Amazon.com equivalent for Thailand?

[dummy_plug]

I have an interest in ordering some electronics from a Thai-based online e-commerce website, sort of like an Amazon.com for Thailand. The rationale is that I am ordering it for a special someone and would like it to be delivered from Thailand from a Thai company so that in the event that there is a problem (i.e. lost shipment, warranty, etc...) this girl will be able to solve all the problems herself. And no, its not an air con - I get those straight from the factory.

I've done a search on some websites, but they all look the same to me, so I wanted to see if I could get some forum input. Please recommend companies that only you or close friends have used before with success. Thanks!

[dummy_plug]

The items in question I am considering purchasing are an MP3 player (Creative brand) and a digitial camera.

[stogie bear]

http://www.bangkok-computers.com/

They may deliver if you ask them.

There was an online store but I can't find it at the moment.

[BAM]

(stogie bear @ Sep. 07 2006,10:42) http://www.bangkok-computers.com/

 They may deliver if you ask them.

There was an online store but I can't find it at the moment.

Wow everything on Bangkok Computers site is WAY over priced... why is it so expensive? Man this hard drive they are selling...


Western Digital WD2500JB
250 MB Hard Drive
7200 RPM, 8 MB Cache
10,430 Baht

That hard drive cost 3 times what it costs here!

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applica....-2500JB
Price: $105.99 Canadian dollars.

Bangkok Camputers price of 10,400.00 THB
Thailand Baht = 307.631 CAD
Canada Dollars

[dummy_plug]

I noticed that too. And it seems like the stuff they have is 6-8 months old, at least. Well, for the MP3 players they are trying to hawk at least. Thanks for the heads up SB, but maybe if anyone else has options it would be helpful.

[bigmick22]

doesn't Thailand have quite high import duty for electronic items?

[stogie bear]

It's all Mafia priced in Thailand. If you go to Pantip Plaza you may as well get what you want at the first shop you go into because despite the amount of shops the prices are all the same.

Hard drives are a good example of this.

[rxpharm]

(dummy_plug @ Sep. 07 2006,09:50) I have an interest in ordering some electronics from a Thai-based online e-commerce website, sort of like an Amazon.com for Thailand. The rationale is that I am ordering it for a special someone and would like it to be delivered from Thailand from a Thai company so that in the event that there is a problem (i.e. lost shipment, warranty, etc...) this girl will be able to solve all the problems herself. And no, its not an air con - I get those straight from the factory.

I've done a search on some websites, but they all look the same to me, so I wanted to see if I could get some forum input. Please recommend companies that only you or close friends have used before with success. Thanks!

Hi DP,

There is another option. Check with the companies if they offer warranty coverage in Thailand - some of them will. Then you can send by insured registered US parcel post. If there is any problem with receipt, it can be traced. Any warranty problems should be covered by the Thai agents, but make sure you get it in writing and include it in the package before shipping.

Internet shopping is not that big in Thailand yet, plus the prices for electronics can often be higher than in North America.

[dummy_plug]

Thanks all for the advice. I guess my best bet is to purchase the goods in the USA and ship it over. If it breaks, I guess she can just ship it back to me and I can finagle with the manufacturer hehe.

[Snick]

There is a lot of variety in pricing here, and room for haggling.

One thing I noticed is that for a new items the price is similar between USA and Thailand, but over time the USA price goes down while the Thai price stays the same.

Also stores in USA have BIG sales and Rebate offers, which don't happen in Thailand.

As for warrenty coverage it all depends on the item, in many cases a USA warrenty is worldwide while items purchased in Thailand are only warrentied here (thats especially true with cameras).

In short, its a big mess and you have to do some research

and e-commerce is not very popular here, wouldn't suprise me if the website is only updated once a month.

stogie bear - its not so much a Mafia system, as that there are 2 or 3 companies that own all the shops in Panthip and Fortune. You're just shopping at a different branch of the same store.

bigmick22 - not so much anymore , years ago the tariff was huge, but not anymore (someone noticed that using tariffs to prevent Thais from buying computers was not a good idea)

[Snick]

(dummy_plug @ Sep. 08 2006,11:20) Thanks all for the advice. I guess my best bet is to purchase the goods in the USA and ship it over. If it breaks, I guess she can just ship it back to me and I can finagle with the manufacturer hehe.

Shipping is problematic, you may get slapped with a duty. And having something disapear in transit is not unheard of.

Best bet is have someone bring it over for you.

Whenever I go to USA my Thai friends make me bring back tons of crap for them. because they don't trust having it shipped over.

( PS. good gift ideas are cosmetics and vitamins, which are either not available here or very expensive )

[rxpharm]

The problems Snick mentioned about shipping by regular post is true. I have sent some non-expensive items over by post before and they never made it. Registered insured is the best bet for sending something.

However the best advice DP is take it over yourself and give it to her at Christmas or whenever your next trip is (I know it will be soon!). There is nothing like seeing the look of happiness on her face when she gets the present.

Snicks recommendations about cosmetics and vitamins are good. Especially skin care products like Lancombe/La Prarire, etc. Evening Primrose Oil is usually a popular item as well.

There you go DP more gift ideas!

[Tomcat]

Shipping goods from abroad is cheap only if you send it snail post( sea) and it takes 2-4 weeks and thats if it ever arrives. By air the 2 day service cost a small fortune.

Theres a big electronics dealer in Silom Rd which is very popular with Thais, the other side of the road to Patpong sort of near the Silom centre. It used to be just Philips but i think its all brands now

[Snick]

P.S. bring some old spice over for her father. Its not available here and considered 'fancy'

[bigmick22]

we're all missing the main point here - which is "who is DP buying for and why?"

Come on DP - spill the beans (I have yet to read the latest in your trip report but I bet this isn't yet covered).

You're just tantalising us with tidbits, you bad, bad man you!!!!