Rêve d’épices

22:55 Aug 9, 2013 

I appreciate your comments. I am still waiting for a response from my client so don't want to make any decisions yet, but should she hesitate at all, your opinions will be useful. Many thanks.

17:39 Aug 9, 2013 

Despite my suggestion in response to the comment that your client wanted a translation, I also think this should remain in French, even if customers do not entirely understand the French. Often the colour of the candle, and, as phil says, the scent itself, say all they need to know to prompt a purchase.

17:33 Aug 9, 2013 

Even if some people wouldn't understand what the French meant, I defy anyone to buy a scented candle without sniffing it!
I wouldn't go with the "translation underneath in brackets" idea either. I think it patronises people, and cheapens the product just as much as giving only the English version.
People buy Audis advertised with the slogan Vorsprung durch Technik even though they have no idea what it means, just because it has a nice German ring to it. And they also buy Volkswagens advertised as Das Auto, because it makes them feel clever for working out what it means.

17:17 Aug 9, 2013 

In the meantime, I have made two suggestions to my client, explaining Phil's points which I thought were all quite relevant. The suggestions were:
1. Use French, which would mean a certain proportion of English people would not understand.
2. Use French with English subtitled in brackets underneath.

Will keep you informed as one of these answers may still get chosen.

17:06 Aug 9, 2013 

I think you may be right about the idea of Frenchness. I am going to suggest this to client.

Therefore, no suggestions please to knew answerers.

16:49 Aug 9, 2013 

I agree that it would be better left in French. However, if there is a limited (or no) advertising budget they might be concerned that most people wouldn't understand the French and would fail to understand that the candles smell of spices. They could end up with complaints such as: "I bought your candles because they looked so pretty and was shocked to find they smelt like Christmas pudding!"

15:20 Aug 9, 2013 

I think BD's answer comes closest, but translating it cheapens the product. Which would you be more likely to buy: Reverie of Spices or Rêve d'Epices?

15:08 Aug 9, 2013 

You say it's for a cosmetics company. This whole industry is dominated by companies that play on their Frenchness and don't translate their product names. I would leave it in French too - it adds value.

14:20 Aug 9, 2013 

How about "Dreamy Spice" - I have seen candles described as "dreamy" before.

14:09 Aug 9, 2013 

No need to translate - maybe explain in brackets?

12:41 Aug 9, 2013 

That is a good point. I just asked client following your suggestion but she said to translate this.

12:18 Aug 9, 2013 

If this is the actual product name, are you sure it needs to be translated?