Some of you have been living since a while in Geneva and have become well aware of the Swiss mentality of screwing the customer. Some don't. So, here's my tip for shopping.
Since prices in Geneva are hyper-inflated it's difficult to gauge a "right" price, therefore many ethic-impaired store owners try to rip off people inflating the cost of goods too. As a result, it has happened to me several times to find the exactly same item priced three or four times more, compared to another shop.
Examples:
- A DVD box set in a DVD store in Cornavin, priced 4x compared to a nearby store;
- A box of crayons Caran D'Ache in Manor, priced 4x compared to Jumbo;
- A battery-powered back massager in Manor, priced 3x compared to a shop across the border;
- 5L of windshield wiper fluid in a DIY brico store in Geneva, priced 4x compared to Leclerc in Ferney-Voltaire.
I understand that there are cost differences between stores, that they have the right to put whatever price tag they want, caveat emptor, etc. But a quadruple price? Come on, it's ridiculous!
So, always compare prices before buying, and in case, purchase on the Internet.
Some of you have been living since a while in Geneva and have become well aware of the Swiss mentality of screwing the customer. Some don't. So, here's my tip for shopping.
Since prices in Geneva are hyper-inflated it's difficult to gauge a "right" price, therefore many ethic-impaired store owners try to rip off people inflating the cost of goods too. As a result, it has happened to me several times to find the exactly same item priced three or four times more, compared to another shop.
Examples:
- A DVD box set in a DVD store in Cornavin, priced 4x compared to a nearby store;
- A box of crayons Caran D'Ache in Manor, priced 4x compared to Jumbo;
- A battery-powered back massager in Manor, priced 3x compared to a shop across the border;
- 5L of windshield wiper fluid in a DIY brico store in Geneva, priced 4x compared to Leclerc in Ferney-Voltaire.
I understand that there are cost differences between stores, that they have the right to put whatever price tag they want, caveat emptor, etc. But a quadruple price? Come on, it's ridiculous!
So, always compare prices before buying, and in case, purchase on the Internet.
TheOmegaManAug 23, 2018 @ 16:32
Some of you have been living since a while in Geneva and have become well aware of the Swiss mentality of screwing the customer. Some don't. So, here's my tip for shopping.
Since prices in Geneva are hyper-inflated it's difficult to gauge a "right" price, therefore many ethic-impaired store owners try to rip off people inflating the cost of goods too. As a result, it has happened to me several times to find the exactly same item priced three or four times more, compared to another shop.
Examples:
- A DVD box set in a DVD store in Cornavin, priced 4x compared to a nearby store;
- A box of crayons Caran D'Ache in Manor, priced 4x compared to Jumbo;
- A battery-powered back massager in Manor, priced 3x compared to a shop across the border;
- 5L of windshield wiper fluid in a DIY brico store in Geneva, priced 4x compared to Leclerc in Ferney-Voltaire.
I understand that there are cost differences between stores, that they have the right to put whatever price tag they want, caveat emptor, etc. But a quadruple price? Come on, it's ridiculous!
So, always compare prices before buying, and in case, purchase on the Internet.
Aug 23, 18 16:32
I was taught to compare prices and quality and service from an early age and I continue to do so wherever I shop. A cheaper price can sometimes mean cheaper quality or les variety
even among designer-label products – e.g., the lining and buttons of a brand-name jacket sold in a supermarket may be just that little bit less durable.
That said, it’s not simply the rent of premises in city centers, it’s also the insurance premiums, mandatory staff costs, and much more besides.
The internet may be the solution for some, although that too requires patience and time --
and time costs money.
Let’s face it, however we do it, shopping doesn’t come cheap in either money or time but for many of us life wouldn’t be the same without our weekly or monthly fix.
I was taught to compare prices and quality and service from an early age and I continue to do so wherever I shop. A cheaper price can sometimes mean cheaper quality or les variety
even among designer-label products – e.g., the lining and buttons of a brand-name jacket sold in a supermarket may be just that little bit less durable.
That said, it’s not simply the rent of premises in city centers, it’s also the insurance premiums, mandatory staff costs, and much more besides.
The internet may be the solution for some, although that too requires patience and time --
and time costs money.
Let’s face it, however we do it, shopping doesn’t come cheap in either money or time but for many of us life wouldn’t be the same without our weekly or monthly fix.
Ritchie, Aug 23, 2018 @ 22:52
Just go to nearby France and forget Geneva for shopping.
II totally agree that comparing is the best way if you want the best prices as some products are more expensive in France than in Geneva, such as some electronics or when there is a discount.
Also you could opt to receive the shops' magazines (publicité) in the mailbox and check out what offers they have.
The internet could be a good source as well. You could order things from Swiss websites (such as Galaxus) and they arrive pretty quickly, and you could also order from amazon.fr and have it delivered to the post office in nearby France for free if the seller does not deliver to Switzerland.
II totally agree that comparing is the best way if you want the best prices as some products are more expensive in France than in Geneva, such as some electronics or when there is a discount.
Also you could opt to receive the shops' magazines (publicité) in the mailbox and check out what offers they have.
The internet could be a good source as well. You could order things from Swiss websites (such as Galaxus) and they arrive pretty quickly, and you could also order from amazon.fr and have it delivered to the post office in nearby France for free if the seller does not deliver to Switzerland.
Hussein A, Aug 27, 2018 @ 14:48
