1. Do your research: Before you bargain for an item, make sure you know its market price. You are less likely to be ripped off if you know what the recommended retail price is.
2. Goods and Services Tax (GST) scams: Not all shops have to charge GST, only those with revenues of more than $1 million a year.
If you are not sure, ask to check the GST registration number. Also, ask if the quoted price includes GST or not. Some retailers sock it to you only at payment.
3. Check the warranty: Insist on the manufacturer's warranty and the official receipt. You will need this if you want repairs done during the warranty period.
4. Check your items: Shop owners may sometimes remove items that originally come as a bundle, so they can offer it at a lower price. When you commit to a deal, be sure to check the items that you have paid for.
5. Insist on testing the product: Because of some shops' no-refund policy, you should insist on testing the product before taking it home. Ask about the exchange policy as well.
6. Check the price: Ask for a detailed breakdown of what you are paying for.
7. Ask for freebies: If haggling fails, ask for free gifts instead. For example, when buying a hard disk or laptop, you could ask for a free cover in lieu of a discount.
8. Shop around: Browse and collect brochures before settling on a shop. Do your own comparisons to find the best bargains. Don't be shy! With so many shops offering the same products, you can take your time to make a choice.
9. Don't be intimidated by jargon: If you can't tell your SD from SSD, get help. Those who don't know what they are buying are more likely to feel cheated after making the purchase.
10. Shop at STARetailers: This programme by Sim Lim Square Traders' Association ensures that shops keep to a certain standard of quality and service. STARetailers are indicated on posters and signs in the mall.
11. Go on week days: The mall is less crowded so you have more time and space to explore your options.
12. Know your way around: The first and second floors offer mostly consumer electronics such as digital cameras and plasma television sets. The third to sixth stories are dedicated to IT products such as software, computers and games.
13. Beware of imitations: Some products are imitations although most salespeople will tell you if a product is genuine or not.
14. Second-hand items: If something is too cheap to be true, it probably isn't true. Ask the sales staff if it is a secondhand or display item, which is often marked down.
15. Be a serious shopper: Shopkeepers say some customers bargain for the fun of it. Be sincere when you negotiate prices. Sales staff will be more inclined to quote you a better price if they know you are a serious buyer.
Compiled by Amanda Tan based on advice from Sim Lim Square regulars, shop owners and online forums.
source : http://digital.asiaone.com/Digital/Features/Story/A1Story20090409-134362.html
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