FAQ & Policies
Return Policies
No returns are accepted, except in the exceptional circumstances listed below. This constitutes a clear display of policy in accordance with California Civil Code section 1723.
- Fragrance Vault makes an error and ships the incorrect item to a customer. In this case, return shipping and cost of shipping the correct item will fall to Fragrance Vault.
- An item is unusable due to manufacturer defect (i.e., the sprayer does not work). In this case, return shipping and cost of shipping a new item will fall to Fragrance Vault. If no acceptable replacement item is available, Fragrance Vault will issue a refund.
Given this policy, and given that Fragrance Vault offers samples of most items for sale, we recommend that customers purchase a sample prior to purchasing a full bottle.
General Return Notes
All items sold by the Fragrance Vault are guaranteed authentic. We pride ourselves on transparency regarding the condition of all items, especially vintage, rare, and discontinued fragrances. Please note that there are no returns offered if a vintage perfume does not meet the Buyer's expectations.
Fragrance Terminology
Guidelines for the terms Vintage and Antique vary wildly in the collectibles world. At Fragrance Vault, we use these parameters which you can refer to when viewing our listings:
- Vintage: Any product that is between 25 and 100 years old.
- Antique: Any product that is over 100 years old
- Vaulted: A product that has been discontinued, irrespective of age.
- Early: This refers to the creation of the product early on during the period of production. For example, a Chanel No. 5 parfum produced in the 1930s.
- Late: This refers to the creation of the product late during the period of production. For example, a Chanel No. 5 parfum produced in 2022.
Product titles may have a combination of these descriptors. For example, a perfume could be Vaulted (discontinued), Vintage (between 125-100 years old), and Early (created early on during the production run of the perfume).
Samples & Decants Policy
Samples and decants are sold according to the parameters set by the respective fragrance houses. Customers may purchase as many milliliters as is specified at the bottom of every listing. Purchases of multiple milliliters will be consolidated into larger size vessels unless specifically otherwise requested by the customer at checkout the Notes section.
Samples and decants cannot be returned.
Samples and decants of all Niche and Artisanal fragrances, of which Fragrance Vault is an official stockist, are limited to 2ml per person. Orders including purchases of above 2ml will have their order refunded for the amount in excess of 2ml. 2ml will still be paid for and shipped.
Shipping Policies
Domestic Shipping
Shipping for Samples
Shipping for Samples within the United States is offered at a Flat Rate of $7.45 for any number of samples selected. Shipping for Samples is via USPS Ground Advantage, which takes approximately 5 business days. If expedited shipping or another carrier is desired, please select the carrier and service of your preference.
Samples are not eligible for Complimentary Shipping, even when the order is in excess of $75.00.
Complimentary Shipping for Full Bottles
Fragrance Vault agrees to carry the cost of shipping for all orders which qualify for Complimentary Shipping. Complimentary Shipping is offered on orders in excess of $75.00, excluding sample orders. Complimentary Shipping is via USPS Ground Advantage, which takes approximately 5 business days. If expedited shipping or another carrier is desired, please select the carrier and service of your preference. This cost will not be carried by Fragrance Vault.
International Shipping
All international shipments will require a phone number AND email address for customs clearance, therefore please provide these at checkout. The recipient's name and address must both be provided in English, with no more than 35 characters on any one line.
Fragrance Vault DOES NOT cover the cost of international shipping or any tariffs or duties that may be due upon receipt.. Please select and pay for the service which best fits your needs at checkout, and be aware of the import duties that are applicable in your country.
Canada
Customers in Canada may choose from a variety of international shipping services, including USPS First Class International. This is a budget shipping service, and often results in delays in customs, a delivery date up to 28 days after shipment, and occasionally, package loss. For these reasons, Fragrance Vault does NOT recommend USPS First Class International for any purchases of significant value. Refunds will not be offered if an item is lost due to selection of this shipping service.
Everywhere else in the world
Shipping for other international destinations will be through UPS exclusively. Customers may choose their preferred service at checkout.
Shipping for Samples Internationally
Shipping for Samples internationally is at the discretion of and cost to the Customer, based on the size and weight of the package determined at checkout.
Loss & Theft
Fragrance Vault is not responsible for the delay, theft, or loss of an package once it has been handed to the carrier of choice selected by the Buyer. Any and all concerns, complaint, or claims should be directed to the carrier. An email is sent to the Buyer upon shipment which contains the carrier information and tracking number, which the customer can follow to track the progress of their package. Fragrance Vault will assist the Customer in filing Lost Item forms, or Damaged/Lost Item insurance claims, but is in no way responsible for the whereabouts or condition of the parcel once it is handed over to the carrier.
Handling Times
Fragrance Vault aims to ship orders as soon as possible, often same or next day. However, Fragrance Vault reserves the right to a 3-5 business day handling time if necessary. Please leave a note with your order if it is urgent and we will do our best to accommodate.
Items which are special order are specifically noted within individual listings. In these cases, handling time will be according to the timeline noted in the listing.
If Fragrance Vault requires additional time beyond 3-5 business days to process an order, best efforts will be made to contact the customer and inform them. In these cases, Fragrance Vault will accept a cancellation of the order if the customer wishes.
If the customer's address is deemed invalid by the shipping system, or if any other issues arise due to lack of/incorrect information provided by the customer, Fragrance Vault will make attempts to contact the customer. If the customer cannot be reached, the order will be cancelled after 10 business days.