PC Show 2009 Guide
Starting tomorrow, one of Singapore’s most massive and crowded show is about to take place once again. Year after year, it draws an increasing crowd, owing to the generation of tech savvy Singaporeans.
If anyone has been a regular to such shows, the impenetrable crowds and atmosphere will not be foreign to us. Before the show, I’ll be listing you a few tips you can take along with you, so you can enjoy your shopping trip to the best possible.
1) Saturdays and Sundays – The Crowd Days
Well, for some curious reason, people like to go only on the weekends. If you do, prepare for an intimate time with the crowd. Weekends for the IT show are as packed as an MRT during peak hours, or even worse. To make your trip a pleasant one, plan to go on Thursday or Friday. If you must go on the weekends, either go extremely early, or go during dinner time.
2) Plan
A lot of people walk around the IT show just for the sake of it. Because of all those enticing offers, they end up actually buying something they don’t need.
Write down a list of what you need before going in. Do not fall into the trap of buying what you don’t need. Having objectives at the show saves you time, so you don’t have to wander around for hours threading crowds, walking around without a clue. Do study the floor plan before making a move.
3) Cash it, Don’t NETS it
Yes, NETS will probably pull off some stunt like lucky draws or stuff. However, bear in mind shops generally don’t like the idea. It’s an open secret they pay 2% tax. For the smaller shops in particular, equip yourself with cash.
4) Research
It is always good to do research and equip yourself with some simple knowledge of your product and several models before going for the show. It is no secret salesmen often push products a customer doesn’t need, so have a general idea of what you want before going.
It is also an open secret that salesmen often lack product knowledge. They are often hired last minute. So it will always be useful to conduct prior research before heading down.
5) Last Day Myth
I’m sure somewhere somehow, somebody told you that the last 3 hours of the IT show gets you unimaginable discounts! While this is SOMEWHAT true, it isn’t 100% true. You do not get humongous discounts on the last day – manufacturers rarely drop prices.
Also, by the last day, what you are looking for may be sold out. So discount or not, you’re not getting it.
My advice is, if you have something in mind, the prices at the show itself are rather good. So pick it up. Especially if it’s a hot item.
