Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are Scentfish bottles?
Scentfish bottles are authentic empty luxury perfume testers (or occasionally full-size empties from generous donors) that would otherwise be discarded. We rescue them, carefully authenticate each one to confirm it’s genuine, laser-etch it with the Scentfish logo and “Not for Resale” mark, and sell it as-is (empty and uncleaned) for a thoughtful second life. They are not refilled or altered; the faint original scent traces are preserved intentionally for authenticity and appeal to collectors.
Are the bottles really empty?
Yes, completely empty of liquid product. They are sourced after being used as testers in luxury beauty halls or donated as personal empties. We do not clean them internally, so a subtle trace of the original fragrance may remain, adding to their character and story.
How do you ensure the bottles are authentic?
Every bottle undergoes a multi-step authentication process: batch code verification (cross-checked against production databases where possible), detailed visual and physical inspection (glass quality, cap fit, labels, sprayer), and trace residue evaluation. Only genuine luxury-origin bottles pass and receive our permanent etching.
What does the etching do?
The laser-etched Scentfish logo and “Not for Resale” mark is permanent and tamper-evident. It protects brand integrity, discourages misuse or counterfeiting in the secondary market, and clearly signals that the bottle is intended for responsible reuse- not resale as a full perfume.
What can I do with my Scentfish bottle?
The possibilities are endless. Popular ideas include: reed diffusers, mini bud vases, plant propagation stations, jewellery holders, memory capsules, ambient light diffusers, or simply displaying as sculptural pieces. For inspiration and styling ideas, explore our blog or contact us for suggestions.
How do limited drops work?
We release small, curated batches of rescued bottles - always announced in advance to our email list. Drops open for a short window (often a few days) and can sell out quickly due to limited quantities. Newsletter subscribers receive early access and priority notifications.
All bottles are sold out—what now?
Join the waitlist on any sold-out product page (look for the red button) or subscribe to our newsletter for early access to the next drop. We sometimes restock returned or extra bottles in perfect condition and notify waitlist members first.
Can I donate my empty perfume bottles to Scentfish?
Yes! We welcome donations of genuine empty luxury perfume bottles (testers or full-size). Email us at hello@scentfish.co.uk for donation guidelines, free postage options (where available), and how to send them safely. Donated bottles are authenticated, etched, and may appear in future drops so helping close the loop on waste.
How does the Beauty Banks donation work?
We donate 5% of net profits from every sale to Beauty Banks, the UK charity fighting hygiene poverty. They redistribute essential personal care and hygiene products (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) through over 1,500 partner organisations nationwide, supporting health, dignity, and confidence for those in need.
What happens to bottles that don’t pass authentication?
Any bottle that doesn’t meet our strict standards (e.g., damaged, cracked, or non-authentic) is responsibly sorted and directed to proper glass recycling channels. Nothing ends up in landfill.
Shipping, returns & international orders
We ship UK-wide via Royal Mail (tracked options available). International shipping is available to select countries - check at checkout. Returns are accepted within 14 days for full refund if the bottle arrives damaged or not as described (unopened/unused). Please see our full Shipping & Returns policy for details.
Still have questions?
We're happy to help. Email us at hello@scentfish.co.uk or contact us through our website.