Tech Talk’s COMEX 2011 Survival Guide
The madness that is COMEX 2011 begins! For those who don't know the drill: 1) there will be thousands who will be flocking to Suntec City; 2) you will be jostling with everyone else for space; 3) you'll be wondering what direction to head in the vast convention area. Here's the Official Tech Talk Survival Guide for you bargain hunters, especially handy for those who are new to these mega IT shows. Read on!
Avoid driving
Thinking of cruising over to Suntec City in your car? Forget about it: traffic in the city is already heavy as it is, and it'll only get worse with COMEX-goers. With the opening of the Circle Line, getting to Suntec via public transport is easier than ever. In addition, some companies offer shuttle services to and from the venue. Dell, for instance, is providing official branded buses from Sengkang, Clementi, Tampines, and Woodlands.
Think about what you want to buy beforehand
The show floors are going to be very crowded, which makes window shopping virtually impossible. Think about what gadgets you want to look at most before you enter the convention hall, identify where these products can be found, and visit these first. You can then browse leisurely after buying what you want. Alternatively, try going without showering for a day before hitting the show venue, and see if people scramble away from you!
Beware of pickpockets
Speaking of crowds, be sure to keep a close eye on your personal belongings. Get too carried away shopping and you could end up "spending" more than you intended to! Avoid carrying backpacks which can be picked stealthily, make sure your handbags are zipped up, and don't leave your personal gadgets lying around when trying out demo units.
Keep an eye on Facebook and Twitter
This is the age of the Internet, and companies like ASUS are spreading information and fliers detailing their promotions on their Facebook walls. These can be incredibly helpful, letting you browse various promotions in the comfort of your own home before heading down to the venue. Tweets with the hashtag #COMEX2011 are also flowing in from both brands and bazaar attendees, and they can be useful for uncovering hidden gems. Be sure to contribute your share of good deals!
Haggle!
There's nothing wrong with asking for a lower price! This is a bazaar after all, and who knows, you just might get a special deal from a particularly friendly salesperson. We know that there isn't much of a haggling culture going on in Singapore, but if you don't try, you'll never know. Too shy to ask for a lower price? Request for freebies instead! These usually come in the boatloads, and companies aren't afraid to give them away.
"Double confirm" you've got all your freebies before going home
You've already made your trip down and squeezed breathlessly with people, so what's the rush to get home? Make sure that you've got all your freebies, and your purchases are all with you. Don't forget to check if you entered in all the lucky draws or giveaways you qualify for. Lastly, take a look at the floor plan and sift through all the fliers one more time. See something that you missed? Come back again tomorrow!
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