Is IldeBote a trustworthy brand?

Unfortunately, my experience suggests that IldeBote's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is lacking. While they might have some genuine products, the risk of getting a counterfeit item is high. Additionally, their customer support is unresponsive, and their return policy is nonexistent.

What kind of products does IldeBote sell?

IldeBote sells perfumes, cosmetics, and other luxury goods. However, be aware that some of these products might be counterfeit or diluted with spirits.

Can I return a product if I'm not satisfied?

IldeBote's return policy is nonexistent, so be prepared to lose your money if you're not satisfied with a product.

How does IldeBote's customer support work?

IldeBote's customer support is unresponsive and unhelpful. You're on your own if you encounter any issues with a product.

Are IldeBote's products genuine?

Unfortunately, my experience suggests that IldeBote's quality control is non-existent, and you might end up with a fake product.

Can I trust IldeBote's website?

IldeBote's website is user-friendly, but don't expect much else. Be aware of the potential risks associated with shopping on their site.

What kind of shipping options does IldeBote offer?

Unfortunately, I don't have any information on IldeBote's shipping options. However, be aware that their return policy is nonexistent, so be prepared for potential issues with shipping and delivery.

Can I get a refund if I'm not satisfied?

IldeBote's return policy is nonexistent, so be prepared to lose your money if you're not satisfied with a product.

Review Not Found | UserReview

Not a standout from the crowd: quality and accountability are just okay.

I've gotta say, my trust in IldeBote has taken a hit. I've spent a pretty penny in their stores over the years, and I've even been a Platinum cardholder since last year. But it looks like all that loyalty means nothing to them, unless it's just about the money.

When I read comments saying things like 'Apple's gone down the drain with all the counterfeits,' I thought IldeBote was above all that. But then I saw reviews from 10 years ago and more, and I couldn't believe my naivety about honest trade in original parallel perfumery products that can't be exchanged or returned in Russia. Guess that's just how the game is played by unscrupulous importers/distributors, dirty networkers, and other scammers who don't mind 'taking the mark' here and now, and then moving on. And what's the point of worrying about reputation when we've got business traditions like this? I should've kept that in mind instead of being a trusting fool.

I've already shared my bitter experience with buying La Fenice Pour Femme from The Merchant of Venice in a three-part review in the 'Riv Gosh' cosmetics and perfumery store thread. At the time, I was about 80% sure I wouldn't fall for a similar scam in IldeBote. But, guess what? I ended up buying another perfumery water from the same brand during a sale. Although, it's possible that the Italian brand The Merchant of Venice has no idea how or where their beautiful perfumes are being bodged or counterfeited.

But let's get down to business. In January, it's always sales and discounts, so I decided to head to the Atrium shopping mall in Moscow. There, I got to try out a few perfumes, and one of them really caught my attention. This time around, I fell for the Cyprus Shell eau de parfum. To me, it's a salty-sweet pear + powdery iris + light woody note (for some reason, the taste of a fresh birch wood toothpick kept popping into my head when I smelled this note).

What's more, I spent ages in the store studying the label with the importer (OOO Persefona, registered in St. Petersburg) and the distributor (OOO Parfum-Dalsi, registered in Moscow). On the distributor's website (which looks like it hasn't been updated since October 2022), the DALSI partners are listed as 'Il De Bote' and 'Riv Gosh.'

So, yeah, I did have my doubts, especially after that disappointing experience with buying a perfume from this brand in RG. I shared my doubts and their backstory with the sales consultant, and, of course, she assured me that such cases can happen with 'Riv Gosh,' but not with 'Il De Bote.' After that, I took a step back: I wanted to listen to my intuition, but I guess it's been a while since we last spoke, because I ended up going for it (the perfume's scent had already gotten under my skin).

My experience with Cyprus Shell eau de parfum

When I unwrapped the purchase, I found that the perfume itself was almost nonexistent, overpowered by a strong smell of the solvent. It's like the perfume and the solvent just vanished together. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. 50 milliliters of solvent for 10.5 bucks - what a steal from 'Il De Botté'!

I then submitted a Claim (a request to terminate the sales contract and return the cost of the defective product) that I had prepared myself and took to the store on February 1st, 2026. Just three days later, on February 3rd, I received an email response (Iskh. No. 1) dated February 5th.

I have to say, when I read that Il De Bote is just a middleman selling pre-made products, I was a bit skeptical. It got me thinking - what's the point of having a middleman who doesn't take any responsibility? I mean, there are specialized online stores and marketplaces with better prices. Plus, the sales contract is between the seller and the buyer, and according to Russian law, the consumer has the right to demand a refund from the seller.

The response went on to explain some basics about concentration and intensity in perfumery, how the scent can smell different on a blotter, on skin, or on clothes. And then there were some fancy explanations about how people perceive scents differently due to their individual anatomy and mood. To be honest, it all felt like a form letter.

But what really got my attention was the director's claim that 'We strive to improve and be the best for our customers!' - without offering any actual expertise. And yet, they're taking it as a given that the perfume composition in the tester and the actual product are identical, citing that they're produced by the same manufacturer and have the same ingredients.

Let's be real, referencing a product that doesn't match the store's tester isn't exactly a fair or legal thing to do, and it's a pretty clear sign of a quality control issue. I mean, my own experience with buying a perfume that was different from the one on display was eerily similar to the kinds of situations you'd see back in the day at places like Chernyizovskaya Market.

When I submitted my claim for a refund, the store's staff member actually tested the contents of the perfume I'd bought and confirmed that once the alcohol had evaporated, the scent was basically undetectable. My concerns about the product's quality were totally justified, but unfortunately, it's all too common for consumers to be treated like they're somehow at fault.

I received a letter from the store's director, IDB, along with a 'Declaration of Conformity' from the Eurasian Economic Union. The thing is, these declarations are basically just a formality, and they only guarantee that a certain lab has tested a certain batch of products and found them to be safe. The key parameters they check for include microbiological indicators, toxicological studies, physical and chemical properties, and proper labeling.

And let's talk about the actual fragrance quality. I mean, the concentration of essential oils, the stability of the ingredients, the integrity of the formula, and how well it reveals its notes. A good perfume shouldn't hit you over the head with alcohol (and please, no perfumes that are just alcohol!)!

This Declaration is basically just a formality for the business, to satisfy the regulatory requirements. As a customer, though, it just makes me think about this whole 'parallel import' thing (yeah, good luck figuring out where it was actually made) and the price hike.

What do customers need? Quality, first and foremost.

For me, the 'beauty shopping' process is all about 'buying happiness.'

And in the end, I got a strong sense of disappointment from 'Il de Bateau.' It looks like I'm not the only one, judging by the previous reviews and comments.

UPDATE:

After getting a super watered-down version of Cyprus Shell eau de parfum, I rushed to unpack my DIOR purchases. Since prices keep going up, buying a couple of 'classic' bottles 'for later' seemed like a good idea, especially since DIOR doesn't offer any discounts anymore.

However, as I feared, the quality was also subpar. I remember what the original products should be like.

What's weird is that both Dior perfumes have the same batch code, even though they're from the same production run. I mean, according to the rules, different product names from the same manufacturer shouldn't have the same batch code.

Dior Forever and Ever Shower Water

The original floral composition is bright, complex, and long-lasting. But the one I bought from 'Il de Bote' starts off with a sharp spirit note, and the fragrance is there, but it's been cut so short that it ends up smelling like soap, with no lasting dry down.

Dior Addict Eau de Parfum

At first glance, I noticed two tiny scratches on the front of the bottle (I couldn't take a photo because the light was reflecting off it). As for the scent, I got a brutal, gloopy mess instead of the citrusy magic I was expecting with white flowers and bourbon vanilla. I was hoping the 'brutality' would mellow out and leave something more palatable, but nope.

I've come to a realization: until Russia starts importing genuine perfumes, I'm done with The Merchant of Venice, Dior, Chanel, Escentric Molecules, Juliette Has a Gun, Hermès, Tom Ford, Ex Nihilo, Amouage, Lancôme, Cacharel, Calvin Klein, and the rest.

What's more, a brand new perfume might still be worth buying in its original form, but for a 'classic' or the first scent in a line – which was released long before its flankers – it's just not worth the splurge.

'Il de Bôte' is 'not the same' anymore – and now I know that firsthand.

The retailer's lack of accountability to its customers strips them of any illusions and, in a way, cures them of perfume addiction, making them realize that their money is literally being thrown away on something that could've been bought on the same website for a fraction of the price.

'Il de Bôte' could've tried to maintain its reputation by focusing on quality and customer concerns, but instead, it's chosen to increase its revenue without caring about the products or the people buying them. However, with this approach, it will lose customers much faster than Letou or Zoya.

If stores in a retail chain don't take responsibility for the content of the bottles they sell, what sets them apart from market stalls or modern marketplaces? Just the inflated prices!

As a customer, you might lose some of your money, but the beauty retail industry ultimately loses much more – its reputation among consumers.

Check out the related review in the 'Riv Gosh' beauty and cosmetics store thread:

https://irecommend.ru/content/the-mystery-liquid-instead-of-perfume