Which shop offers a better price and good customer service?

[mlcy85]

went to Parisilk Holland Village to get a dry cabinet. Called up the shop before going, and was offered 99 bucks for a 30L cabinet, normally offered when purchased with a SLR, but the guy on the phone was nice enuf to offer me that price (normal $118). so i went there, and approach this dude who obviously din care about doing business with me, and said they had no such offer. When I told him that I called and someone offered me $99 he rudely ask "who? who u talk to? everyone here picks up the phone who u talking about?" so i said I'll just wait for the guy to come back, think he got sick of me waiting and rudely asked if i was paying cash/credit card (which I took for him wanting to sell me at $99). when paying, he said it's $99 without GST, at that time i was on the verge of flaring up so just paid the extra 7 bucks and left.

While leaving, this caucasian couple came in, and that same guy talked to them like long lost friends.... so my fellow Clubsnappers, u know which shop to avoid now =D

 

[wallpaper]

went to Parisilk Holland Village to get a dry cabinet. Called up the shop before going, and was offered 99 bucks for a 30L cabinet, normally offered when purchased with a SLR, but the guy on the phone was nice enuf to offer me that price (normal $118). so i went there, and approach this dude who obviously din care about doing business with me, and said they had no such offer. When I told him that I called and someone offered me $99 he rudely ask "who? who u talk to? everyone here picks up the phone who u talking about?" so i said I'll just wait for the guy to come back, think he got sick of me waiting and rudely asked if i was paying cash/credit card (which I took for him wanting to sell me at $99). when paying, he said it's $99 without GST, at that time i was on the verge of flaring up so just paid the extra 7 bucks and left.

While leaving, this caucasian couple came in, and that same guy talked to them like long lost friends.... so my fellow Clubsnappers, u know which shop to avoid now =D

Thanks for sharing this incident, I was almost about to go down to Parisilk to buy a few things as they have such competitive prices. The twist in the tale will be that the rude guy was the same guy who answered your phone.

The way I see it, by "earning" the 7 dollars GST, he has already lost more money through the poor publicity this post has generated. In any case, whenever a shop owner behaves rudely, we should smile and walk out. (and if time permits, share the incident with fellow clubsnappers)

 

[mlcy85]

Thanks for sharing this incident, I was almost about to go down to Parisilk to buy a few things as they have such competitive prices. The twist in the tale will be that the rude guy was the same guy who answered your phone.

The way I see it, by "earning" the 7 dollars GST, he has already lost more money through the poor publicity this post has generated. In any case, whenever a shop owner behaves rudely, we should smile and walk out. (and if time permits, share the incident with fellow clubsnappers)

haha I only went there coz i'm abit busy these days so no time to go town to John 3:16, my usual shop. but yeah just to share an experience! but from what I heard, other Parisilk branches might be better...

 

[Lionheart86]

Yeah, me too. Called to ask if they have the Gorillapod SLR-zoom which they said they have. So I went to the shop to buy n collect. What they show me is not the SLR zoom pod but a smaller version. I explained to them that they confirm over the phone they had it. Salesman (Indian) says 'take it or leave it'... I just walked off after that. I agree. Somehow, caucasian gets better service over there (at Holland outlet). Not sure bout other outlet.

 

[wallpaper]

haha I only went there coz i'm abit busy these days so no time to go town to John 3:16, my usual shop. but yeah just to share an experience! but from what I heard, other Parisilk branches might be better...

I think I will stick to MSC's Florence/Jackson and Cathay to be on the safe side. I don't have a good temper, given your scenario, I might start shouting at the Parisilk guy and things could spiral out of control. Sometimes, reading all these stories, I wonder if we are really so desperate for that few dollars' discount that we have to pay money to be abused.

Of course, this is just my personal opinion, I know there are people out there who doesn't care less, just pay and leave, no need for any smiles or thank yous as long as it is cheap.

 

[wallpaper]

Yeah, me too. Called to ask if they have the Gorillapod SLR-zoom which they said they have. So I went to the shop to buy n collect. What they show me is not the SLR zoom pod but a smaller version. I explained to them that they confirm over the phone they had it. Salesman (Indian) says 'take it or leave it'... I just walked off after that. I agree. Somehow, caucasian gets better service over there (at Holland outlet). Not sure bout other outlet.

I have encountered similar situations with other establishments, what I usually do is I will ask nicely if he is the boss and if not, whether I can speak to the manager or boss. Usually, but not always, the abrasive attitude takes a sudden turn for the better.

I will also email the establishment and relate my unpleasant experience. I am surprised that most companies do not know that their sales assistants are out there feeding their brand names to the dogs.

 

[aruns]

I picked up my 7D from SLR Revolution on New Year's eve since all the "MAJOR" shops were crowded and they seemed to have a good price.
Was served by Jason.Very nice guy,and since there weren't much customers he dedicated all his time to me. I was planning to pay the whole thing by credit card,but unfortunately the txn was rejected for the full amount.so i told jason that i'd pay part cash,part card..he was accommodating about the whole thing even though it took quite a while..will definitely recommend them for your purchases

 

[smarc]

MS Color... no hassle dealing!

 

[chuks138]

Yes M S is the best photo shop with good customer services and price

 

[Haoza]

I absolutely understand what you are saying, on an objective note, I would have to point that finger towards ourselves as I find Singaporean consumers are just too nice ( I , myself is a Singaporean btw).

Eg, I have read several cases in computer Shows forums where people got bad deals, and almost 95% of the response from forumers pointed their fingers at the buyer saying he or she did not do his homework, so cannot blame anybody.

I believe the sales also think the same, way," this people coming in to buy things, surely must know what they are buying".


On a side note, how does one even attempt to explain that we could not test the function of a cell phone before splashing 800 bucks on one, most of our experience of testing cell phones is nothing but a dummy set in the store.

Like my earlier response, the sales here are just plain lazy to do any real sales work, and I also believe they think that they are doing you a favour by turning up at work so that you could buy a camera.

I have been to US and really liked their Return Policy (wait till you see response to this statement). I believe this policy, with the possibility of a product returning to their shop if it does not fit the need of the customers, will raise the service level. It is apparent that the commision system does not solve this problem.

All in all, I have to agree with you, Singapore's service level is approximately 12000 ft below sea level, it will take a revolutionary policy to improve that.

I know this probably still does not answer your question, because attitude is just a complex thing.

Singapore is still a shopping paradize, but infortunately, you have to do all your research before getting onto that plane. Not so you could get the best deal, but also to minimiuse your contact with those rude cash machine operators....remember, they are doing you a favour.:think:

Yup, I think I have mentioned this before, the problem does not solely fall on these so called "sales persons". Us Asians are probably the more picky and bargain hungry type of customers, and perhaps dealing with us all day can get tiring very quickly. But if you take a step back and look at the whole picture, they have chosen for this line of work, its their JOB to deal with a variety of people day in day out. If the sales in places like John3:16 can do it, not to mention half for Asia, why can't the majority of SG camera shops be professional?? Is that too much to ask??

In the end of the day, the person with the money (ie the customers) is always the boss. If they don't deserve your money, don't give it to them. Using a crude example: if your pet dog/cat spoiled your rug or ate your shoes, would you still give the dog a treat and say "good doggie"? Don't let these unprofessional people treat you like dirt and still give them a sale for the sake of saving $10 or $20. What I'm saying is, don't be so cheap, demand some respect for your hard earned cash.

For now, I'm discouraging my visitors from buying cameras here, it's just too embarrassing on all parties. And I will continue to let shop managers know that they have lost my sales due to their unprofessional staff.

 

[izerkudie]

ms color and John 3:16 have my vote, i got my body from john and lens from ms color.
very good services and price? but pricing i think simlim would be better if u are good at bargain..

 

[joeltan111]

MS Color!!! The Customer service is good and the prices are fair.

 

[xinyun]

got my slr at Alan Photo, tested everything and they set it up for me (newbie user).
friendly sales too

as for MS color, they still haven't get back to me on the slr e-quote i sent last week.
but when i headed down to ask for the price, the lady there was really nice and not pushy.

 

[fevernova]

My gripe with most of the Singapore’s camera shops is not so much if they give a good price or not, but rather the embarrassingly rude attitude towards customers (even to obvious tourists).

My original question remains mostly un-answered, and that’s: why are these people working in camera shops SO rude to customers (both local and tourists)? Looking from the outside, many people around the world see SG as a very developed and civil country, and I would say 90% of SG is very impressive to a typical tourist. However, camera shopping would be on most people’s to-do-list when visiting, and to experience such an unnecessary rudeness from a sales! is truly an embarrassment for SG I must say. People (local and esp tourists) go there prepared to drop large amounts of cash, but instead gets a "punch in the stomach" feeling.

As my visiting friend said: if I wanted bad treatment from a stranger at a shop, I'd rather go to China, at least you can see it coming.. I really hope SG does not do down the same road as HK where customer service and manners are none existent

I like the professional service provided by Ray of SLR Revolution, he was patient and friendly. I have never been served while stepping inside Alan Photo, both Funan and SLS branches so I just walked out to spend my money elsewhere. Cathay Photo is alright but everybody in the often look tired and bored. I bought stuff from MSColor and I think they are okay. Could be because the rest of the shops out there provided such mediocre service that as long as you smile a bit and be normally patient, you will be voted the best shop. Quite sad when you think about it.

If it is any consolation, I used to frequent a lot of mountain bike shops in Singapore and their service is even worse.

I will say, every shop has its own fair share of complaints. Just continue to patron the shop which makes you feel comfortable.

Personally, I totally dislike AP because almost every single one of their staff has attitude problem. It is so difficult to find one who is nice and helpful. MSC is fine if Florence and/or Jackson is around. I will not bother to step into the shop if only the fat guy is present. Even though I like to buy my stuffs from TK, I will only do so when Patrick and/or James is in the shop. I don't like to talk to the lanky, middle-aged fellow, not even over the phone. As for CP, either Kelvin when buying camera or Samuel when buying tripod.

From what I've gathered, there are only a handful if not 2 or 3 shops that offer good service all round anytime anyday when you step into it.

The tone from Florence when I did an E-quote with MSC was fine and rather polite.

I had my fair share of experience with TK photo and remembered this young chap in his 30's or 40's who had great service attitude. However, just a couple of days ago when I was almost on the verge of buying the Nikon D700, I met the tall lanky old dude at TK and his service was really bad. I literally stood there for 5 minutes and he just surveyed me without popping a single question.

It wanted to ask him for some opinions as well as questions regarding the D700 and simply stated its the best in its class....:nono::nono: I thanked him and just walked off...

Just called SLR today and the dude over the phone was really nice and cared to tell me that the D700 is currently out of stock and there are rumors of its replacement popping out anytime soon. He also told me that if I wasn't in a rush, it'll be good to wait another 2 to 3 months more and if its out, I can give him a call again. Now that's service and even if it meant driving all the way down to his store from town isn't a hassle when you get such great over the phone service. Btw, their price is also the best...

 

[Guystqy]

All my Canons are bought from MS Color neighborhood outlet. Nice environment to buy camera stuffs, with friendly staff and good service.

 

[Numnumball]

From what I've gathered, there are only a handful if not 2 or 3 shops that offer good service all round anytime anyday when you step into it.

The tone from Florence when I did an E-quote with MSC was fine and rather polite.

I had my fair share of experience with TK photo and remembered this young chap in his 30's or 40's who had great service attitude. However, just a couple of days ago when I was almost on the verge of buying the Nikon D700, I met the tall lanky old dude at TK and his service was really bad. I literally stood there for 5 minutes and he just surveyed me without popping a single question.

It wanted to ask him for some opinions as well as questions regarding the D700 and simply stated its the best in its class....:nono::nono: I thanked him and just walked off...

Just called SLR today and the dude over the phone was really nice and cared to tell me that the D700 is currently out of stock and there are rumors of its replacement popping out anytime soon. He also told me that if I wasn't in a rush, it'll be good to wait another 2 to 3 months more and if its out, I can give him a call again. Now that's service and even if it meant driving all the way down to his store from town isn't a hassle when you get such great over the phone service. Btw, their price is also the best...

Fair share of similar experience, got both my D700 and D90 from TK and SLR respectively.

The young chap who served u the way he served me should be JAMES

The tall lanky old dude that you spoke off sounds like Phillip (but to me he's rather nice) if he's not wearing specs shoudl be Richard

The dude over the phone at SLR should be Jason, nice chap, straightforward and down to earth..

 

[jammerwong]

The dude over the phone at SLR should be Jason, nice chap, straightforward and down to earth..

I went there to SLR to take a look at the Pentax K-x, they were nice even though I wasn't really sure about buying it....

Not as crowded as J3:16

 

[dafansu]

went to slr two days back to enquire about sto-fen diffuser. The guy who served me told me they dont have and even recommend me to go John as john have it. very good service

 

[Photoholic]

Most of these stores have their own websites. I would email them when encounter such rude service and it is up to the owners to take actions, if any. More often then not, the rude behaviour we received are from the employees working there, especially whn bosses are not around. Send them email, include the date,time,descriptions of the person who served you. ;(

Photography is not a cheap investment and if some shops are not interested in our business, there are still some good shops around.

Got My Canon 7D from john 3:16, samuel. Very impressed. :thumbsup:

 

[lamberry]

John 3:16..They offered great services and brought my camera from them.They will advise which lense is good and even explain in details.

staffs are friendly , but they're stuff are always marked up