can send you to track them and see that deliveries have, in fact, been done.
What happens if a perfume I ordered is not in stock?
Items may go out of stock without prior notice, in which case we will communicate with you for a replacement of the same value. (No refunds unfortunately.)
How do I place an order online?
- Search for the item/s you wish to buy.
- Click the “Add To Cart” button.
- Search again if you want to add more items and also click on “Add To Cart.”
- Once you have added all the items, then click on the little shopping cart icon.
- Go to checkout.
- Complete the checkout form with your details.
- Use the delivery address where the courier will deliver (street numbers etc., are important).
- The courier delivers during the week only – so select the address where you will be during the week.
- Please note a discount code on promo products needs to be entered manually at checkout, we will not be held responsible for discount codes not being entered at checkout and resulting in the discount value not being deducted from your order.
What is a “imported” perfume?
As recipes vary, and as many of these items come from different countries, you may find that it is less strong as it has different oils in it – however, other than that, the product is almost identical at sometimes up to 1 tenth of the price. Having said this, it is not the same as the items you would purchase from local suppliers.
Why no refunds?
Due to the nature of our product as explained in our Disclaimer, we regret no returns, refunds, or exchanges will be accepted. We do, however, want to keep our customers happy and will tend to each one in a manner that we can see what we can do. The items are, however, sold “voetstoots”.
Addressing Product Spray Issues:
Perfume wont spray?
In the unlikely event that your perfume product does not spray, please follow these troubleshooting steps:
Evaluating and Testing the Internal Pipe:
- Remove the spray cap (the button that releases the perfume) from the bottle.
- Locate the white pipe extending into the bottle.
- Using your fingernail (to avoid blocking the opening), gently press the white pipe multiple times.
- Continue pressing until the perfume squirts out.
- If perfume emerges from the white pipe, the issue lies with the spray cap itself.
Evaluating and Testing the Spray Cap:
- Examine the cap. It contains plastic components, including a lid that matches the bottle's style (e.g., silver, gold, or other color).
- Ensure the two holes (the white plastic hole inside and the colored hole on top) are aligned, allowing a clear path for the perfume to spray through the nozzle.
- Run the cap under extremely hot water or soak it in hot water for approximately 10 minutes to dissolve any potential blockages within the holes.
- If the problem persists, please provide us with photos or a video of the affected parts. This will help us diagnose the issue and offer more specific assistance.
Often, a non-spraying issue is a minor defect that can be resolved quickly.
