A Story about my USB Card Reader

In this 21st century, with the advent of computers and all the geeky electronics that seems to be a boon to mankind lies a basic problem; storage. Not talking about storage capacity but the plethora of storage types such as Micro SD(T Flash), mini SD, SIM Card, MS Pro Duo, MMC Card 4.0, MMC, RS-MMC (4.0), “Micro Mini’s. Hee.. Due to different available devices, the need to handle these various cards is inevitable. Another problem is the USB card reader itself. If you were to buy individual card readers for each of them, you’ll go ‘pokai’ man. Sheesh..

Nevertheless, I was walking down Holland Village one day in search of a multi USB card reader that I’ve read from some geeky website. Being a greedy person, I was looking for a super multi card reader that can read all the micro, mini, MMC, MM LEE, Tarot cards. Then I came across an electronic store that happen to sell one of these super card readers!! Woah!! Was I glad. My prayers were answered.

However, when I tried to look at the price tag to compare the cost across the other available card readers, I saw none. ‘Hmmm.. Why don’t I go in and ask.’ I thought aloud. When I went it, I overheard a salesperson talking to another customer who wanted to purchase an MP3 player.

‘Price cheap cheap. Sorry, forgot to put price tag yet..’ Explained the salesperson when asked about the price of the MP3. I was thinking, ‘Could he have forgotten to tag ALL the items in the store??!!’ There were no price tags for the rest of the items in the store as well.

Well, I just went ahead and asked the same salesperson the cost. He said ’27 dollars.’ Being cheapo, I wanted to get a cheaper one.

Wan: ‘Any cheaper Card Readers?’

Salesperson: ‘This is the cheapest.’

Sure or not.. I went out of the shop to give it some thought. My gerl gerl told me to just get it since I need it. I really have a feeling that this is really a good set up for ripping off tourists man. Damn it..

What to do.. I really need it. So I went in. Suddenly I got an idea to ask another salesman the price of the item. The item should be standard price right since the person forgot to put the price tag??!! Hee.. I got a cheaper quote of $22/- from another guy. What the heck!!! I thought of confronting the 2 salesperson about this but they might give me the ‘I forgot to put the tag’ crap. Shucks.. I really have a feeling that the price of the item is much lesser but being disgusted, I paid up and just left since I need it.

Lesson learnt: Better check out the price of the items from hardware forums and do a basic comparison for similar product from different shops before purchasing. I believe these guys will not only try to rip of tourist, they will try to rip you off too. So beware!!