Love to go shopping but hate the dent it leaves on your wallet? Yeah, us too. Retail therapy can turn into retail regret fast if your wallet takes a big hit. But what if there was a way to shop your favourite brands and save money at the same time?

Meet Laneway, Melbourne Airport’s duty free online shopping platform. Here, you can shop the most popular brands and the trendiest luxury items, but without the hefty taxes you usually pay. That perfume you've been eyeing? The cool sunglasses your friend raved about? They could all be yours at duty free prices.

Sound too good to be true? It's not! Keep reading to find out why duty free on Laneway blows regular retail out of the water.

Duty free shopping is a way to buy items without paying the local import taxes or duties. Think of it like this: regular stores typically add Goods and Services Tax (GST) and even VAT (value-added tax) to the price you see. Duty free shops sell things cheaper because they're not adding on these taxes.

The best part about shopping duty free, especially on Laneway, is the variety of products. These include luxury goods like fragrances and high-end cosmetics. You can also find alcohol and tobacco products at lower prices compared to regular retail shopping.

Duty free stores are often found in international airports, at border towns, on cruise ships - areas that are considered outside the local jurisdiction for tax exemption purposes. Because of this, duty free shopping is typically reserved for international travellers. That’s why to buy duty free, you usually need to show your passport and sometimes your boarding pass.

Keep in mind, however, that duty free allowances vary per country. For instance, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection only allow items up to $800 to be imported duty free. In Australia, travellers 18 years old and above can bring up to AUD900 worth of general goods tax free. So, make sure to check the duty free allowances of your destination country to avoid paying any importation taxes.

Still looking for reasons to shop duty free? Here’s why many prefer duty free shopping over regular retail:

• Cost Savings: One of the biggest perks is the cost savings. Duty free products are sold at tax-free prices, offering them at a lower price compared to regular retail outlets in your home country or destination country.
• Exclusive Products: Duty free stores often stock exclusive products that aren’t available elsewhere. These include limited-edition fragrances and special luxury items.
• Convenience: Buying duty free is highly convenient. You can explore a wide range of products from global brands all in one place—perfect for busy travellers.
• Luxury Shopping Experience: Many airport duty free shops provide a high-end shopping experience, featuring luxury goods from European, American, and other global brands that appeal to an international clientele.

Tax Exemptions: Depending on your destination, buying duty free might qualify you for further tax exemptions, stretching your dollar even further.

As mentioned, Laneway is Melbourne Airport's duty free online marketplace platform. It’s designed for those arriving or departing on an international flight through Melbourne Airport.

On Laneway, you can browse and buy a variety of goods, including luxury items, beauty products, and local Australian brands. The platform operates on a 'Click and Collect' basis.

Simply go to the Laneway site, checkout the duty free items you like, then pick up your purchases either as you depart from or arrive at Melbourne Airport. We have a designated collection counter in Terminal 2 after the security checks. Just show your order confirmation email and passport to collect your purchases.

Disclaimer: Please note that some goods may have minimum age requirements (for example alcohol/tobacco) and ID will need to be provided at the time you collect the goods from the relevant collection point. Purchases of alcohol and tobacco via the Laneway must not be made by any person who is under 18 years of age.

So, we’re now on the same page about the benefits of shopping duty free over regular retail stores. But what if I tell you that you can make your duty free shopping at Melbourne Airport even more convenient? Yes, you read that right! With Laneway, you won’t just enjoy tax-free prices but also a more convenient shopping spree. Here's why it's the perfect place to shop for travellers on the go:

• Convenience: Shop from the comfort of your home or on the go and pick up your items right at the airport. It's easy and hassle-free.
• Wide Selection: Laneway boasts a broad selection of international brands and products. From Swiss watches to French perfumes and Australian skincare, the variety is extensive.
• Trusted Payment Options: Payments are secure and easy, with credit card options like Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, and more, including mobile payments through Alipay and WeChat Pay.
• Time-Saving: By ordering ahead, you save time at the airport, allowing you to head straight home or explore Melbourne right away.
• Easy collection: Once you've placed your order, simply pick it up at the designated collection points in Arrivals or Departures on the day of your flight. No need to worry about lugging your shopping bags around the airport.
• Reduced Luggage Fees: With less luggage, you’ll save on baggage fees. You may not even need to check in any luggage and just stroll through the terminals with only your carry-on in tow.
• Peace of mind: Knowing you've already got your shopping done means one less thing to worry about on your trip. You can relax and focus on enjoying your adventure!

So next time you're on a trip overseas, don’t forget to pre-order your duty free purchases on Laneway.

One of the best perks about shopping duty free on Laneway is the savings. When you shop duty free, you're essentially buying products without the added local taxes, which in Australia includes the Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 10%.

Here's a simple breakdown to show how much you might save:

Imagine you want to buy a luxury fragrance priced at $100. In a regular store, you'd pay an additional 10% GST, making the total cost $110. However, on Laneway, because it's duty free, you bypass the $10 GST. So, you're only paying the original $100.

The savings become even more apparent with more expensive purchases. Let's say you're eyeing a high-end cosmetic or a rare vintage wine priced at $1000:

• In a typical retail setting: $1000 + 10% GST = $1100
• On Laneway’s duty free shop: $1000 (no GST)

By choosing to shop duty free on Laneway, you save $100 on this single purchase alone. The more you spend, the more you save, making it a smart choice for purchasing high-end goods like perfumes, fine spirits, and designer items.

While duty free shopping offers heaps of perks, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your experience. Here’s a handy list to guide you:

• Check Your Allowances: Different countries have different limits on what you can bring in duty free. Always check these before you shop to avoid extra charges at customs.
• Plan Your Pick-Up: If you're buying something large or fragile, make sure you have a plan for how you'll carry it onto the plane or how to transport it if you’re picking it up when you arrive in Melbourne.
• Be Aware of Restrictions: Certain items may have purchase limits or require age verification, especially alcohol and tobacco products. Ensuring you meet these requirements beforehand can prevent any last-minute surprises.
• Set a Budget: It's easy to get carried away with tax-free prices. Setting a budget before you start shopping can help keep your spending in check.
• Stay Updated: Sign up for Laneway's newsletter or follow their social media channels. This way, you'll get real-time updates on new products, limited-time offers, and exclusive promotions tailored for travellers.

Planning a trip overseas? Don’t forget to pre-order your duty free purchases on Laneway! With GST-free prices, easy pick-up, and a wide array of brands under one roof, it’s duty free shopping made simple. Save big, travel lighter, and focus on what matters most - your adventure!