and, I would make absolutely certain you know what a good price is (check B&H, Adorama, etc. for ballpark pricing) and don't buy unless you're getting a superior deal (otherwise, why buy in HK if you don't live there?!?).
As for haggling, perhaps the local folks could offer some better insight, but in all my travels to HK (not a ton, but 6 visits, perhaps?), I'd say the best method I've found (for me) is a certain level of disinterest. Not a non-chalant, I'm not really looking to buy anything attitude, but one that shows you want to buy BUT that you're willing to walk a block to continue shopping. I've often found that the best deals were offered to the back of my head as I was hitting the door, sometimes for the 2nd or 3rd time. =D The sellers need to make a living, to be sure, but your sale is somewhat unique in that you're not a resident and have many options, including going back home to buy locally. I find a fair bit of hemming and hawing, acting indecisive, etc., seems to elicit a fair bit of movement on pricing. Close to the price I want.. but not quite.. almost, but just missed.. a little better.. hmm.. I dunno.. maybe I should wait.. I think I'll shop around a bit more.. well, what can you do to keep me from shopping another store.. hmm.. jeeze.. that's close. I dunno. Tough call.. etc. Of course there's a limit, but that's where knowing what you intend to pay upfront will help. Hit your strike zone, and make a purchase. go home happy. Miss your target, nothing lost. Go home empty handed, but satisfied you didn't overpay.
This is what I've found works best for me.. for others, who knows. I only know I've always left with good bargains since I've always been well prepared, knowing what a good price will look like, and being willing to walk out the door if I don't get it without regrets.
Nathan road is a good place to 'window shop' (lights, action, sounds, busy, touristy). I wouldn't part with my money there, though. Take the advice from the folks who suggested a few places and hopefully you'll put your best game face on and come out with a bargain or two. If the economy is as tough as it was the last few times I've been there, bargains can be had if you're willing to put in the time and effort to haggle for them (yes, it can be a good bit of work, at times). Can some residents offer some insight into this cultural experience? Many/most westerners are used to paying the price, as advertised, as in most businesses here the price "is what it is" with fewer opportunities to negotiate prices on retail items (cars, houses, etc. are commonly negotiated.. cameras, stereos, clothes, etc. are generally fixed price)
icmp
fredyr I have travelled through Hong Kong over many years and one
has to know prices and exactly what you want as one has to bargain
to get the right price.
Go to the shops reccomended above by those of us who live in HK,
they're straight up.
Take your camera with you of course and
check exactly what you are getting as Hong Kong belongs to China
now and there are a lot of imitations of anything you can think of.
LOL!!!
The registered shops recommended by the Hong Kong government will
charge you more but you know what you are getting.
Go to the shops reccomended above by those of us who live in HK,
they're straight up.
Do you thiink
the Do 70-300 IS is already on the market there as my daughter is
going in March and I thought I would try to get it. Does someone
know anything about that?
Don't think it's out yet, haven't noticed it anyway.
--
http://www.pbase.com/mrdazzler/
)
