I'm just curious about what other people do... I have a little sample of an FO that I don't care for OOB. My dislike is enough to make me not want to soap with it. What I paid for it is too small an amount for me to want to fuss with sending it back or even sending it to someone else. So, what do YOU normally do when you have such a fragrance? Shelve it? Pass it on? Soap with it anyway?
I do have a couple of "surprise" fragrances that I reversed my opinions on once soaped (positive and negative). That being said, I am a hobbyist and usually have more projects planned than can be reasonably accomplished. There are definitely FOs that I have decided did not make the cut without ever giving them a fair shot. In that case I do one of several things.
1) Hold onto it for a while.
It is a possibility that it will "age" well. However, it is a certainty that new people will enter my circle: a new girlfriend of my brother's, the mom/dad/nanny of the kid my god-child just made friends with on the playground, a neighbor that moved in. They all have very different tastes than I do. Something that was too floral, camphorous, or saccharine for me may be perfect for my new friend.
2) Use it in a less "precious" product.
Beyond the cost of materials, the time and effort to make soap, followed by the space commitment and patience of curing it...I ONLY want to make what I am excited about. I certainly don't want to use an objectionable scent in lotion or perfume. Cleaning products and room sprays are something that I hesitate to burn through my "favorite" FOs on, but are a great way to use up less inspiring ones.
3) Give it away.
I actually don't have a problem paying a shipping fee myself to send an ounce off the someone on the forum, or break it down into individual sniffies to mail out to those who are interested. It is a small way to give back to the community that has been so generous in coaching me. However, I can understand why some might prefer not to spend money to give something away. In that case, there is always Craigslist. Just set aside all those things you want to disappear and post it in the free section. Someone less picky will be thrilled.