Ever felt conflicted about spending $150.00 just to smell good? You’re not alone - the average retail price for fragrances rose by 15% in 2021 compared to 2020, triple the average 5% increase during the prior two years. There are many unseen costs that lead to expensive price tags on perfume bottles. Most of the price often goes toward high end packaging, celebrity endorsements, and expensive ads, but not the actual quality of the fragrance. The perfume itself typically accounts for only a small fraction of the base cost, with the liquid in the bottle making up approximately 3% of this amount.

The revelation of pricing discrepancies in the industry is where Dossier steps in. Dossier is dedicated to creating handcrafted, high-quality perfumes that last long post-spray, smell incredible, and don’t break the bank. By focusing on what matters – truly, the fragrance itself –  they have created a fresh take on luxury perfumes at accessible prices.

Scaling a vision like this isn’t easy, especially in the competitive and celebrity-filled world of perfumery and fragrance. With Clearco’s flexible funding, Dossier was able to stock up on inventory, ramp up marketing, and keep cash flow steady during peak seasons. This support allowed Dossier to focus on growing its business and bringing affordable luxury perfumes to a broader customer base.

The first spritz: How Dossier began

Why should luxury scents come with luxury price tags? That’s the question Sergio Tache, founder of Dossier, set out to answer. The perfume industry, long dominated by high margins, over-the-top promotions, and opaque supply chains, seemed ripe for disruption. For Sergio, it all came down to one idea. With over 12 years of experience in beauty and ecommerce, he wanted to create premium fragrances that focused on quality instead of flashy gimmicks in order to  keep them affordable.

What sets Dossier apart? It starts with the ingredients. Each perfume is crafted in Grasse, France, using high-grade components typically found in luxury brands. You get long-lasting, beautifully balanced scents. Keeping the focus on what’s in the bottle (rather than what’s on it or the advertising around it), Dossier has carved out a niche that appeals to fragrance lovers and value seekers alike.

Dossier’s journey began with the impressions collection, a range inspired by iconic luxury scents – but they didn’t stop there. Over time, the brand expanded its offerings to include original creations, as well as influencer collaborations that brought fresh perspectives to their lineup. 

“My favorite scents are a rotation of a few. Zest for Life is fantastic but I’m biased.” Sergio shared.

Dossier is on a mission to transform the perfume industry and create something fresh and exciting. They are building a brand that genuinely connects with a new generation of fragrance lovers. 

Scaling a luxury ecommerce brand in the fragrance industry

Growing an ecommerce brand isn’t all smooth sailing. In the perfume industry, challenges start with complex supply chains and high barriers to entry. It’s tough to find the right partners and even tougher to break in. And yet, with the U.S. perfume market expected to grow from $9.3 billion in 2024 to $18.6 billion by 2033, the potential for growth is enormous if brands can navigate the hurdles.

Then there’s the tricky balance between profitability and liquidity. Seasonal businesses like Dossier see revenue skyrocket in the fourth quarter (Q4), thanks to the holiday rush, but dip during non-gift-buying months. Brands must secure stock, finalize supplier payments, and schedule holiday promotions long before revenue starts flowing in, tightening budgets.

That’s where Clearco comes in to make things easier. They help brands bridge the gap between upfront investments and future returns. Whether you need to stock up before Black Friday or keep cash flowing during slower months, Clearco gives you the flexibility to tackle those challenges and focus on growing your business.

Clearco’s role in funding Dossier’s success: Funding advertising spend for global growth

For Dossier, Clearco became a vital growth partner, providing working capital exactly when it was needed most.

“We grew global revenue by approximately 30% year-over-year. We used Clearco to help fund some of our advertising spend that contributed to that growth.”

Tackling fourth quarter preparation takes serious planning. Production timelines need to be managed, shipping logistics coordinated, and cash reserves stretched to meet holiday demand. Clearco stepped in with flexible funding that allowed Dossier to pay for invoices, increase its promotional reach, and stay liquid without committing to large loans. Clearco has been there every step of the way, easing cash flow challenges and funding growth.

“You can be profitable but not liquid. Clearco made sure we always had the resources to grow when we needed them most.”
Sergio Tache, Founder of Dossier

This way, Dossier could focus on scaling their business while Clearco handled the cash flow crunch. With tailored funding solutions, Clearco helps fast-moving brands stay agile, seize opportunities, and thrive in a competitive ecommerce landscape.

Clearco’s business model is simple and blends well with the ebbs and flows of ecommerce seasonality.

“Clearco helps balance the working capital investment for a few months to build out inventory, marketing, and then we get the cash back to pay the advance.”
Sergio Tache, Founder of Dossier

What’s next for Dossier’s disruption of the fragrance industry

Since launching in 2019, Dossier has made it through the COVID-19 pandemic, turned profitable by year three, secured a spot in Walmart, and continues expanding its product lines. The future looks even brighter with plans to open two boutiques in 2025. Reflecting on Dossier’s growth, Sergio states, “We really aim to be the perfume house of the next generation.”

With big aspirations and Clearco’s support, Dossier is shaping the future of fragrance, one milestone at a time.