Size does matter

I called the guys at Multiple Electronics yesterday and they've informed me that the digicam I've been waiting for will soon arrive! Here's a pic of what the little guy looks like:


Pentax Optio S4i

When I say this guy is little, I mean it is LITTLE, measuring 83 (W) x 52 (H) x 20.5 (D) mm. Ah the Japanese...what can't they make smaller? In the coming days I will prepare myself for the inevitable Battle Royale I will have to go through to bargain for this camera.

Shopping at a Chinese electronics store

Multiple Electronics is not Future Shop. The first thing you'll notice when you walk into their store on Victoria Drive is that the store and all its wares are behind a security system that rivals that of Fort Knox. Browsing is not encouraged; in fact, you must first ring the doorbell and pass some cursory visual inspection before you will be let into the store. So if you're in the habit of wearing a skimask while browsing expensive electronics, you should probably shop elsewhere.

Once your face has been deemed sufficiently non-hostile and your intentions honorable, you will be allowed to enter the store where you will be treated to the friendly yet suspicious glares of the sales staff. It is at this point that you will realize that all the prices in this store have a thick red line running across them. This is to indicate that bargaining is encouraged (and, in fact, mandatory) when shopping at the store.

Whatever you do, do NOT let on that you have no idea what you want to purchase. If you want to ask a salesperson why model A is better than model B...go to Future Shop. Any sign of uncertainty will be perceived as a weakness by the salestaff and this will hurt you in the 'Negotiation Stage'. Do your homework online, walk into the store and head straight for that item. Once you've found it, give the salesperson a quick nod of the head, making sure you don't speak a word.

Like all salespeople, he/she will give you a brief introduction of the product and compliment you on your brilliant selection. This is just a cheap ploy to cloud your mind; simply wave them off with a gesture that suggests both boredom and contempt for their pathetic efforts. This will show them that you mean business.

Say this and only this: "This is too expensive. Make it cheaper." To which he/she will reply "but this is the retail price". Here is where you scoff at their insolence and pretend to walk out the door. Again, a quick wave of the hand to indicate contempt will work nicely. The short stocky manager will then walk over and offer you the real price (generally 10% off retail). If you are a strong man, here is where you start bargaining for acccessories to be thrown in. Generally, you should expect at least a carrying case.

This then concludes the Chinese electronics shopping experience.

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