Which shop offers a better price and good customer service?

[CS TAN]

coz they prey on people and tourists who don't do their homework, and end up shopping at the visible, convenient locations. Like the 1st floor of Sim Lim, or the camera shops at Far East Plaza. It helps that they barely bother to decorate, so everything looks 'cheap'.

Or, in case they are in trouble with the law and has to close down, they don't lose out on the renovation... :bsmilie:

 

[Haoza]

I think end of the day, different shops target different customers.

There are shops like MS, TK and a few others that were consistently being mentioned here, which targets hobbiyist and enthusiast and will be looking for return customers, which they get most of the time.

And of course there are shops in SIm LIm who targets tourist or people or are not well informed and are just satisfied with that one sale.

If you go through this forum, the more "recommended" shops are all but a handful but you still see hundreds of shops out there in Singapore which are still in business. So I can only say their business model works. And you probably cannot blame them, If somebody from UK came to Singapore to buy a camera, I can literaly bring them to any "expensive" shops in Singapore and the deal will still be much sweeter then one they will get back home.

Its the same like when we go to Bangkok, we shop at those touristy places and still find the things cheap, but ask a local and they will say that we kenna chop.

In any country, there will always be places for tourists and places for locals, you just need to know where to go to.....and what to expect.

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

 

[CS TAN]

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

Not sure when is your last time visiting HK? My recent experience with HK camera shops are extremely pleasant. In general,HK's customer service attitude has changed quite a lot since 1999's economy crisis. I would prefer to deal with HK camera shops any time as compare to the Singapore ones.

 

[Haoza]

Not sure when is your last time visiting HK? My recent experience with HK camera shops are extremely pleasant. In general,HK's customer service attitude has changed quite a lot since 1999's economy crisis. I would prefer to deal with HK camera shops any time as compare to the Singapore ones.

I can not comment on the camera shops in HK on my recent (4 months agao) trip, as unfortunately I didn't have enough time to visit them. I was mostly refering the staff working in their restuarnts, even the "high-end" places. But I must say the customers were just as rude, so I guess its understandable.

Also, remember we all are paying GST on our camera gear. So if you think about it, is the "service" provided worth paying 7% for?

 

[Dninety]

Can any1 comment on Edison Electronics located in Sim Lim Square Ground Floor?

Are they reliable? THey quoted price w/o GST when I checked the price with them today.

Thanks

 

[kelvinsin]

Alan photo funan branch suck! Just now i paid a visit there after went to John,to enquire D5000 kit price. i stand in front the counter around 5mins but no one want to come in front and ask me. In fact there is 2 men standing beside me and do nothing. Then I asked the old man what is the price. He replied $1130.I said in your website it stated 1120. He went to checked and came back said,ya,1120. Then I asked him what freebies included in the package.he said:"standard lor".what means standard? still the same word. "mah standard lor".Then I asked him whether will provide extra batt, he replied:"standard lor,got batt,cleaning kit,8GB mem". I thought i missed out something,repeat the question again."Do your will provide extra batt for this package"?"Got,got battery".
I wonder whether is his prob or my prob to make the poor communication. What make me angry is I felt he never respect me as his potential customer as he never look at me for the entire time I in the shop!He just looked at my left side,look at my right side. I'm felt be shamed by this fellow!
Sorry may be your thinking i too sensitive but I still insist Im asking politely.

Different scene when in John shop. The young man served every customer very very politely,even make me embarrassing. He really willing to spent time and share with you the package,the exp and bla bla. This is what we call Service. Im very impressive for their service. Thumbs up!

ALAN PHOTO, GOTO HXLL!:thumbsd::angry:

 

[jun1502]

ms amk also ... i went there to buy a sb900x and i was told by bro&sis in CS tt sb900 can be mount on pentax . so i ask them this qns again . this is wad i get .

Me : hello can i check with u erm sb 900 can use on pentax ?
old man : cannot la !!
Me : oh no la i just checking cause some mi fren say can use .
oldman : THEN U TRY LOH . BUT I WONT GIVE U WARRENTY 1 LOH .

and he turn away to serve others .

:thumbsd:

 

[CS TAN]

Other than the usual shops most of us go to, there are also some new shops popping up in Singapore recently (e.g. the one that is in Funan 5th floor). I also noticed there were a few threads mentioning a SG online store but the mods have closed them down as it was seen as self-advertising. Not trying to side with those people who has a hidden agenda to get free advertisement but I would welcome comments and experience on those new stores (online or otherwise) since it gives all of us a better idea on their price and service level and might provides additional options for us to shop.

Not sure how to do the balance act of sharing experience without being accuse of advertising for these shops.

 

[bodaiman]

Just a point to share
services in indonesia, hongkong and malaysia are getting better and will gets better in the coming future
my home land - either maintained (flat over the years) or going downhill
amen...........................................................

 

[raymansg]

Just a point to share
services in indonesia, hongkong and malaysia are getting better and will gets better in the coming future
my home land - either maintained (flat over the years) or going downhill
amen...........................................................

Agreed. When I got my stuff in HKG (lenses, CF tripod, batteries, etc ..) All the items were perfect (no issues) and the service was professional. Not too personal at some places but still, professional. No fancy talk to confuse the original point of my visit to the shop to buy stuff.

Some of the shops I visit at Cathay ... weird. Diff staff can give me diff prices ... some more they own a few shops. In the end, I now get my stuff from HKG and besides, Canon HKG gives points to redeem stuff ...

 

[icarus]

I have bought stuffs from all the camera shops mentioned in this thread. Felt most comfortable with TK Photo. :thumbsup:

 

[Nikonnew]

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 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:

 

[Nikonnew]

I have bought stuffs from all the camera shops mentioned in this thread. Felt most comfortable with TK Photo. :thumbsup:

I second this, I am just a bit puzzled that when people discuss about good shops here, TK don;t usually get their fair share of mentioning.:thumbsup:

 

[CS TAN]

I second this, I am just a bit puzzled that when people discuss about good shops here, TK don;t usually get their fair share of mentioning.:thumbsup:

TK Foto is indeed a good store. Have bought Gitzo products from them and they gave me a very good price. Perhaps the reason why it was not mentioned as much is because:
[1] they don't hire people to advertise for them in the forum? ;p
[2] they are a bit hard to get to as compare to the ones in Funan area?

 

[wallpaper]

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.

 

[CS TAN]

Yes, I know what you mean. We have lowered our expectation so much that when we walked into any shop and if the sales provides just decent customer service, we will already feel that they are providing great service. But that is sad.

 

[wallpaper]

Yes, I know what you mean. We have lowered our expectation so much that when we walked into any shop and if the sales provides just decent customer service, we will already feel that they are providing great service. But that is sad.

Everywhere in Japan, you walk into any shop, you are greeted with a bow, the sales assistant try their best to answer your queries, when you leave the shop, they bow and thank you for visiting their shops. Even if, like my friend mentioned, they are only bowing and smiling outside and inside they are cursing you. I prefer this smiling pretense than outright rudeness and disdain.

I am not asking for the same standard here in Singapore, just saying that it can be done. It's not like nobody else in the world is providing good service. The best thing to happen will be a amazon-like online store comes to Singapore and everybody just buy their equipment online. That will be a wake-up call.

 

[Randius]

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.

 

[wallpaper]

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.

Thanks for sharing your list of shops with their individual salesperson/s to purchase from. From reading the past 20 pages, a pattern has emerged that

1) there is a fat guy at MSC that irritates the hell out of everybody with his attitude.

2) Florence from MSC is the sales proprietor who gets the most thumbs up from everybody.

3) Samuel from J3:16 can remember your blood type and the color of your school tie from the 1990s.

4) AP and TCW garnered the worst feedback and should be avoided at all cost.

5) Buy from TK only when James is around.

I am personally glad I have not encountered super bad services a I have always gotten my cameras and equipment from Cathay and MSC for as long as I could remember.

My one trip to TK will not be repeated when I bought $2000+ worth of stuff and the Sales Guy gave me a $1 discount when I asked for a better consolidated price. One dollar.

 

[GReddyZC76]

anyway. just my humble comments
1. Alan - sim lim: bought a uv filter, the sales seem polite to me, though im 1st time customer.
2. Lords : Just bought a len over the past weekend, the sales also seem polite to me, 1st time customer also. (cheapest quote which i can find as compared to CP, MS & John)