One of the worst parts of holidaying abroad, according to many Brits, is the wait in the commercial property airport before boarding the flight to their exotic destination. After passing through security checks, the time spent in the departure lounge can feel like forever – especially if flights are delayed due to bad weather or technical issues. Fortunately, we are guaranteed a bargain in the duty free selection of shops, making the interminable wait for the boarding call feel worthwhile because of the savings that can be made on luxury products.
Unfortunately, a study by the Times newspaper indicates that thousands of consumers about to jet off on their holidays may be making a colossal mistake in splashing out on “bargain” goods.
The Times researchers conducting the study examined prices in the duty free sections of several airports worldwide, including Dubai, Heathrow and Sydney. Additionally, they browsed duty free products sold aboard a ferry. The aim was to find out the duty free prices for a range of luxury items, including champagne and sunglasses, and then compare them to prices consumers have been paying online or on the High Street.
Some of the discoveries made were, frankly, startling. Far from saving money by purchasing duty free items, airline passengers often ended up paying far more than they would have, had they bought the items online, or even popped into town.
For example, a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses – a brand that has been the firm favourite of a number of celebrities for many years now – retailed at £154.08 in Dubai Airport’s departures lounge duty free store. However, those who shopped around and compared prices could save themselves an astonishing £85 by picking up a pair online for £62.92. A delivery fee of £6.94 applies, but it is still a huge saving from the price quoted in duty free.
Similarly, a 75cl bottle of Veuve Clicquot yellow label brut was sold in both Barcelona and Madrid Airports for £33.63, yet consumers could pick up a better bargain by popping to their nearest House of Fraser commercial property, where the champagne retails at only £23.
Of course, not all items in the duty free section were outperformed by internet or high street retailers. The study found that perfumes do tend to be cheaper when purchased duty free – in fact, a bottle of Chanel Coco Mademoiselle cost almost £10 more online than in Heathrow Airport or on board a P&O ferry.
The message, then, is to do what most consumers in a recession tend to and shop around. If in duty free, check the price of your desired purchase online to see if you really are getting a good deal, or make a list of things you would like and their average prices in commercial property stores before setting off on your holiday. Many items on the internet may be counterfeit, so always check the seller’s reputation before allowing money to exchange hands.
In a time where many of us cannot afford foreign holidays, it is important to save money wherever possible. So be a savvy shopper and follow Movehut’s advice for picking up some great duty free bargains.
Have you ever paid over the odds for a duty free item at an airport or on board a ferry? Do you tend to get caught up in the holiday mentality and end up splashing the cash on items you would normally not look twice at?
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