First Tax & Duty Free/SYD Tax & Duty Free cease to be QFF partners eff 21/2

[NM]

Really? Nuance has obviously successfully lobbied the Australian government to monopolise duty free purchases into Australia.

in my opinion, its not about safety and its all about greed of the Aussie companies involved, including the airports (can charge higher rent to DF shops) and the DF shop operators (need to make more profit pay the high airport retail space rent).

 

[JohnK]

Totally agree NM. I wonder how long it will be before duty free won't be allowed into Australia from any overseas airport?

I believe Nuance is a Singapore owned/based company which may explain why duty free purchases from SIN are allowed into Australia.

 

[ozavanti]

Just one from the left field, but could it be that Qantas put up the amount that it costs Nuance to purchase the points, so its not worth the trouble given that they hold the monopoly for all alcohol purchases anyway?

 

[Aussie_flyer]

I was under the impression that the LAG rules were on the way out so I suppose eventually it won't be a problem.

 

[NM]

I was under the impression that the LAG rules were on the way out so I suppose eventually it won't be a problem.

Some airports (reportedly commencing in the UK) are investing in scanners that can supposedly detect the difference between nasties and booze in sizes greater than 100ml. So at some airports, LAG restrictions may be removed.

But until that is universal, those lobbying the Australian government for the status quo to remain are winning the game. The restrictions that operate under the guise of improved security provide too much financial benefit to the people able to influence the decision process for any logic to be applied to the regulations.

 

[AnonymousCoward]

I guess this is to force people to buy on board. Frankly for me, it will push me to buy in SIN/BKK if possible on the upcoming trips.

Actually, I would suspect that the extra cost of supplying QF points is contributing to the relative lack of attractiveness of buying locally (given the comparisons people are able to make on other places that are cheaper to buy...)

So, QFF points are cut, so as to cut costs.

 

[Mal]

So, QFF points are cut, so as to cut costs.

Nope, QFF points are cut, so as to increase profits ...

BTW, next time anyone is flying overseas, ask a FA how much discount they get off SYD Duty Free/F1RST, and whether they actually use the benefit ...

Will surprise some.

 

[TheInsider]

Nope, QFF points are cut, so as to increase profits ...

BTW, next time anyone is flying overseas, ask a FA how much discount they get off SYD Duty Free/F1RST, and whether they actually use the benefit ...

Will surprise some.

Personally i only use duty free for alcohol, and with our 20% discount it ends up being pretty cheap. Also still accrue FF points, (well did).

 

[AnonymousCoward]

Nope, QFF points are cut, so as to increase profits ...

Same, same, but different. Cut costs, or increase revenue = increased profits.

But other things always change: maybe the rent has gone up? Maybe staff wages have gone up? Maybe suppliers have decided to increase their prices?

Given that it's harder for DFS to just increase prices (given how easy it is to comparison shop), it makes sense to try to cut some costs.

 

[JohnK]

Why does everyone think that increasing prices is the only way to increase profits?

Here is a thought for DFS.

Continue to pay out QFF points on purchases, decrease prices which will more than likely increase sales, gross revenue and net profit.

 

[Mal]

Given that it's harder for DFS to just increase prices (given how easy it is to comparison shop), it makes sense to try to cut some costs.

Duty Free in Australia is a complete rip-off. Cigarettes in particular, but booze as well. And I don't even bother looking at anything else in "so called" Duty Free Stores, as I know they'll be way above the price they would be if competitive.

Now, I do wonder... Nuance owns most of the (airport) duty free stores in Australia. Why are the prices so different between Singapore and Australia? Why can NZ airport duty free be up to 50% cheaper for the same items? Why is it that the same products in various Oceania countries can be ridiculously cheap compared to Australia?

I presume it's the usual reasons - high airport rent costs, high staff costs in Australia, inefficient processes, their wholesalers ripping them off etc etc etc. Maybe they should start bleating with Harvey Norman about how overseas purchases are causing them huge loss in income...

 

[AnonymousCoward]

Why does everyone think that increasing prices is the only way to increase profits?

Here is a thought for DFS.

Continue to pay out QFF points on purchases, decrease prices which will more than likely increase sales, gross revenue and net profit.

Only works for price elastic goods. If the demand is inelastic, then cutting prices does the opposite of what you say. I don't think DFS management are entirely stupid, so they've probably tried this a few times (e.g. sales of items etc)

 

[JohnK]

Only works for price elastic goods. If the demand is inelastic, then cutting prices does the opposite of what you say. I don't think DFS management are entirely stupid, so they've probably tried this a few times (e.g. sales of items etc)

DFS management must be doing something wrong as they are not very competitive. How they can justify charging 50% more than BKK/SIN/HKG//AKL for the same goods is beyond me.

Hate to say it though that they are only preying on people who do not know better. It is good to have sites this like this around to keep people informed of cheaper alternatives.

 

[Sprucegoose]

As I was told in HONKERS......ah Duty Free doesn't mean Profit Free.....

How true.

 

[oz_mark]

DFS management must be doing something wrong as they are not very competitive. How they can justify charging 50% more than BKK/SIN/HKG//AKL for the same goods is beyond me.

Hate to say it though that they are only preying on people who do not know better. It is good to have sites this like this around to keep people informed of cheaper alternatives.

I dare say that the power of the impulse buy comes into play!

 

[TonyHancock]

I dare say that the power of the impulse buy comes into play!

Yep, and a bunch of folk with nothing to do for an hour or so makes a nice group of prospective customers.

 

[antycbr]

Yep, and a bunch of folk with nothing to do for an hour or so makes a nice group of prospective customers.

And this is the most compelling reason to have lounge access - to avoid temptation.

 

[drross]

definitely can't take 1L on board in carry on at BKK

 

[mcdumagic]

Duty free frequent flyer points

Got this email today, seems all the F1rst and SYD duty free shops around Australia no longer allow you to collect Qantas frequent flyer points.

I informed them that I would no longer be shopping with them, the credit card surcharge, paying for bags, and now this, this has just gone too far for me.

I would encourage you to consider if you would still like to make purchases from them, I think they are gouging passengers as they have no competition.

Dear xx_xx_,

In response to your email, unfortunately we are no longer affiliated with Qantas.
I apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

Kind regards,

xx_xx_

Customer Service Team Manager
_________________________
SYD Airport Tax & Duty Free
Sydney International Airport
Mascot, NSW 2020
Australia
Telephone: 1800 733 000
International: +61 2 9313 5351
Telefax: + 6 12 9667 03 97

 

[yohy?!]

Re: Duty free frequent flyer points

Best to buy your duty-free overseas anyway as it's a rip off buying it here.

Just ensure it's packed in your checked luggage on the way back though due to liquid restrictions.