The connection between emotions, memories, and scent is closely intertwined due to the brain's anatomy.
The olfactory bulb is responsible for processing anything related to smell, while the frontal structure of the brain sends information to other parts of the body for additional processing.
Fragrances pass through the limbic system, specifically, the hippocampus and amygdala, which are regions of the brain associated with memory and emotion. The olfactory system rapidly communicates with the limbic system.
Taste plays a significant role, too. When you eat, the food molecules go retro-nasally to your nasal epithelium. Essentially, everything you taste is related to what you smell.
Why is selling perfume a good business idea?
There is no denying it: perfume is one of a brand's most lucrative product lines. Whether it’s eau de parfum, eau de cologne, eau de toilette, or base notes, it’s rare to find people saying no to a good scent.
Thanks to its substantial profit margins and versatile market appeal, it's among the most coveted products to launch. It makes it a compelling option for bolstering your financial success. Famous brands like Gucci, Chanel, Armani, and Sephora continue to update their perfume collections because of the constant demand.
A classic example would be Victoria's Secret, a brand first known for unique and intriguing women's lingerie. It started its operation in 1977 to make lingerie shopping seamless.
After building over 1,000 stores in the US, the brand started venturing into the Victoria's Secret women perfume line. The brand partnered with big names in the industry to complete its 562 base scents, which range from musky to floral. The brand was so successful that it raked around $6.8 billion in revenues in 2021.
Indeed, the value of the best perfumes extends beyond their inherent qualities, encompassing the messages and emotions your brand can convey through the fragrance you carry. Establishing a perfume line enhances your brand's presence and sets you apart.
In essence, it's solidifying your brand's positioning. Moreover, it opens opportunities to reach new demographics, potentially expanding your consumer base.
Perfumes and Their Versatility
One of the main reasons perfumes are profitable products is their versatility. It's more than just a scent one can wear to smell good. It's an accessory to match and complete any outfit. It elevates one’s look and presence, helping them look and feel their best.
Scents with unique notes like coconut, bamboo, and pomegranate are perfect for date night. They can choose from Byredo’s Mister Marvelous Eau de Parfum, Jo Malone's Pomegranate Noir, or Creed Virgin Island Water.
A casual night out with friends will be all the more memorable, thanks to scents with top notes like fresh herbs, light fruits, and citrus. These scents include bergamot, anise, lemon, berries, and lavender. They can also spritz on middle notes scents, floral fragrances, orange blossom, or white musk.
If you're a business owner looking for a new product to add to your existing line, you should seriously consider perfumes. Their versatility makes them a crowd favorite.
Apart from their use, perfumes are also versatile because, once you’ve established a perfume line, it’s easy to transition into the skincare and wellness industries. You can later launch essential oils, soap, body wash, and other hygiene items by selling scents.
Please look at Diptyque Paris, a high-end French perfume brand that successfully expanded its product line. The company now produces perfume oil diffusers and scented candles besides its eau de toilette and eau de parfum lines. It has grown massively, having boutiques in New York, Las Vegas, Miami, Milan, Tokyo, London, and more.
Regardless of your target market, you can create the perfect scent for anyone, whether for an ordinary day or a special occasion.
Perfumes never go out of style.
No matter what fashion trends come and go, perfumes remain in style because people want to smell good. Consumers are also leaning towards improving their personal grooming routines, with an increasing demand for exotic and luxury fragrances.
Additionally, people's high incomes increased their spending on luxury and premium fragrances, effectively driving the global industry.
Over the past few years, perfumes have undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a substantial player in the personal care and cosmetics industries. They have evolved into an essential product fueled by the ever-growing emphasis on self-care and grooming. Perfumes now play a significant role in fostering a sense of pride and confidence in individuals.
You will always retain customers since they will always be on trend. As long as you evolve with the changing needs of your target market, you will remain relevant.
Perfumes match any fashion accessory.
Wearing a favorite scent becomes essential with a summer dress, new-season winter coat, lightweight sweater, nightgown, or denim. Smells can evoke positive emotions and memories, and wearing perfumes harnesses this power effectively.
Certain fragrances can instantly transport us to different places or moments, triggering feelings of happiness, empowerment, energy, or serenity. The olfactory experience of perfumes can create powerful emotional connections and enhance one's overall well-being.
Perfumes are great mood boosters.
The increasing popularity of aromatherapy can be attributed to its proven effectiveness in promoting various aspects of well-being. Practitioners often utilize essential oils, which have long been recognized for their ability to alleviate anxiety, improve sleep quality, and uplift mood.
Among the vast array of essential oils, patchouli stands out as an excellent example due to its remarkable impact on enhancing emotional states. This particular oil has been found to stimulate the production of serotonin and dopamine, commonly called “feel-good hormones.” By increasing their levels in the brain, patchouli oil can help individuals experience a sense of happiness, relaxation, and overall emotional well-being.
In contrast, sandalwood oil is renowned for its soothing properties. Its distinct aroma tranquilizes the mind and body, making it a popular choice for reducing stress, anxiety, and restlessness. The gentle and grounding nature of sandalwood oil promotes inner peace, allowing individuals to find solace and relaxation in their surroundings.
Interestingly, patchouli and sandalwood oils have found their way into perfumes, adding a touch of musky fragrance to the blend. Beyond their aromatic appeal, these essential oils contribute to the overall sensory experience of perfumes, incorporating their therapeutic properties.
Image by lucas mendes on Unsplash
Now Is the Right Time To Invest in the Perfume Business
The scent industry's popularity is driven by people's desire to smell good and feel confident. As a result, having a signature scent has gained significant popularity. A distinct and recognizable scent adds to one's style and leaves a lasting impression on others.
It allows people to express their individuality and stand out from the crowd. With the growing emphasis on personal branding and self-expression, owning a signature scent will likely continue to gain popularity.
It would be best if you leveraged this trend to boost your business. If you want a new venture, try investing in the scent industry. If you're trying to expand your perfume business, take note of the growing needs and changing preferences of your target market. All this information can help you increase your bottom line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a good idea to sell your perfume on Shopify?
Yes, the platform powers countless cosmetic and perfume stores. You can create a Shopify store to access a digital marketplace to sell your products.
Afterward, you can upgrade the functionality of your store using over 6,000 platform-optimized apps. Even better, your store comes with a blogging platform where you can seamlessly engage your customers with new trends and post comments that can better help them.
What are the top websites where you can find perfume buyers?
The following websites are well-known for their trustworthy reputations, competitive prices, and wide fragrance selection. You can partner with these sites when you start selling your perfume products.
- FragranceX
- eWorldTrade
- Alibaba
- eBay
- Amazon
- Mercari
- Rakuten
- OnlinePerfumeStore
- Scentiments
- Perfume.com
How much profit can I get from selling perfume?
If you're still a new brand, you can price your unisex perfume at least $20 per bottle. In this case, after deducting the cost of your ingredients and packaging, your profit margin would be at least 60 percent of your total sales.