Singapore is a shopping haven for tech junkies due to the wide array of electronics available at unbeatable prices. If you’re considering purchasing an electronic product in Singapore, we’ve compiled some tips for you to take note of before splurging on your next electronic gadget. A great place to buy is electronics changi airport.
All About Electronics
1. Compare Prices between Stores
First and foremost, head to different stores to compare prices. More often than not, you’ll find that stores sell the same product at varying prices. This is because the price of a product depends on a number of factors. Such factors include if the vendor is an official distributor of the brand or if the product’s an export set. Most products sold by official distributors will be more expensive than exported sets sold by local vendors. However, purchasing from official stores and distributors may be the safer option as they provide warranty coverage. If you buy an export set, there’s always the risk that the product may be damaged and you may end up spending more on repair costs.
In addition, you should make the most out of your purchase by taking note of bundle deals. Most products come with free add-on products that can add up to quite a bit of money. Then again, if you see no need for the freebies, you should just purchase the product itself instead of forking over more money for the package deal.
2. Don’t forget to Factor in GST & check for Tax Refund Eligibility
If you’re staying in Singapore, make sure to check that the price quoted to you is inclusive of GST. Some vendors may lure you in with lower prices that are exclusive of GST and later bill you a higher amount that’s inclusive of GST. If you’re a tourist, you can save more money if the product you’re buying qualifies for a tax refund. Thus, it’s important to purchase from a vendor that offers tax refunds.
3. Check the Warranty Coverage & Exchange Policy
Warranty coverage is one of the most important things to note for electronic products. Before making your purchase, ensure that your product comes with warranty coverage so you don’t have to worry about paying for additional repair costs. For tourists, ensure that the product comes with an international warranty that can be claimed in your country.
Most sellers have an exchange policy that allows customers to exchange their purchased product within a few days. Before leaving the store, check that the product you bought is working properly and free of any damages to save you the hassle of going down to the store again to make an exchange.
In addition, buying electronic products online may be cheaper but there are a number of things you need to take note of. The most important thing is to make sure that the website you’re purchasing from is legitimate and trustworthy. As you won’t be able to inspect the physical product, ensure that the site has an exchange policy. You should also take note if you need to pay shipping fees in the event you need to exchange your product. Shipping fees can be quite expensive especially if the product you bought is heavy or needs to be shipping internationally.
4. Research the Product you want to Buy first or Bring someone who is Tech-Savvy
Do your research first before heading down to the stores and buying the gadget you want. Most salespeople are very persuasive when it comes to selling products. As such, ensure that the product is something you definitely need and will use before purchasing it.
5. Where to Buy Electronic Products
We’ve compiled a list of the best places you can go to buy electronic products. A word of caution before we dive into the list, Sim Lim Square is Singapore’s biggest and most popular electronic mall. However, it’s is also infamous because of the numerous scams that have taken place there. You should give this place a miss unless you’re an experienced electronics buyer.
Harvey Norman
A household name in Singapore, Harvey Norman offers a wide range of consumer electrical products, computers, entertainment systems, and more. With 16 different outlets and a flagship store in Millenia Walk, Harvey Norman is both accessible and convenient for shoppers. They also have an online website which makes it easy for customers to browse through their online catalog without having to make their way down to physical outlets. Though they may not offer the lowest prices, they’re a reputable and renowned retailer in Singapore so you don’t have to worry about purchasing from them. If you’re not in a hurry to purchase your electronic gadgets, you might be able to snag some great deals during their sales, their biggest being the annual Great Singapore Sale which usually runs between September to October. They also have periodic clearance sales throughout the year which are announced on their website and Facebook page.
Courts
With 15 different outlets and a mega-flagship store in Tampines, Courts is another popular electronics retailer in Singapore. Their catalog boasts more than 14,000 products so you’ll definitely be able to find what you want from this store. Courts also offer a variety of payment plans which can be useful for customers who are making large purchases. They also have an online store which makes it convenient for customers to may not have the time to head down to their physical stores.
Challenger
Last on our list is Challenger, another electronics retailer that offers a wide array of consumer electronics, computers, audio systems, and accessories. They are the authorized distributors of popular brands such as Samsung, Canon, Apple, and ASUS. With more than 30 different outlets in Singapore, customers will definitely be able to find one that’s near to their area. If you sign up for a Challenger membership, you’ll also be eligible for special birthday discounts and exclusive member sales.
Conclusion
With so many shops dedicated to the best and newest gadgets out there, Singapore is an absolute haven for the tech junkie. If you’re just getting started on the tech craze, these tips will serve you well.
