How to Sell Fragrances for Women

By Lydia Stephens on January 25, 2011

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Fragrances fall under the FDA categorization of cosmetics.

Creating and selling a line of fragrances for women can be a fun way to express your creativity while bringing in a bit of extra income. From choosing a selling method to following FDA guidelines for cosmetics, setting up a successful fragrance business requires a carefully thought-out game plan.

Step 1

Choose whether you want to sell your fragrances in a brick-and-mortar store or online through an e-commerce website. A fragrance inventory may not take up a lot of space, so online selling allows you to operate from home without paying rent and other overhead charges associated with brick-and-mortar shops.

Step 2

Choose a catchy and easy-to-remember name for your fragrance business. Brainstorm several ideas, and do a quick search online to make sure your selected name isn't already in use. Consider registering the domain name for your business, even if you don't plan to host your own store right away.

Step 3

Register your shop name with an e-commerce site, such as Etsy, or rent a commercial space for your fragrance shop. If selling on the Internet, make sure to outline your shipping and return policies somewhere on your profile or store site. If you plan to ship your fragrances in breakable bottles, factor in the price of bubble wrap or other protective shipping materials into your pricing.

Step 4

Register your new business for a Federal Tax ID number as well as a state Sales Tax Permit and a local vendor's license if required by your city or county. Some states will require you to collect sales tax on any items sold within your state, even if your fragrances are sold online only.

Step 5

Prepare your fragrances for sale. The FDA requires that all cosmetics include a complete ingredient list in descending order. Check with the latest FDA cosmetics labeling guide for specific information on type size, label placement and exceptions to required ingredient lists.

Step 6

Photograph your fragrances for display in your e-store. Remember that your customers will not be able to smell your products, so consider including props in your photos that suggest the scent, such as fruits or fresh flowers. Be as descriptive as possible when listing your fragrances online, and be sure to include pricing information.

Step 7

Get the word out about your new fragrance store through social media sites, such as Facebook or Twitter, your own personal blog or business cards sprayed with one of your scents.

About the Author

Lydia Stephens began writing professionally in 2009. She has written online for eHow, Garden Guides, SheKnows.com, ModernMom, YellowPages and LIVESTRONG.COM and has been published in "Stringing Magazine" and "Xiamen Wave." Stephens played competitive soccer for 19 years, has been weight lifting since 2007 and enjoys running. She has a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the University of Texas.