Vendor slaps extra 'memory fee' on each tech purchase amid global chip crunch — the more you buy, the more you pay

Ubiquiti has recently implemented a new policy requiring customers to pay a "Memory Surcharge" of up to 5.8% on products purchased through its official online store. The additional fee is a direct response to the global memory and storage shortage that continues to impact the technology industry, with no clear resolution in sight.

The company shares this notice at checkout:

Due to ongoing volatility in global memory and storage markets, we are applying a surcharge to the price of selected products, effective April 24, 2026. We continue to absorb a portion of these costs to minimize impact and ensure consistent availability.

Many companies initially absorbed the additional costs when the shortage started. However, it's come to a point that it's virtually impossible to maintain stable pricing due to supply chain disruptions. Ubiquiti, like many other vendors, has had to pass some of the cost on to consumers to offset the rising prices of memory and storage components used in its products.

The memory surcharge imposed by Ubiquiti varies by product. Some use more memory or storage components than others. In general, the company has set a maximum surcharge of 5.8%, which may seem small but can translate to a substantial additional cost for higher-end equipment.

Ubiquiti Memory Surcharge

Customers purchasing an enterprise-grade 48-port switch, typically priced at $3,499, will incur an additional $206 charge on their receipts. Similarly, a $499 enterprise-grade indoor WiFi 7 access point now carries a $58 surcharge. Even more mundane devices, such as a $49 five-port 2.5G switch, are not immune to memory surcharges, as buyers have to pay an extra $2. Then, there are products, like the 5 GHz wireless bridge, that command a slightly lower surcharge of 5.5%.

Ubiquiti clearly details the memory surcharge during the online checkout process, so customers are aware of the additional expense. This move is a double-edged sword for Ubiquiti. On the one hand, the company's transparency in detailing the memory surcharge is something that customers will appreciate. Then again, some may be frustrated by having to pay more despite Ubiquiti's open communication.

Alternatively, Ubiquiti could have just quietly raised the product price by 5.8% across the board to hide the memory surcharge. However, that may also garner negative feedback from buyers who pay close attention to price trends and call out Ubiquiti for price hikes. No matter which pricing strategy Ubiquiti chooses, there will be disgruntled buyers. However, the reality is that the memory and storage shortage will persist for a while, and product prices will increase sooner or later.

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