Shopping abroad: With the reduced duty-free limit to 150 francs, Switzerland's debate about shopping tourism has flared up. What are the reasons why people shop in Germany? As part of our comment analysis methodology, we analyzed 372 comments on “20 Minutes.”
Comment analysis: Summary of statements
Here's the link to the original article: https://www.20min.ch/story/einkaufstourismus-weshalb-ueberhaupt-so-viele-schweizer-in-deutschland-einkaufen-103252543
1. Significant price differences
General savings: Many products, such as food, household goods, and cosmetics, are 50-300% cheaper in Germany.
Concrete examples :
Medicines (e.g. Voltaren or Aspirin) cost up to three times less.
Baby products such as diapers and baby food are significantly cheaper.
Basic food items (meat, milk, butter) and household items (detergent, hygiene products) offer significant savings.
Non-food items such as electronics or car parts are often 60-70% cheaper.
Even Swiss products such as Lindt chocolate or Swiss cheese are sold cheaper in Germany.
2. Larger product selection
Expanded range: German stores offer a wider range of products, including items unavailable in Switzerland, such as coffee pods or certain cosmetic brands.
Specialties: Unique or regional products are easier to find in Germany.
Cultural preferences: Food variety attracts many customers, including currywurst or regional delicacies.
3. Perception of excessive prices in Switzerland
“High-price island Switzerland”: Many people perceive Swiss prices as overpriced, caused by monopolies, lobbying, and high-profit margins.
Comparable prices: Even with higher taxes and import fees, products are often cheaper in Germany.
Questioned justifications: Arguments such as higher costs for wages and rents in Switzerland are often criticized as insufficient to explain the significant price differences.
4. Lower taxes and tax allowances
Customs and VAT advantages: The exemption limit of 150 CHF and the possibility of reclaiming the German VAT make shopping in Germany particularly attractive.
Savings remain: Even when paying Swiss VAT, you often save significantly.
5. Quality and Standards
Comparable or better quality: German products are perceived as equal or higher quality.
Meat and agriculture: Despite strict Swiss animal welfare standards, Germany offers certified meat at a better price-performance ratio.
6. Convenience and accessibility
Proximity to the border: Residents of border regions can shop in Germany without much effort.
Shopping as an experience: Many people combine shopping with excursions or restaurant visits, which enriches the experience.
7. Economic and ethical perspectives
Reciprocity: Since Swiss companies import products and services from abroad, consumers also feel entitled to do so for private purchases.
Criticism of Swiss retailers: Local retailers are criticized as inefficient, focusing too much on marketing instead of fair prices.
Political frustration: Measures such as lowering the exemption threshold are seen as protecting companies rather than addressing the underlying pricing problems.
8. Balanced shopping habits
Supporting local agriculture: Many people consciously buy basic foodstuffs locally but source other products from Germany.
Smart shopping: Swiss customers take advantage of discounts and promotions in local stores, but go specifically to Germany for more significant savings.
Analysis of Communication
Publication frequency
We don't see anything unusual when we look at the distribution of comments and replies over time. After the news article is published, replies usually increase until 20 Minutes closes the comments section anyway. Most activity occurs within 1-2 days of publication.
Degree of polarization
Arguments or complaints are measured as a negative value, while positive social reactions are also understood as “positive” in our polarization score.
The results here suggest that the overall issue does not polarize Swiss citizens. Instead, they have an overly positive understanding of the value of being able to shop in Germany as a Swiss citizen.
𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 【
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