Heidi Norton
Many people assume that airport shopping will be more expensive than shopping on the high street or online. However, this is not always the case. Research has found that some products, such as spirits, makeup, and perfume, can be significantly cheaper at duty-free shops or onboard flights. For example, a bottle of women's fragrance was found to be 42% cheaper on an easyJet or Jet2 flight than the price listed on the Boots website. Additionally, some countries with lower VAT and sales taxes may offer better deals on perfume. However, it's important to note that this may not always be the case, and sometimes sales in regular perfume shops can offer better deals than airport duty-free shops.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheaper than regular shops | Depends on the perfume and the airport. Some users have found perfumes at airports to be cheaper than in regular shops, while others have found the opposite to be true. |
| Cheaper than online | Usually, better deals can be found online than at airport duty-free shops. |
| Cheaper than other countries | In some cases, it may be cheaper to buy perfume at an airport in a different country than in duty-free shops in one's home country. For example, a user found that the price of a specific perfume in Gran Canaria was £70, while it was £100 in a UK store and £110 in UK duty-free. |
| Authenticity | There is a risk that discounted perfumes sold at airports may not be genuine or may be old/expired products. |
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What You'll Learn
Duty-free prices
The duty-free price of perfume at airports has been a topic of discussion among travellers and shoppers alike. The notion of saving money by purchasing perfume at the airport, free from the tax imposed on regular shops, is enticing. However, the reality is more nuanced.
Firstly, it's important to understand that "duty-free" does not always equate to cheaper prices. Duty-free indicates that the tax typically charged on a product when crossing international borders is waived. While this can result in cost savings, retailers may build this margin into their pricing structure, resulting in prices comparable to or even higher than regular shops.
In some cases, travellers have reported finding better deals online or in local discount health and beauty stores. The competitiveness of duty-free prices also depends on the specific airport and its location. For instance, Warsaw and Rome airports offer more competitive prices on beauty products, including perfume, compared to other major airports. Additionally, countries with lower VAT and sales taxes, such as Gran Canaria, can offer more attractive duty-free prices than the UK.
Travellers should also be cautious about the authenticity and quality of perfumes purchased at duty-free shops. Discounted perfumes may be obtained through the grey market, resulting in products that are very old or improperly stored, affecting their fragrance and consistency.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase perfume at duty-free prices depends on various factors, including the specific perfume brand, the location of the airport, and the availability of alternative purchasing options. While duty-free prices can offer savings in some cases, it is always advisable to compare prices and be vigilant about product authenticity to ensure a truly beneficial deal.
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Online vs in-store
When it comes to purchasing perfume, there are several options to consider, including buying it online or in-store at a physical retailer. While both options have their advantages, there are a few key factors to keep in mind when deciding which route to take.
Online shopping has become an increasingly popular way to purchase perfume, as it offers a convenient and efficient way to compare prices and find the best deals. In addition, online discounters often offer sales and promotional codes, which can further reduce the price of perfume. For those who know what they want, online shopping can be a great way to save money. However, one downside to online shopping is the inability to physically test the product before purchasing.
On the other hand, buying perfume in-store offers the advantage of being able to test different fragrances and compare them side by side. This can be especially useful for those who are unsure of what they are looking for or are new to the world of perfume. In addition, buying perfume in-store can provide a more personalized experience, with knowledgeable staff who can offer recommendations and advice.
When it comes to airport duty-free shops, opinions vary on whether or not perfume is cheaper than buying online or at a physical retailer. Some people claim that they have found better deals at duty-free shops, especially when it comes to discontinued fragrances or specific brands. However, others argue that duty-free prices are often comparable to those found online or in discount stores, and that the selection may be limited. Additionally, it is worth noting that duty-free shops may not always offer the same level of discounts as online retailers, and the convenience of buying while travelling may come at a premium.
Ultimately, the decision between buying perfume online or in-store depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Those who value convenience and the ability to compare prices may prefer online shopping, while those who prioritize the sensory experience and personalized recommendations may opt for in-store purchases. Regardless of the chosen option, it is always a good idea to do some research in advance and compare prices to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.
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Sales and discounts
The price of perfumes at airports varies depending on location, brand, and currency exchange rates. Some travellers have reported finding better prices at airports, especially when combined with sales and tax refunds. For instance, a bottle of perfume purchased at Istanbul Airport was cheaper than the same product in the United States, and a user reported finding a discontinued Tom Ford cologne at an airport.
However, others have found that sales at regular perfume shops can offer better prices than airport duty-free shops. Online shopping can also yield better deals, and some users have expressed concerns about the authenticity and quality of discounted perfumes.
- Compare Prices: Research the prices of your desired perfumes before travelling. Note down the prices, including taxes, in your local market and online. When you arrive at the airport, you can directly compare these prices with those offered at duty-free shops.
- Look for Sales and Discounts: Keep an eye out for special promotions, discounts, or sales events at airports. Some airports may offer deals or discounts on specific brands or products. For example, a traveller mentioned finding a good deal on a bottle of "Good Girl" perfume on Jet 2, with an additional discount for purchases over a certain amount.
- Consider Currency Exchange Rates: If you are travelling to a country with a lower currency value than your own, you may find that perfume prices are more favourable, even with taxes included. For example, a user reported that a bottle of Gucci Bloom EDP was £70 in Gran Canaria, compared to £100 in a UK Fragrance Direct store and £110 at duty-free shops.
- Check for Tax Refunds: In some countries, you may be eligible for tax refunds on purchases made at airports. For instance, a traveller mentioned getting a tax refund at the Istanbul airport, which further reduced the cost of their perfume purchase.
- Discontinued or Hard-to-Find Fragrances: Airports may stock fragrances that are discontinued or hard to find in the market. If you are looking for a specific fragrance that falls into this category, airports might be a good option, although it is still advisable to compare prices with online retailers.
- Online Duty-Free Shopping: Some airlines offer online duty-free shopping, allowing you to browse and purchase perfumes before your flight. This can be a convenient way to take advantage of duty-free prices without having to rush your decision at the airport.
When making a purchase, it is always essential to consider the potential risks associated with discounted perfumes, as mentioned earlier. To ensure the authenticity and quality of the product, it may be worth sampling the fragrance before committing to a purchase, especially if you are buying from a duty-free shop for the first time.
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Currency conversion
One traveller who frequently flies in Europe shared their experience, stating that while airport shopping is convenient, the prices are often comparable to regular retail prices. In some cases, online discounters or sales at physical perfume shops can offer better deals than airport duty-free shops. This traveller noted that fragrances priced at EUR 60 or more in regular retail stores can sometimes be found for as low as EUR 20 at duty-free shops, but even with such discounts, the overall impression is that currency conversion can make airport prices less attractive.
Another traveller's experience highlights the importance of currency conversion in their purchase decision. While purchasing perfume in Istanbul, they found that buying the perfume in the local currency (lira) and taking advantage of a sale resulted in a better deal than buying at the airport. They also noted that the price difference between the Istanbul airport and American prices "beats the pants off the American price". This suggests that currency conversion rates can significantly impact the relative pricing of perfumes across different regions.
In addition, a former flight attendant shared their perspective on the changing landscape of perfume deals at duty-free shops. They recalled getting great perfume deals in the early 2000s but noted that the emergence of online budget stores has made duty-free prices less competitive. This shift highlights how currency conversion rates might interact with broader market trends, such as the rise of online retailers, to influence the perceived value of airport perfume purchases.
Overall, when considering currency conversion, it is advisable for travellers to be mindful of exchange rates and to compare prices with online retailers and local sales before assuming that airport duty-free shops offer the best value for perfume purchases.
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Country of purchase
The country in which the purchase is made is a significant factor in determining whether buying perfume at an airport is a good deal. Duty-free shopping at airports implies that no tax is charged on the products, which can lead to cost savings for travellers. However, some people argue that the duty-free prices are inflated to include the taxes, resulting in no significant savings compared to regular stores.
In the United States, cigarettes are notably cheaper in duty-free shops due to high taxes on tobacco products. However, for other items, including perfume, travellers have not observed significant price differences between duty-free shops and local stores. In Europe, some travellers have found better deals in local stores or online, even taking into account VAT and sales taxes.
On the other hand, some countries with lower VAT and sales taxes can offer significant savings on perfume purchases at the airport. For example, Gran Canaria had a lower price for a 100ml bottle of Gucci Bloom EDP compared to the UK Fragrance Direct store and duty-free prices. Istanbul is another example where a traveller found a better deal on perfume in the city, especially with a sale and tax refund, than at the airport or in the United States.
Travellers should also consider the specific product they are interested in. For instance, Rome and Warsaw offered lower prices on YSL Rouge Pur Couture than Heathrow and other British shops. Additionally, onboard duty-free shops may have deals on perfumes, as some travellers have found discounts on specific perfumes on their flights.
Therefore, when it comes to purchasing perfume at airports, the country of purchase plays a crucial role in determining the potential savings. Travellers should research prices, including taxes, in their country of purchase and compare them to airport duty-free prices to make an informed decision.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on where you are and what perfume you're looking for. In some cases, it may be cheaper to buy perfume at the airport, especially if there's a sale or if you're buying in a country with lower VAT and sales taxes. However, some people have found that online prices are often cheaper than airport prices.
Some travellers have found cheaper perfume at specific airports, including Istanbul, Manchester, and Gran Canaria.
Some people have expressed concerns about the authenticity and quality of discounted perfumes, both at the airport and online. It's important to be cautious and compare prices to ensure you're getting a genuine product.
Buying perfume at the airport can be convenient, especially if you're looking for a last-minute gift or a specific fragrance that may not be easily available elsewhere.
It's always a good idea to compare prices before making a purchase. Check prices at different retailers, both online and in-store, and don't forget to factor in any applicable taxes or discounts. By doing your research, you can make an informed decision and find the best deal on your favourite perfume.
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