ShopDutyFree is one of the most recognized stores of Apple products and general technology in our country. The store is characterized precisely by the prices of its products, significantly lower than those that we can find both in Apple and Amazon and other electronics stores. The question that many users ask themselves before buying an iPhone, iPad or MacBook is the following: is ShopDutyFree reliable? Why is ShopDutyFree so cheap? Is it safe to shop at ShopDutyFree? We see it.

This article is for informational purposes only. tuexperto.com is only limited to collecting testimonials from users found on third-party pages, so it distances itself from the opinions expressed by them, as well as from the accusations launched against the company regarding its network services and/or the service after sales

Reasons why ShopDutyFree is reliable in 2021

Although its name may lead one to think otherwise, the truth is that the store was founded in Barcelona, ​​back in 2012. Since then, it has been building a reputation on the Internet around the services it offers to users: from shipping times and warranty execution to payment methods.

It offers a two-year guarantee, like any Spanish store

That's right. Like any store that operates in our country, ShopDutyFree offers up to two years of legal guarantee. The first year is fully covered by Apple or any of the services authorized by the company, while the second year is covered by the store itself, as per current brand legislation.

On the other hand, the store offers a return guarantee period of 30 days from the date of receipt of the product in question. The information in question can be consulted through the store's FAQ at this link.

There is a 10-day trial period

As currently established by law in Spain, the Catalan store offers a free trial period in which users can try the product in question for a maximum period 10 days, although the law estimates that the minimum order must be 14 days. Said period is free of any commitment and the expenses will be refunded in full if the client so requests.

There is no physical store, but orders can be picked up at the office

One of the keys to why ShopDutyFree products are so cheap lies precisely in the absence of physical stores. And it is that despite the fact that the fiscal domicile is in Barcelona, ​​the store lacks a presence as a commercial premises to use. Despite this, the website allows us to organize the collection at the physical offices themselves, which are located at the following address:

Calle Alt de Gironella, number 11, Door 5 08017 Barcelona, ​​Spain

Shipping times: from 24 hours to 5 business days

As far as shipping times are concerned, the standard shipping method includes 4 to 5 business days. The page also offers an express shipping method, which goes from 48 to 72 working hours, which also includes Saturdays as a possible delivery date. The website undertakes to offer a shipment tracking code within a maximum period of 24 hours, after which we can consult the information through the page of the contracted transport company.

The products are original despite their low price

The price of Apple products in ShopDutyFree has historically created controversy around the authenticity of the items the store offers. From the website they ensure that all the products are 100% genuine and that their price is due to the price that their distributors manage for the purchase volume that the store manages. Added to the absence of physical stores and the little advertising they do on the Internet, costs can be significantly reduced compared to other similar stores.

Reasons why ShopDutyFree is unreliable in 2021

All that glitters is not gold, especially not in a store whose only sales channel is the Internet. Given the number of variations that the sale can undergo, the shopping experience can differ from moment to moment. To this we must add several disadvantages that the store presents with respect to an Apple Authorized Service or an Apple Store to use.

Payment via PayPal is not supported

It's not for nothing that PayPal is the most secure payment method on the Internet. The intermediation system when there is a dispute between the customer and the store is usually one of the main reasons why users choose this payment method. Unfortunately, ShopDutyFree is not compatible with PayPal, probably because of the fees it imposes on checkouts. As of the publication date, the only supported payment methods are based on VISA and Mastercard cards, as well as Bitcoin.

It is not an Apple Authorized Service, with all that this entails

Despite offering a one-year warranty from Apple's own service, the truth is that ShopDutyFree does not meet the requirements of an Service Authorized by the company. This affects the use of genuine components when carrying out repairs on products that require the application of the legal guarantee. In other words, Apple does not provide components to third-party stores, so the repair could be carried out with compatible components – not original ones.

SEUR is the transport agency with which ShopDutyFree operates

That's right. In fact, a large volume of criticism and bad opinions that can be found on the Internet in relation to the store has to do with the SEUR transport service, the experience of which may vary depending on where you live. Waiting times that are too long, deliveries that are not made or damage caused in the transport of the merchandise are just some of the problems that users report in forums and specialized pages.

What opinions of ShopDutyFree do users have on the Internet?

A simple search on the net helps us to get an idea of ​​the opinion of ShopDutyFree that users have about the store. Taking advantage of the previous points, the shopping experience can make the difference between opting for the Catalan store or another electronic commerce.

We read in TrustPilot:

"Do not buy on this website. I have a question regarding the products. I have had a problem with Apple Support. They tell me that the invoice they give me is not valid for them... That has made me think»

“I bought an iPhone and it arrived very quickly (in 3 days) even though I chose standard shipping. I contacted them several times due to an error in the invoice and they solved it quickly and with great kindness»

“I bought with some fear because of the opinions against they have. My experience has been perfect, great price and speed. In principle, the order had to be delivered to me between the 19th and 20th. Today, the 15th at 10 in the morning, I had it at home. I would not rule out that many opinions are interested »

“I bought a Macbook Pro M1 with almost 300 euros discount compared to the Apple Store. It has arrived perfect and everything is great. There was a bit of a delay due to the snow storm."

"Customer service is quite good, in my case I ordered an iPhone 12 that was delayed 5 days from the expected date of arrival, but this was due to the storm. Highly recommend the store”

“After a month and a half waiting for a computer that never arrives and nobody knows when it will arrive, the only solution they give you is to cancel. They treat you badly, yelling at you on the phone, if you talk on fb messenger the same. It makes me want to take legal action because I find it very shameless to play with someone's money »

“After buying a MacBook on 11/29, I have been waiting 1 month and 20 days for it, after receiving long excuses week after week. Without a doubt the worst shopping experience I've ever had online. I do not recommend this page to anyone: they sell products without stock«

"Can you be more shameless? I would say no... My daughter bought an iPhone 12 on November 30, 2020. We are on January 24, 2021 and she still does not have it »

“I ordered a white iphone 11 128gb on November 28th. At the time of purchase there was stock and I would receive my order in 2-3 days. After almost 2 months waiting and postponing the delivery since they have problems with the manufacturer, I have requested the cancellation and refund of my order, which I have not received yet."

“This is the second time I shop at this store. The first time afraid. The order was delayed but the Mac finally arrived in perfect condition. New and original. And much cheaper. Now I have bought an iPhone 11. €140 less than at Apple. It has arrived 10 days ahead of schedule, although I was prepared in case it was delayed»

«After a month waiting for a product that did not arrive (since they sell out of stock and play with your money), I requested its cancellation, I have been waiting for a refund for a week, even with emails and calls I know nothing. I am afraid that I will have to start filing a complaint in a few days if it continues the same since everything indicates that I have lost the money »

“This is my third purchase from this store and, once again, the experience has been very positive. I bought a red iPhone 11 128Gb on a Monday and the following Wednesday (today) I already received it. Spanish invoice and two-year warranty. All right"

“Beware of their return policy. The consumer law tells us that a product can be withdrawn in the first 14 days. Well, this company only gives 10 days of withdrawal, which also starts counting from the date of purchase. In addition, between the 10th and 14th, the product can be withdrawn but the amount to be returned is much less than the amount paid for the simple fact of trying the article »