Hi, I was browsing around this thread, and have been more or less a "stalker" of this forums for quite some time (lol). I'm interested in the lobang you have. I have 1 yr's work experience in operations and customer service (not exclusively). Diploma graduate from a Singaporean poly. Is it ok for me to know more about your lobang? Could we perhaps correspond by e-mail or this forum's PM function? I'd just like to know more about the role. Previous industry was in childcare (quit mainly because I did not want to further my career in the childcare industry). Also, I commute daily (or at least, when I was working and schooling, I commuted daily). Staying in Pasir Gudang (very far, I know!!) I intend to further my studies this year via part-time degree, and am really lost about living arrangements. My last job was a 1 month temp at Alexandra Rd, so I commuted via KTM (*shivers at the memory*) because Tanjong Pagar was nearest to my ex-workplace. Woke up at 4 am in the morning EVERYDAY, and reached home the EARLIEST at 9.30 everyday. And THAT is during the lucky days the KTM services decided to run a little earlier.

So anyway, I'm currently fervently looking for a job ASAP (I don't mind temp as long as it's full time) as well as advice by the rest of you guys on how you manage your living and travel arrangements. What I DO know is that it's crazy to wake up at 4am and reach home at 10 everyday (my temp job was for 1 month, so for that 1 month, I functioned on espresso and coffee. LOTS of it.)

Thanks in advance

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Added on January 10, 2011, 5:36 pmAnd it has such a reputation for good reasons too- it's a veritable Pirate's haven. No noob ever goes in to Sim Lim and makes it out alive. In other words, you'd have to be extremely knowledgeable about the prices and what you're looking for, or else people there will most certainly fleece you of your money. It has happened countless times to many victims- do a search on Sim Lim's notoriety online and you'll get what I mean.

NEVER go there if you don't know nuts about what you want to buy. On the other hand, if you're very well versed with what you want and know how to bargain... then Sim Lim would be a very good place for bargains, especially computer parts, assuming you manage to make your way to the legitimate shops that don't pester you with sales and who actually stock quality products. And make sure you ALWAYS ASK FOR YOUR WARRANTY. Oh, yes, you should also know how to liaise with people from the... err... somewhat lower echelons of society. It's infested with Bengs there, so, if you're easily intimidated... then good luck to you.

PS: This is for Sim Lim Square (SLS), the big building near Queen St.

I don't know about Funan, but it's more organized and I think the sales people are a lot more mild there. Only been to Funan once, lol...


PS: If you don't already know, electronics in SG are (generally) slightly cheaper than in Msia, though for some reason, DSLRs and lenses are cheaper in Msia. So not much reason to go out of your way to either country if you're not already in one of them.

This post has been edited by melancholy: Jan 10 2011, 05:38 PM

As you probably already know, haggling can be expected in smaller shops, but if you try haggling in bigger retail outlets (e.g. Harvey Norman, Courts, Best Denki, etc), the salesperson will look at you funny... hahaha. I personally haven't patronized either, but news from the grapevine is that Fuwell's prices can be cheaper than the stated prices for their competitor shops in SLS. Fuwell has their pricelist online, if I'm not wrong. They probably won't entertain haggling, but you can do your own price comparisons with other SLS shops in the comfort of your own chair. You may perhaps already know that the pricelists of a lot of SLS shops can be found in HWZ and (I THINK) vr-zone.

In Singapore you can't expect haggling with big retail chains, but smaller shops, definitely, because most of the un-established brand name shops do not have a fixed price (unless they clearly state so- and I know sometimes SLS people say their prices are fixed, lol, but I think still can haggle lah... hehe). This can be for practically anything electronic, IT, books, whatever...

I don't know about bizgram, though. Sorry

Do correct me if I'm wrong anywhere, if anyone is more knowledgeable! My info may be kinda rusty because I haven't been in the scene for a few years liao... heh

Anyway, the basic thing which I think a lot of people already know (just stating this for those who don't) is that it's always better to wait till COMEX or SITEX to get bargains on the stuff you need. But beware too, though. Some unscrupulous retailers take advantage of this fact by increasing their prices or give an illusion that their prices have been slashed come COMEX/SITEX when what they're selling is the same price at other places, so that those who are unfamiliar with prices get caught in the hype. Best to do your homework a few months prior to such events so you can compare the prices and find reputable sellers.

This post has been edited by melancholy: Jan 10 2011, 07:21 PM

hallo again! i just got offered a new job, and i guess im taking it... im wondering if anyone knows any lobang for carpool from jb/woodlands/kranji to yio chu kang? :/

mm, it's a family-run, modestly-sized business dealing in the import and export of aquatic livestock...

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Added on January 14, 2011, 8:12 pmhmm, i go by bus, same as my dad... i hate taking pt because i can reach the office probably in 15-20 mins by car, but mrt and bus takes more than an hour!! who the hell says singaporean public transport is efficient?!

This post has been edited by melancholy: Jan 14 2011, 08:12 PM

haha i haven't started there yet! but sure, once i get acquainted and all, if you're interested in fishes, corals, amphibians, etc, i can try to ask around for you.... but i think they deal with bulk purchases, though. lol.