What happened?
A new article from TV4 reports that the perfume market is now being shaken up. After several years of high prices for exclusive fragrances, a growing range of cheaper fragrance alternatives, often called dupes – fragrances inspired by established brands but costing a fraction of the price, is emerging. ( TV4 )
Here are some key insights:
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Price increase: According to the article, perfume prices have risen by an average of about 58% in five years. ( TV4 )
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The criticism: Some perfume creators say that many dupes “smell flat and lack artistic experience.” ( TV4 )
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The law: It's a gray area – because fragrance can't be easily protected as a patent or trademark, the legal landscape surrounding dupes is complicated. ( TV4 )
Why we at Dupescents like it
As Dupescents, we who work to make quality dupes available, we see several reasons why this trend is something positive. Here are a few:
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Accessibility to luxury
For many, the price of exclusive perfumes is so high that it becomes an “easy” choice to forgo them. The fact that there are now alternatives means that more people can feel luxurious – without breaking the budget. -
High quality, smarter price
Sure – we agree that not all cheap fragrances are as well-crafted as exclusive brands. But we are convinced that you can offer really good quality for the money. And that is what we strive for. -
Creativity thrives
When the market opens up to alternatives and innovation, there is also more room for new thinking – both for us and for the established brands. It pushes the entire industry forward.
What applies to you as a customer – some thoughts
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Sniff and compare : Give the scent an honest try. Quality dupes can give you a similar feel to a more expensive perfume – but not exactly the same scent profile.
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Be aware of the difference : If you're a perfume collector or value a certain exclusivity, mass-produced dupes may not fill the same needs as a handmade or very niche brand.
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Think legal & ethical : Just because something is cheaper doesn't mean everything is "free from an original design". Many warn that some dupe models risk trampling on copyright or trademark rights. ( TV4 )
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Budget and durability : If you set a budget for perfumes – great! But don't forget to also think about durability: the scent should make you feel comfortable throughout the day, not just for five minutes.
Termination
So – yes: The perfume world is in turmoil, but for us at Dupescents it is not a worry – rather an opportunity. A chance for you as a smart consumer to say: “I want to smell amazing, but I don’t have to pay a premium.” We believe that you SHOULD be able to have a scent you love every day, without having to take out a bank loan for it.
If you are curious about what scents we have, what's coming up or just want to talk "dupes vs originals", get in touch
! We have our noses with us – literally.
Smells lovely,
Team Dupescents
