When i started off some time back, i used to think better of them as seems came across quite a number of recommendations. Hence i would drop by casually , check out prices and actually bought some low-key items to start the ball rolling, also as part litmus test as well to probe out the "right" salesperson each round (i know there always will be).
Yes admittedly there may be 1 or 2 (max) 'nicer' (or should say, less obtusive)staff there..but pls note carefully overall the culture there is rather 'equivalent'. Its the same money-magnet SLS nature permeating. service is but a fog theres happen to be there in the morning, but be gone when come brighter prospects.
after some dealing, one can easily catergorise their general attitudes:
1. IF THEY PERCEIVE YOU AS WITH NORMAL SPENDING POWER - they will likely ignore you or give you cold shoulders or the 'lookover', course increasingly so with increasing visits...till hopefully you dont turn up any more.
2. IF THEY PERCEIVE YOU AS A BIG SPENDER (Foreigners are instantly beknighted "Sirs") - you'd be surprised how fast each of them will 'whack' on you, even if they are serving current customers!
3. IF THEY PERCEIVE YOU AS A KNOWLEDGABLE BUYER WHOS RETURNING SATISFIED FROM A PREVIOUS PURCHASE - they might be just that slightly nicer and be likely more reasonable in quotes, then again MAYBE..and IF they can take your face.
4. IF THEY PERCEIVE YOU AS A NOT-SO-KNOWLEDGABLE BUYER WHOS RETURNING STILL SATISFIED FROM A PREVIOUS PURCHASE - in their eyes, you should see a 'big big carrot'...especially if you have brought along another big carrot...ahem sorry, friend.
5. IF THEY PERCEIVE YOU AS A BUYER WHOS RETURNING DISSATISFIED FROM A PREVIOUS PURCHASE, REGARDLESS KNOWLEDGABLE OR NOT - the first question they ask is "whats good in it for me in this mess?.." and they will take the direction from there depending your stand. my advice is if you are not happy, pre-empt the salesman's reaction and strategise internally in declining order of 'win-win' scenarios...ie "why dont i make it quick for us all by topping up say $20 ok la!" but be prepared for the really nasty turns (bring a bigger friend along?..)
My say is a phone check is still the best policy, as they cant really gauge you if you play it well. btw, tried that on them initially and theres where i got my first impression - they are not inclined to do even some simple price/specs checking (think mscolour does that all the time lest the item attracts frequent call-ins). imagine if they are too 'busy' to check a price, what would make them suddenly able to quote you in face as you 'stroll in'. question is can you trust that quote?..
ps: i have nothing against them though admittedly their prices are not that great - its just that the shop seems to exhibit some camera candy shop thingy..mmm..well, same comments goes to many other such dealers, so its caveat emptor (buyer beware)...anyhow pls pls pls always check what you plan to buy AND ABOUT TO PAY FOR...always period.