Electronics - where's a good place to buy?

[nakatago]

Looks like something has changed for ordering electronics from amazon.com. For curiosity sake I checked the prices of Asus rt-n66u discussed in another thread and now I can see it can be directly delivered from Amazon for ~SGD190 (free shipping) compared to the SLS average of ~SGD270. Nice.

Some electronics can be delivered internationally by Amazon. They have the "international shipping available" section for those. If not in there, it's hit-or-miss.

[x9200]

Yes, I know but what I see now is different from what I remember. You have a check out in SGD, you have a free shipment for large number of items (AmazonGlobal Saver) and small items like baby clothes also fall under it if some $$$ to be spent is exceeded.

[nakatago]

Yes, I know but what I see now is different from what I remember. You have a check out in SGD, you have a free shipment for large number of items (AmazonGlobal Saver) and small items like baby clothes also fall under it if some $$$ to be spent is exceeded.

Ah, that is new.

[stiwi]

AFAIK to qualify for free shipping from Amazon you have to spend at least US$125 and the order cannot be heavier than 20lbs.

In Singapore I used to buy from parisilk.com on Holland Village. I usually give them a call to check stock and get a quotation. On average I used to buy from them 10-15% cheaper compared to big chains.

[Hidy Ho]

See below cut and paste from Amazon site. I think Amazon is targeting Singapore ... I believe they have opened up more electronic goods for int'l shipping.

I recently ordered small size electronic good (less than $125) and the shipping and handling was just over $5 USD. It was very fair price but of course, I have to wait over a week to get it.

---------------------------------------------------------

With FREE AmazonGlobal Saver Shipping, you receive free shipping to India and Singapore if your order includes at least $125 of qualifying merchandise, excluding the Import Fees Deposit, gift-wrap charges, duties, and taxes. Most products shipped using the AmazonGlobal Program that are sold by Amazon.com are eligible for AmazonGlobal Saver. Items 20 lb. or more, certain oversize items, e-documents, software downloads, music downloads, Kindle devices and accessories, and gift cards don't qualify.
You can review the full program requirements on our About FREE AmazonGlobal Saver Shipping page.

[zzm9980]

Yes, Amazon is now doing the same deal that Endless.com (a company they bought) used to. Spend over $XX, free international shipping. More items are available for shipping, but still not everything.

[zzm9980]

Looks like something has changed for ordering electronics from amazon.com. For curiosity sake I checked the prices of Asus rt-n66u discussed in another thread and now I can see it can be directly delivered from Amazon for ~SGD190 (free shipping) compared to the SLS average of ~SGD270. Nice.

I noticed this same thing about three days after I bought it at Simlim.

[x9200]

Yeah, on the other hand you never know how something like this going to end up. I assume it does not come with an international guaranty so one hardware problem and the price gets even, two, and it is already cheaper in SLS.

Firmware, and other stuff -wise, do you foresee any problems? I am only aware of slightly different radio bands assignment. Other than this, power adapter?

[zzm9980]

Yeah, on the other hand you never know how something like this going to end up. I assume it does not come with an international guaranty so one hardware problem and the price gets even, two, and it is already cheaper in SLS.

Firmware, and other stuff -wise, do you foresee any problems? I am only aware of slightly different radio bands assignment. Other than this, power adapter?

Amazon's warranty is pretty rock solid. You go to your order history, click "return" next to the item you want tor return, and print the shipping label right there. They usually pay return shipping. I wonder how that works on the international shipping options though. It will probably be they cover shipping if it was fault/there fault, you cover shipping if you're just returning it.

The firmware I suspect is a local one, because it has drop-down presets for Singtel MIO, M1, and what look like some Malaysian ISPs. MIO needs custom VLAN tagging, and this supports it with that pre-set.

The power adapter actually comes with interchangeable hardware plugs for every standard except North America. (think like an Apple laptop power adapter, but not quite as well made).

[x9200]

You mean Amazon ships to SG with SG local presets?
If they cover the shipping costs in cases like DOA that would be a very strong point in favor of buying there *. I have no problem waiting 3 weeks or so.



*) and I would not be surprised if they do. Already few years ago they had some sort of customized delivery network with the couriers wearing the amazon t-shirts. I can imagine some of their containers must go back half empty.

[zzm9980]

No, sorry, I was talking about the firmware on the one I got. I guess I was a little vague.

[x9200]

If they cover the shipping costs in cases like DOA that would be a very strong point in favor of buying there *. I have no problem waiting 3 weeks or so.

I asked them about this and they responded that they would pay for economical air mail.

[zzm9980]

Not bad then.