Falling into pitfalls isn't because you're stupid — it's because the information is too messy. Recognize these common misconceptions first, and you're halfway to a solid start.
Neither "expensive = genuine" nor "cheap = fake" holds. Natural agarwood also has affordable price points, and treated material can also be priced high. Price should be viewed together with origin, resin formation, and appearance — a single number explains nothing.
A certificate can serve as a reference, but it is not universal insurance. Different institutions have different standards, and certificates mostly apply to the submitted sample. What is truly reliable is combining the physical scent, oil lines, and cross-checking from multiple sources — and, if necessary, visiting a store for a public-welfare appraisal.
Many beginners only smell "fragrant" or "not fragrant" and cannot distinguish the layers of cool, sweet, floral, and fruity notes, making them easy to fool with synthetic fragrance materials; some go straight for "top-tier origins" and instead neglect building basic judgment; others find it troublesome and skip appraisal, only to find later that the problematic piece can no longer be returned. Go slower, establish your baseline first — that's better than anything.
The essence of avoiding pitfalls is to build up your own judgment. Appraisal is an aid, not a substitute.
Explain your specific situation clearly, and we will give corresponding judgments and suggestions — sourcing, personal use, and appraisal are all accepted.
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