"Stimp" wrote in message
news:slrndluvvl.5f7.ren@carbon.redbrick.dcu.ie...
> On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 Leon Travel-Unlimited
>> Singapore no question about that
>>
>> Go to Sim Lim square
>>
>> Look round, ask discout (25%) on average
>>
>> Tactics is you ask for an item (in 3/4 different shops to make a
>> comparison
>> between shops, items and prices)
>>
>> You start discussing, you get shocked by the initial price and look
>> really
>> ready not to buy.
>>
>> Then he offers accessories and a global price with a calculing machine
>> (quite useful: you always need accessories)
>>
>> You answer with the same machine (you don't talk loud of money)
>>
>> Again and again.
>>
>> At that point you will probably buy something... If you don't everybody
>> will
>> have lost time - not a win-win- so he won't let you go.
>>
>> After it all depends how tough and nasty you are...
>
> *lol*.. I know.. last time I was in Singapore was during the SARS scare.
> Very few tourists in town, so I managed to bag quite a few bargains.
>
> One shopkeeper even complimented me on my haggling skills.
>
> I ended up getting a Canon camera, plus 1 GB of memory, plus a padded
> carry case for 25% of the initial price he quoted me.
>
> I think he must have made around $5 profit, judging by the going rate ;)
>
> --
>
But how inflated was his initial price? Did you compare with a fixed price
shop such as the airport duty free?
25% of a hugely inflated price may not be so good.
The last time I did a lengthy haggle there, I later found the same camera
slightly cheaper in the airport. Grrr.
Also these guys often overcharge on accessories while you focus on getting
the base price of the camera down.
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