That Smells So Good
One thing I’ll do from time to time is review eBay retailers if they specialize is a particular niche. I have found lots of great stores, but only stumbled up on them by chance. A lot of these stores are really great, offer great products, and I think it’s only fair they get a bit of exposure. I don’t get anything out of the deal, but that’s not the point; this blog will be a place that you can rely on to get the best bang for your buck. eBay can be one of the best sources available to you if you’re looking to save some coin.
Incense have forever been a favorite of mine. I have childhood memories of riding out to flea markets on Saturday mornings, and smelling them burning all over the place. It was almost intoxicating. You readers that were a part of the 70’s/hippie generation probably remember them even more fondly as a memento of your youth.
Until recently I was not aware that there could be a really big difference in quality between products; it was my ignorant thinking that incense was incense, and the cheaper you could buy it for, the better off you were. Not true. Differences in storage, materials, and especially freshness make a huge difference. So how can you tell the good stuff from the bad?
First, take a look at the color. Incense should be plain ol’ brown, and made from as many all natural materials as possible. If you’ve been buying rainbow colored sticks or cones somewhere, I’d start looking for another supplier immediately. Even if the colors do not affect the scent adversely, do you really want to be breathing in chemical dyes?
A truly fresh pack of incense will almost be damp from the oil used to scent the ‘punk’ (the technical name for the stick). Incense will still burn after they’ve dried up, but you’ll most likely just be smelling burning wood. A good way to check the freshness of a given stick is if the ‘powdery’ part of the stick easily flakes off; if it does you’re holding a stale, worthless product.
Around 3 years ago, I turned away from the flea markets for my incent supply, and started shopping online. Flea markets (and a lot of brick and mortar stores) are just the middle man in most cases. One of the best ’stores’ I’ve found on the net, and the one I currently use, is an eBay user ThatSmellsSoGood. The product they offer is of the best quality I’ve ever had the pleasure of using, and I’d like to give other incense fans the chance to try them. The scent options are really breath taking (I didn’t bother counting, but it appears to be around 600), service is great, and shipping is more than reasonable.
I recommend them if you’re a fan and go through a lot of sticks (it’s mostly a wholesale store), or you’re looking for an easy business to get into. You could break down the 100 packs into 50’s or 10’s and make a little extra cash. Incense and a cool burner will make a unique gift option as well. Regardless, ThatSmellsSoGood is the best provider I’ve found; in both quality and value. Enjoy!
–Jeremy Hobbs
incent, incense, ebay, home, fragrance
May 15th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
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