Us Airport Electronics: Overpriced Or Reasonable?

Electronics are notoriously expensive at US airports, with prices up to 50% higher than what you would find online. Lindsay Sakraida, director of content marketing at DealNews, a shopping comparison website, states that electronics purchased at the airport will cost you significantly more than if you had bought them ahead of time. This is due to the captive audience of travellers who may have forgotten essential items or are looking for entertainment during their flight. However, there are ways to get around this, such as purchasing from a Best Buy kiosk, which offers a price-match guarantee.

Electronics at US airports are 34% more expensive than online

Lindsay Sakraida, director of content marketing at DealNews, a shopping comparison website, confirms this: "Our research shows that electronics are, on average, 34 percent more expensive at the airport than what you would find online. For smaller items, that could mean a difference of $10 to $15. And that charger? It could be up to 50 percent more at the airport."

So, if you're thinking of buying electronics at the airport, you may want to think again. The high prices are likely due to the convenience factor of purchasing items while travelling and the lack of competition among retailers within the airport.

However, there is a workaround if you're in a bind and need to purchase electronics at the airport. Head to the Best Buy kiosk, where you'll find a range of electronics, from headphones to chargers. While the prices might seem overpriced at first glance, there's a hidden perk: Best Buy offers a price-match guarantee on purchases made at their kiosks. This means that if you find the same product at a lower price at a Best Buy store or even on Amazon.com, you can return the product within the normal return period and get a refund for the difference.

For example, a pair of Beats Studio wireless headphones sold at a Best Buy kiosk for $379.99 could be found for $299 at a Best Buy store and $269 on Amazon.com. So, while airport electronics prices may be inflated, taking advantage of price-match policies can help you score a better deal.

Headphones are often overpriced due to in-flight Wi-Fi demand

Electronics are typically one of the worst things to buy at airports, as they are often significantly marked up from their regular retail price. Lindsay Sakraida, the director of content marketing for the shopping comparison website DealNews, states that "electronics are, on average, 34% more expensive at the airport than what you would find online". This price difference can be even more substantial for smaller items, such as headphones and chargers, which tend to be "ridiculously overpriced", according to Coleman Collins, a former full-time traveller and author.

Headphones, in particular, are often in high demand at airports and during flights due to the availability of in-flight Wi-Fi. Many travellers want to take advantage of the Wi-Fi services offered by airlines, and headphones are essential for this. Recognising this demand, airport retailers often inflate the prices of headphones, knowing that travellers who need them at the last minute will be willing to pay a premium.

For example, a pair of Beats Studio wireless headphones sold at a Best Buy kiosk for $379.99 was $80 cheaper at a regular Best Buy store and $110 cheaper on Amazon.com. This significant price difference highlights the extent to which headphones can be overpriced at airports.

While it may be convenient to purchase headphones at the airport, it is important for travellers to be aware of this price inflation and consider alternative options. For example, they could look for headphones at stores located near the airport or bring their own headphones from home to avoid paying the inflated prices.

Best Buy kiosks offer a price-match guarantee

Electronics at US airports are typically more expensive than they would be online. Lindsay Sakraida, director of content marketing with DealNews, a shopping comparison website, notes that "electronics purchased at the airport will cost you significantly more than if you had bought them ahead of time. Our research shows that electronics are, on average, 34% more expensive at the airport than what they would be online. And that charger? It could be up to 50% more at the airport."

However, if you're in a bind and need to purchase electronics at the airport, Best Buy kiosks offer a price-match guarantee. This means that if you find the same product at a lower price elsewhere, Best Buy will refund you the difference. This includes other retailers such as Amazon.com.

Here's how it works:

• Find a qualifying product that you want Best Buy to price match. The product must be identical to the competitor's product in terms of brand, model number, and color, and it must be a new product.
• Chat with a Best Buy employee or go to the Customer Service desk to request a price match. Provide them with the competitor's ad or website, showing the lower price that is still in effect.
• Best Buy will then review and verify the price match request.
• If the request is approved, you can purchase the product at the kiosk and then return it to a Best Buy store within the normal return period to receive the price difference as a refund.

It's important to note that Best Buy's price-match guarantee has some exclusions, including items sold by third-party sellers, special daily or hourly sales, and certain types of offers like financing or bundle deals. Additionally, Best Buy only allows one price match per identical item, per customer.

Best Buy's price-match guarantee can be a helpful way to save money on electronics purchases at the airport. By taking advantage of this policy, you can ensure that you're getting the best price on your purchase, even if you're buying it at the airport.

Electronics at airports are often white-label items from sites like Aliexpress

A scan of the airport bookstore won't be very promising if you want to replace your electronics gear. You will have to shell out way more than you normally would since electronics are typically one of the worst things to buy at airports. Lindsay Sakraida, director of content marketing with DealNews, a shopping comparison website, notes that:

> "Electronics purchased at the airport will cost you significantly more than if you had bought them ahead of time. Our research shows that electronics are, on average, 34% more expensive at the airport than what they would be online. And that charger? It could be up to 50% more at the airport."

Most of the overpriced electronics sold at airports are typically white-label items found on sites like Aliexpress. White-label items are generic products that are manufactured by a third-party company and rebranded and sold by another company. These items are usually cheaper to produce and can be sold for a higher profit margin.

While it may be tempting to purchase electronics at the airport, especially if you forgot something or need a last-minute item, it is best to avoid doing so. The high prices and potential for white-label items that may not be of the best quality make it a better option to plan ahead and purchase any needed electronics before your trip.

It's better to buy electronics at the airport than foreign currency

Electronics at US airports are typically far more expensive than online prices. Lindsay Sakraida, director of content marketing with DealNews, a shopping comparison website, stated that "electronics are, on average, 34 percent more expensive at the airport than what they would be online". However, it is still better to buy electronics at the airport than foreign currency.

Firstly, exchanging currency at the airport is highly inadvisable due to the poor exchange rates and excessive fees. Airport currency exchange shops are aware that travellers may need local currency urgently upon arrival, so they offer unfavourable rates and make substantial profits. For instance, airport exchanges have been found to charge up to 17% more than the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) exchange rate. In contrast, exchanging currency at a local bank or using a bank ATM provides better rates and lower fees.

Secondly, purchasing electronics at the airport can be advantageous due to the convenience and potential price-matching opportunities. While airport electronics may initially seem overpriced, certain airport stores like Best Buy kiosks offer a price-match guarantee. This means that if you find the same product at a lower price elsewhere, you can claim a refund for the difference.

Additionally, airport electronics stores can be a convenient option if you have forgotten essential items like headphones, chargers, or cameras. While the prices may be higher, the immediate accessibility can be valuable, especially if you require the item during your trip.

In summary, while it is generally not advisable to make purchases at the airport due to inflated prices, exchanging foreign currency at airport kiosks is particularly detrimental to your wallet. Opting to buy electronics instead can be a better choice, especially if you can take advantage of price-matching policies or need the items urgently for your travels.

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