Gadget prices in SA: online versus traditional retailers

Incredible Corruption showing their true colours again.

Their markups and margins never cease to amaze me.

Recently got a MS Bluetooth mouse for around R350 from Kalahari - IC wanted R800 for the exact same thing.

Double or nothing seems to be their model.

Sure you wait 48 hours for delivery, but end up saving a ton.
 
I suspect that Takealot and Kalahari pricing will become less great once the merger is complete..
 
As always, YMMV.

That said, when it comes IC:

  • Their specials are normally well priced, i.e. better than the online shops.
  • When I have had hassles with purchases from IC the support that I have received via their management is better than all online shops, Amazon excluded.
One must appreciate that IC's shops are in malls - and if you know anything about the rentals charged by (for example) Sandton City their prices suddenly aren't all that bad.
 
I don't understand what they mean when they say "lack of scale". Can someone school me?
 
Would say Dion Wired have trumped IC with their specials.

Hopefully more people are made aware of the differences in online vs retails shops. Recently purchased a pair of tri shorts for R850 while Sportman's had them for R1200. Didn't mind waiting for the 24 hour delivery.. yes 24 hours :D
 
I have found it much easier to shop at IC as they have helpful assistants and the stuff is well laid out.

I don't actually buy there unless the item is on special or unobtainable elsewhere
 
entrepr said:
I have found it much easier to shop at IC as they have helpful assistants and the stuff is well laid out.

I don't actually buy there unless the item is on special or unobtainable elsewhere
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Seriously? Their assistants are useless and know absolutely nothing
 
It's as if the brick and mortar retailers actively try to chase away anyone that knows anything about what tech items should cost :twisted:
 
kang said:
I don't understand what they mean when they say "lack of scale". Can someone school me?
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Bulk discounts, basically. Massmart/Walmart (Game, Makro, Dion) buy/sell FAR more stuff than the online shops so get better prices.

Handy tip: Game will usually beat Kalahari/Takealot prices if it's not a sale. Done that more than once when I needed something like a HDD in a hurry and didn't want to wait for overnight delivery.
 
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The thing about most physical shops and places like Incredible Connection is their obnoxiously, over eager sales people just harassing about everyone coming through their door. :mad:
 
Ryansr said:
The thing about most physical shops and places like Incredible Connection is their obnoxiously, over eager sales people just harassing about everyone coming through their door. :mad:
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You're in luck - here's your second tip of the day. If you go to Hirsch's, make sure you know what you want, then grab it and make a beeline for the cashiers. Make it known that no sales person helped you with it (even though there will probably be 3 behind you, waving their arms to the cashier, trying to claim your sale) and if they're well trained cashiers, should give you 13% discount, which is the salespeople's commission.
 
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