A library fragrance can make your business smell good, but it can never become your brand, because anyone can buy it. A custom scent is created for you, can be made exclusive and becomes an asset you own. The right choice depends on what you need scent to do: a pleasant, professional atmosphere now, or a recognisable part of your identity for years.
Library scent: when it is enough
- You want a fresh, professional atmosphere quickly.
- You have one or two locations and no plans to extend scent into products.
- You are new to scent and want to learn how it works in your space.
- Budget matters more than exclusivity.
The limit: a popular library scent may also be in a competitor’s lobby, a mall or a clinic down the road.
Custom scent: when it is worth it
- Scent is meant to be part of your brand, like your logo or colours.
- You operate several locations and want them to feel like one brand.
- You plan to use the scent in products, packaging or gifts.
- You compete on experience, such as hotels, flagships and premium services.
How they compare
- Cost. A library scent has no development cost. A custom scent adds a creation project to the monthly diffusion fee.
- Time. Library scents are available straight away. A custom scent takes weeks to months, including trials in your space.
- Exclusivity. Library scents are shared. A custom scent can be exclusive, agreed in writing.
- Fit. A library scent is the closest match from a list. A custom scent is built from your brief.
A sensible path
Many businesses start with a library scent, learn how scent works in their spaces, then commission a custom scent once they know what they want it to say. Both routes should use fragrance from a real perfume house; ours are created by drom.
To start the custom route, read how to create a signature scent or see our scent branding service.
Frequently asked questions
Can a library scent be made exclusive?
Usually not. Exclusivity normally applies to a scent created for you.
Is a custom scent much more expensive?
It adds a creation project; ongoing diffusion costs are similar. See scent marketing costs in Singapore.
Can we switch from a library scent to a custom one later?
Yes. It is a common path.
Further reading: Sensory branding on Wikipedia.
