Have never asked to make a sample at Ulta, but Sephora let me use my own vials about 75% of the time. Sometimes I'd ask someone who turned out to be a manager, and they always said no.

I am so surprised your Nordstrom doesn't always have empty vials! Mine always does, and as I said above, another Nordstrom that I sometimes visit keeps them in a big glass bowl on the counter.

Nordstrom in Chicagoland, (to echo the Chicago poster is great!) The ladies there will chat and sometimes surpise one–I was seeking an Anick Goutal sample but was compensated with 5 others like Pink Sugar, Jil Sander no 4, etc. Another time I was given Bvlgari ones. My sister enjoyed the Pink Sugar.

Later on when I broke the Pink Sugar vial (oops!) I was able to have a Nordstrom salesman decant me one into those empty vials. Sometimes I feel a little guilty I don't purchase there, but I buy online since it's cheaper.

It's baffling to me stores don't have empty vials. I even once made my own sample of Estee to see if I liked it. I did, so I'll get a bottle when my mini runs out. The saleslady found it a little odd perhaps, but I didn't care. I haven't had luck with Guerlain, but I did get some niche samples from CO Bigelow. And I really hope Sephora goes to vials, since those foamy pads stink.

I can't afford much but eventually I do get around to buying what I love. Too bad most places don't have empty vials, but at least Nordstom seems to have samples of the new fragrances when they come out. Has anyone squirted their own at stores like Ulta. At least there there won't be salesfolk staring one down like so many vultures. If the sample will help me decide, then let me make it!