The amount she paid was equivalent to about 9 PSPs. The shop assistant told the girl that the gaming device cost $290, while accessories, including a memory card and a screen protector, added up to $196.
However, the salesperson then added a $2,114 “modification” charge to the invoice, the citizen journalism website reported.
The gaming device was also “taken away from the shop to a technician” who performed the said modification.
- UNHOLY Sheesshhh It’s that place again ah…yes those electronic shops (opposite Wisma?) that paddle like they are relax electronic uncle with faint tattoo on their arms. Their illegal sales tactics had conned so many people that it’s reputable to be a serious black market den.
My personal experience there is a mobile phone…I had research with due diligence on the cheapest online prices and print out details and shopped around.
Since I was there back then to work nearby in road shows so I strolled in wearing my ex-company T-shirt (bank) and ask for the latest mobile phone….I pull out the paper too early and he quoted a slightly lower price!
That got my interest, I sat down and talk more (prey got hooked!) and I am thinking “why not?” and proceed to pay using nets but he say do I need earphones (blue tooth or normal) and memory card, screen protection and charger….and I say sure…and he proceed to poke the calculator and gave me a bigger amount!
I immediately stand up and was about to go but he jab the calculator again and gave me a slightly lower price but more then the research details I had…because I had lost my phone previously and urgently need one for work…hence I paid and went home.
Later, I found out that the price of the phone actually include the earphones and even at a much lower price at other places!!!
My friend had almost got conned too!! He brought his friend that came from UK to Singapore one fine day and went to Orchard road (same place opposite Wisma) and looked for original Ipod mp3 player.
They asked the uncle there and the he promptly took out an Ipod look-alike imitation mp3 player and start to promote it as “much more better then original!” and describe all the functions and stuff…imagine my friend’s shock that he quote my friend $100 more then the original Ipod!!!
They reiterate that they want the original Ipod and not the imitation ones then the shop owner got angry and says he wont sell them the original Ipod…and when they left the shop the shop owner got super black face.
According to AsiaOne News:
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from less than honest videogame and electronics retailers, and still have a great time:
1. Do your homework
The best way to protect yourself would be to check prices online for any gadget or device you want to buy before you actually step into a store.
Most manufacturers will state the recommended retail price(RRP) on their websites, and many tech websites also provide price lists for easy reference. Just Google the brand or model of the gadget you are looking for.
The retail price at stores should have too much of a difference compared to what was recommended by the manufacturer. Also, it might good to find out if the manufacturer’s site has a list of authorized resellers, as these stores are more likely to follow the recommended retail price.
2. ‘Packages’ are not always a cheaper
When gadgets come in ‘packages’ that include accessories and games, always ask for a breakdown of individual items in the list.
Ask yourself if you need everything that is included in the package. Do you like that Spongebob Squarepants game that comes free with your PSP? Does that heavy, battery-consuming PSP cooling fan look like a practical and useful accessory?
If you find that the bundled software or accessories do not make sense to you or are not to your taste, skip them and go solo.
3. Check several stores before you buy
Visit several stores first before you decide on which one to buy from. Not only will you minimize your chances of ending up with a bad purchase, you also get to compare prices and check out any existing promotions that might be a better deal.
4. Cheapest (or most expensive) doesn’t mean it’s the best price
Don’t jump into a deal just because it’s cheap. Is it cheap because the gadget is sold alone, with no accessories? Or is it because it’s an older model, or running on older software? Does it come with a warranty?
When prices quoted by a store are very different from that of most others you have surveyed, don’t be afraid to ask the shop staff why. If you feel that the salesperson is unable to give you a good answer, take your business somewhere else.
5. Ask for more information
When a salesperson mentions technical terms you do not understand, do not be afraid to clarify your doubts. Why did he recommend this model over another one? Is there a product brochure you can take home? Do they have a demo unit you can try?
Just because you are a female customer or a parent with a young child eager to try out the latest Pokemon game doesn’t mean that shady retailers have the right to charge you exorbitant prices for their wares. Checking out a few stores and comparing prices may not take up a lot of your time, and it will likely save you some money in the long run.
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Simon Tay
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Proxies Century said:
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foxy said:
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