Hint: This is going to be a loooong list, so the best way I’d recommend you use it is to use the find button in your browser, or just hit Ctrl-F and type in the particular product you want to buy.

Laptops / Notebooks

With Wireless access and mobile broadband all around, everybody wants a good light laptop to bring around, sit down at Starbucks, MacDonalds, or practically anywhere in Singapore and get connected. Are you looking for a laptop? Here are some Laptop prices!

1. Toshiba Satellite M300-E436 – 99
2. Toshiba Portege M800-A377W – 99
3. Toshiba Satellite M300-P4329R – 99
4. Toshiba Portege M800-E371W/S/P – 99
5. NEC Versa E6500-2010DRC – 99
6. NEC Versa S3500-2017DRC – 99
7. NEC Versa S3500-2018DRC – 99
8. NEC Versa E6510-2401DRC – 99
9. NEC PowerMate P6000 – 99
10. Fujitsu L1010 – 88
11. Fujitsu L1010 (Centrino version) – 88
12. Fujitsu Lifebook S6520 – 88
13. Fujitsu Lifebook S6420 – 88
14. Fujitsu Lifebook P8020 – 88
15. Fujitsu Lifebook U2010 – 88
16. Lenovo G430 – 9
17. ThinkPad T400 – 99
18. ThinkPad X200 – 99
19. Lenovo IdeaPad Y430 – 99
20. Asus F6V – 98
21. Asus F8Vr – 98
22. Asus G50V – 98
23. Asus M50Vm – 98
24. Asus U6V – 98
25. Asus U2E – 98
26. BenQ Joybook Lite U101 – 8
27. HP Pavilion DV4-1139TX – 99
28. HP Pavilion DV4-1141TX – 99
29. Acer Extensa 4630G-582G32Mn – 98
30. Acer 2920-7A2G32Mn – 98

Desktop PCs

If you are a computer power freak, have a smaller budget, or just don’t see the point of having a laptop, then a desktop PC might just suit your needs. Here are a few published prices of computer desktops sold at SITEX!

1. Lenovo Idea Centre H210 – 9
2. HP Pavilion s3680d Slimline PC – 99
3. HP Pavilion s3688d Slimline PC – 99
4. Acer Aspire M5641 – 9
5. Asus Eee Box B202 – 9 (+ monitor
6. Dell Studio Hybrid – 99

Cameras

Many digital cameras are so slim and light nowadays so its always worthwhile to carry one around so that you don’t miss out any special moments in your life! If you are looking for a camera this SITEX, here are some options for you!

1. Samsung NV100HD – 9
2. Samsung L310W – 9
3. Canon EF75-300 III USM Telephoto Zoom Lens –
4. Canon IXUS 85 IS – 9
5. Olympus µ1050SW – 8
6. Fujifilm Finepix F60 – 9
7. Fujifilm Finepix S2000 – 9
8. Fujifilm Finepix Z200 – 9
9. Fujifilm Finepix J12/J15 – 9
10. Fujifilm Finepix Z20 – 9
11. Fujifilm Finepix F100 – 9
12. Fujifilm Finepix J150w – 9
13. Fujifilm A850 – 8
14. Canon IXUS 980 IS – 9
15. Canon IXUS 970 IS – 9
16. Canon IXUS 870 IS – 9
17. Canon IXUS 90 IS – 9
18. Canon IXUS 80 IS – 9
19. Canon Powershot G10 – 9
20. Canon Powershot SX10 IS – 9
21. Canon Powershot SX110 IS – 9
22. Canon Powershot A2000 IS – 9
23. Canon Powershot E1 – 9
24. Canon EOS 40D – Kit II (EF-S 17-85 IS USM) 99, Dual Kit 99, Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) 99, Body 99
25. Canon EOS 50D – Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) 99, Body 99, Kit II (EF-S 17-85 IS USM) 99, Kit III (EF-S 18-200 IS) 99
26. Canon EOS 450D – Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) 99, Body 99, Kit II (EF-S 18-200 IS) 99
27. Canon EOS 1000D – Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) 99
28. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 – 9
29. Sony Cyber-shot T77 – 9
30. Sony Cybershot T500 – 9
31. Sony Cybershot W300 – 9
32. Sony Cybershot W170/W150 – 9/9
33. Sony Cyber-shot W120/W110 – 9/9
34. Sony Cyber-shot S750/S730 – 9/9
35. Sony Cyber-shot H50/H10 – 9/9
36. Sony DSLR-A350 – 99
37. Sony DSLR-A350K – 99
38. Sony DSLR-A350X – 99
39. Sony DSLR-A300K – 99
40. Sony DSLR-A300X – 99
41. Sony DSLR-A200W – 88
42. Sony DSLR-A200K – 8
43. Sony DSLR-A900 – 99
44. Sony DSLR-A700 – 99
45. Sony DSLR-A700K – 99
46. Sony DSLR-A700P – 59
47. Sony DSLR-A700 Carl Zeiss Kit – 99

Camcorders

Are you a YouTube-er? Maybe its time for you to make your own videos? Christmas is coming. The Lunar New Year is coming too. Don’t miss this opportunity to grab your own camcorder at unbelievable prices so you can capture those wonderful memories of the festive season.

1. Canon HG 21 HDD – 99
2. Canon HG 20 HDD – 99
3. Canon HG 10 HDD – 99
4. Canon HB 30 (Mini DV) – 99
5. Canon HF 11/10 – 99/99
6. Canon HG100 – 99
7. Canon FS11 – 99
8. Canon FS10 – 9
9. Canon FS100 – 9
10. Sony Handycam SR12E/11E – 99 / 99
11. Sony Handycam SR10E – 99
12. Sony Handycam CX12E – 99
13. Sony Handycam TG1E – 99
14. Sony Handycam SR45E – 9
15. Sony Handycam DVD610E – 9
16. Sony Handycam SR220E – 99
17. Sony Handycam SR85E/65E – 99 / 9
18. Sony Handycam DVD710E – 9
19. Sony Handycam HC52E – 9

Printers

Printing. Some people like it, some people prefer to go green and save paper. Well, the choice is yours, but if you are looking for a printer this IT fair, here are some prices.

1. Canon Selphy ES3 – 9
2. Canon Selphy ES30 – 9
3. Canon Selphy CP770 – 9
4. Canon Selphy CP760 – 9
5. Sony Picture Station DPP-FP95 – 9
6. Sony Picture Station DPP-FP75 – 9
7. Sony Picture-Station DPP-FP85 – 9

Monitors

Don’t squint you eyes anymore. Get a bigger monitor at SITEX 2008! 24 inch is good!

1. Philips 240PW9EB (24″) – 9
2. BenQ E900 (19″) – 9
3. Samsung 2433BW (24″) – 9
4. Acer P244W (24″) – 9
5. Acer X193HQ (18.5″) – 9
6. Acer P203W (20″) – 9

Software

Computers are never complete without software. Take this chance at SITEX to grab some software!

1. Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 (3 Licences for Home Use) – 9
2. Norton Antivirus 2009 – .50
3. Norton Internet Security – .30
4. Norton Internet Security (3 User Pack) – .30
5. Norton 360 2.0 (3 User Pack) – .30

Ultra Portable PCs / Mini Notebooks / Netbooks (Atom Processor)

UMPCs are the IN thing! I want one! These teeny laptops are the perfect companion for people who don’t need the processing power of a laptop and irk the feeling of lugging a heavy laptop!

1. Fujitsu M1010 – 8
2. NEC Versa N1100-1600DRC – 9
3. Lenovo Ideapad S10 – 9 (Black or White), 9 (Pink)
4. Kohjinsha KJS SH811WS Special – 9
5. Kohjinsha KJS SC3KPOGS – 99
6. Kohjinsha KJS SX3KPO6MS – 99
7. Acer Aspire One – 8
8. Asus Eee PC S101 – 98
9. Asus Eee PC 900 – 8
10. Asus Eee PC 1000H – 8
11. Asus Eee PC 701SD – 8
12. Axioo Pico DJJ (3 Cell) – 9
13. Axioo Pico DJM (3 Cell) – 9
14. Axioo Pico DJM (6 Cell) – 9
15. HP Mini 1000 – 9

MP3 Players, PMPs, Speakers and Other Music Stuff

In my opinion, a computer system is never complete without a great sound system to blast music and YouTube videos and drive your neighbors crazy. MP3 players are also a great way to bring songs around with you while you travel in the sardine packed trains on the way to work! Check out the MP3 players, speaker and other music and sound stuff sold at this SITEX.

1. Altec Lansing Expression Bass FX3022 – 9
2. Revo iBlik Wi-Fi Internet Radio – 9
3. Creative Inspire T3100 – (first 50 sets at )
4. Creative Gigaworks T40 – 9 (first 50 sets at 9)
5. Creative MuVo T200 (4GB) – First 50 sets at
6. Creative Zen Xi-Fi 8GB – 9
7. Samsung Q1 8GB – 9
8. Sansa Shaker 1GB –
9. Shiro VT 2GB – 9
10. Sony Walkman NWZ-S730F – 4GB 9, 8GB 9, 16GB 9
11. Apple iPod Nano – 8GB 8, 16GB 8
12. Motorola S9-HD Wireless Headphone – 9

Computer Mouse and Other Accessories

If you ask me, I cannot do without a mouse. As good as the trackpoint or touchpad may be on my laptop, a computer mouse always makes doing work so much faster! … and urgh, you still use the phone today? Come on! Get on Skype and start video conferencing for free! But first, you need webcams. Here is a list of accessories you can find at SITEX at the Singapore EXPO!

1. Microsoft Arc Mouse –
2. Microsoft Explorer Mouse – 9
3. Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse – .90
4. Microsoft LifeCam Show (Webcam) – 9
5. Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 –
6. Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop – .90
7. Imation Apollo Portable Harddisk (500GB) – 9
8. Creative Live! Cam Voice – First 50 Sets at
9. Sony S-Frame DPF-D70 (Photoframe) – 9
10. Sony S-Frame DPF-D700 (Photoframe) – 9
11. Sony S-Frame DPF-D900 (Photoframe) – 9

Yes, one thing which is very important – prices listed here are as published on the Straits Times and TODAY paper on 26 November 2008. Many of these items also come with a lot of freebies which might be very significant! So please check out the Straits Times or TODAY paper for exact details of the offer!

Of course, this is far from a comprehensive price list as yet – I’ll keep adding to the list once I find time to do so!

Disclaimer: For some of the products listed here, there may be several listings and the prices may vary. While every effort is made to make the information here as accurate as possible, I am human and there will be typographical errors! For the most accurate price listings, check out the papers, or better, pay a visit to SITEX at Singapore Expo today! All trademarks, brands names and copyrights that appear on this blog post belong to their respective owners and/or companies.

Hint: This is going to be a loooong list, so the best way I’d recommend you use it is to use the find button in your browser, or just hit Ctrl-F and type in the particular product you want to buy.

Laptops / Notebooks

With Wireless access and mobile broadband all around, everybody wants a good light laptop to bring around, sit down at Starbucks, MacDonalds, or practically anywhere in Singapore and get connected. Are you looking for a laptop? Here are some Laptop prices!

1. Toshiba Satellite M300-E436 – 99
2. Toshiba Portege M800-A377W – 99
3. Toshiba Satellite M300-P4329R – 99
4. Toshiba Portege M800-E371W/S/P – 99
5. NEC Versa E6500-2010DRC – 99
6. NEC Versa S3500-2017DRC – 99
7. NEC Versa S3500-2018DRC – 99
8. NEC Versa E6510-2401DRC – 99
9. NEC PowerMate P6000 – 99
10. Fujitsu L1010 – 88
11. Fujitsu L1010 (Centrino version) – 88
12. Fujitsu Lifebook S6520 – 88
13. Fujitsu Lifebook S6420 – 88
14. Fujitsu Lifebook P8020 – 88
15. Fujitsu Lifebook U2010 – 88
16. Lenovo G430 – 9
17. ThinkPad T400 – 99
18. ThinkPad X200 – 99
19. Lenovo IdeaPad Y430 – 99
20. Asus F6V – 98
21. Asus F8Vr – 98
22. Asus G50V – 98
23. Asus M50Vm – 98
24. Asus U6V – 98
25. Asus U2E – 98
26. BenQ Joybook Lite U101 – 8
27. HP Pavilion DV4-1139TX – 99
28. HP Pavilion DV4-1141TX – 99
29. Acer Extensa 4630G-582G32Mn – 98
30. Acer 2920-7A2G32Mn – 98

Desktop PCs

If you are a computer power freak, have a smaller budget, or just don’t see the point of having a laptop, then a desktop PC might just suit your needs. Here are a few published prices of computer desktops sold at SITEX!

1. Lenovo Idea Centre H210 – 9
2. HP Pavilion s3680d Slimline PC – 99
3. HP Pavilion s3688d Slimline PC – 99
4. Acer Aspire M5641 – 9
5. Asus Eee Box B202 – 9 (+ monitor
6. Dell Studio Hybrid – 99

Cameras

Many digital cameras are so slim and light nowadays so its always worthwhile to carry one around so that you don’t miss out any special moments in your life! If you are looking for a camera this SITEX, here are some options for you!

1. Samsung NV100HD – 9
2. Samsung L310W – 9
3. Canon EF75-300 III USM Telephoto Zoom Lens –
4. Canon IXUS 85 IS – 9
5. Olympus µ1050SW – 8
6. Fujifilm Finepix F60 – 9
7. Fujifilm Finepix S2000 – 9
8. Fujifilm Finepix Z200 – 9
9. Fujifilm Finepix J12/J15 – 9
10. Fujifilm Finepix Z20 – 9
11. Fujifilm Finepix F100 – 9
12. Fujifilm Finepix J150w – 9
13. Fujifilm A850 – 8
14. Canon IXUS 980 IS – 9
15. Canon IXUS 970 IS – 9
16. Canon IXUS 870 IS – 9
17. Canon IXUS 90 IS – 9
18. Canon IXUS 80 IS – 9
19. Canon Powershot G10 – 9
20. Canon Powershot SX10 IS – 9
21. Canon Powershot SX110 IS – 9
22. Canon Powershot A2000 IS – 9
23. Canon Powershot E1 – 9
24. Canon EOS 40D – Kit II (EF-S 17-85 IS USM) 99, Dual Kit 99, Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) 99, Body 99
25. Canon EOS 50D – Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) 99, Body 99, Kit II (EF-S 17-85 IS USM) 99, Kit III (EF-S 18-200 IS) 99
26. Canon EOS 450D – Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) 99, Body 99, Kit II (EF-S 18-200 IS) 99
27. Canon EOS 1000D – Kit (EF-S 18-55 IS) 99
28. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 – 9
29. Sony Cyber-shot T77 – 9
30. Sony Cybershot T500 – 9
31. Sony Cybershot W300 – 9
32. Sony Cybershot W170/W150 – 9/9
33. Sony Cyber-shot W120/W110 – 9/9
34. Sony Cyber-shot S750/S730 – 9/9
35. Sony Cyber-shot H50/H10 – 9/9
36. Sony DSLR-A350 – 99
37. Sony DSLR-A350K – 99
38. Sony DSLR-A350X – 99
39. Sony DSLR-A300K – 99
40. Sony DSLR-A300X – 99
41. Sony DSLR-A200W – 88
42. Sony DSLR-A200K – 8
43. Sony DSLR-A900 – 99
44. Sony DSLR-A700 – 99
45. Sony DSLR-A700K – 99
46. Sony DSLR-A700P – 59
47. Sony DSLR-A700 Carl Zeiss Kit – 99

Camcorders

Are you a YouTube-er? Maybe its time for you to make your own videos? Christmas is coming. The Lunar New Year is coming too. Don’t miss this opportunity to grab your own camcorder at unbelievable prices so you can capture those wonderful memories of the festive season.

1. Canon HG 21 HDD – 99
2. Canon HG 20 HDD – 99
3. Canon HG 10 HDD – 99
4. Canon HB 30 (Mini DV) – 99
5. Canon HF 11/10 – 99/99
6. Canon HG100 – 99
7. Canon FS11 – 99
8. Canon FS10 – 9
9. Canon FS100 – 9
10. Sony Handycam SR12E/11E – 99 / 99
11. Sony Handycam SR10E – 99
12. Sony Handycam CX12E – 99
13. Sony Handycam TG1E – 99
14. Sony Handycam SR45E – 9
15. Sony Handycam DVD610E – 9
16. Sony Handycam SR220E – 99
17. Sony Handycam SR85E/65E – 99 / 9
18. Sony Handycam DVD710E – 9
19. Sony Handycam HC52E – 9

Printers

Printing. Some people like it, some people prefer to go green and save paper. Well, the choice is yours, but if you are looking for a printer this IT fair, here are some prices.

1. Canon Selphy ES3 – 9
2. Canon Selphy ES30 – 9
3. Canon Selphy CP770 – 9
4. Canon Selphy CP760 – 9
5. Sony Picture Station DPP-FP95 – 9
6. Sony Picture Station DPP-FP75 – 9
7. Sony Picture-Station DPP-FP85 – 9

Monitors

Don’t squint you eyes anymore. Get a bigger monitor at SITEX 2008! 24 inch is good!

1. Philips 240PW9EB (24″) – 9
2. BenQ E900 (19″) – 9
3. Samsung 2433BW (24″) – 9
4. Acer P244W (24″) – 9
5. Acer X193HQ (18.5″) – 9
6. Acer P203W (20″) – 9

Software

Computers are never complete without software. Take this chance at SITEX to grab some software!

1. Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 (3 Licences for Home Use) – 9
2. Norton Antivirus 2009 – .50
3. Norton Internet Security – .30
4. Norton Internet Security (3 User Pack) – .30
5. Norton 360 2.0 (3 User Pack) – .30

Ultra Portable PCs / Mini Notebooks / Netbooks (Atom Processor)

UMPCs are the IN thing! I want one! These teeny laptops are the perfect companion for people who don’t need the processing power of a laptop and irk the feeling of lugging a heavy laptop!

1. Fujitsu M1010 – 8
2. NEC Versa N1100-1600DRC – 9
3. Lenovo Ideapad S10 – 9 (Black or White), 9 (Pink)
4. Kohjinsha KJS SH811WS Special – 9
5. Kohjinsha KJS SC3KPOGS – 99
6. Kohjinsha KJS SX3KPO6MS – 99
7. Acer Aspire One – 8
8. Asus Eee PC S101 – 98
9. Asus Eee PC 900 – 8
10. Asus Eee PC 1000H – 8
11. Asus Eee PC 701SD – 8
12. Axioo Pico DJJ (3 Cell) – 9
13. Axioo Pico DJM (3 Cell) – 9
14. Axioo Pico DJM (6 Cell) – 9
15. HP Mini 1000 – 9

MP3 Players, PMPs, Speakers and Other Music Stuff

In my opinion, a computer system is never complete without a great sound system to blast music and YouTube videos and drive your neighbors crazy. MP3 players are also a great way to bring songs around with you while you travel in the sardine packed trains on the way to work! Check out the MP3 players, speaker and other music and sound stuff sold at this SITEX.

1. Altec Lansing Expression Bass FX3022 – 9
2. Revo iBlik Wi-Fi Internet Radio – 9
3. Creative Inspire T3100 – (first 50 sets at )
4. Creative Gigaworks T40 – 9 (first 50 sets at 9)
5. Creative MuVo T200 (4GB) – First 50 sets at
6. Creative Zen Xi-Fi 8GB – 9
7. Samsung Q1 8GB – 9
8. Sansa Shaker 1GB –
9. Shiro VT 2GB – 9
10. Sony Walkman NWZ-S730F – 4GB 9, 8GB 9, 16GB 9
11. Apple iPod Nano – 8GB 8, 16GB 8
12. Motorola S9-HD Wireless Headphone – 9

Computer Mouse and Other Accessories

If you ask me, I cannot do without a mouse. As good as the trackpoint or touchpad may be on my laptop, a computer mouse always makes doing work so much faster! … and urgh, you still use the phone today? Come on! Get on Skype and start video conferencing for free! But first, you need webcams. Here is a list of accessories you can find at SITEX at the Singapore EXPO!

1. Microsoft Arc Mouse –
2. Microsoft Explorer Mouse – 9
3. Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse – .90
4. Microsoft LifeCam Show (Webcam) – 9
5. Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 –
6. Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop – .90
7. Imation Apollo Portable Harddisk (500GB) – 9
8. Creative Live! Cam Voice – First 50 Sets at
9. Sony S-Frame DPF-D70 (Photoframe) – 9
10. Sony S-Frame DPF-D700 (Photoframe) – 9
11. Sony S-Frame DPF-D900 (Photoframe) – 9

Yes, one thing which is very important – prices listed here are as published on the Straits Times and TODAY paper on 26 November 2008. Many of these items also come with a lot of freebies which might be very significant! So please check out the Straits Times or TODAY paper for exact details of the offer!

Of course, this is far from a comprehensive price list as yet – I’ll keep adding to the list once I find time to do so!

Disclaimer: For some of the products listed here, there may be several listings and the prices may vary. While every effort is made to make the information here as accurate as possible, I am human and there will be typographical errors! For the most accurate price listings, check out the papers, or better, pay a visit to SITEX at Singapore Expo today! All trademarks, brands names and copyrights that appear on this blog post belong to their respective owners and/or companies.

Over here in Singapore, we don’t celebrate thanksgiving very much. In fact, for me, life goes on as per normal if not for what I read from my blog RSS subscriptions.

In the US, thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season, and is celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November. So starting this Thursday, the adult population of America’s 303 million people will be heading on the streets shopping for their holiday gifts.

History has shown that many employees take this Friday off just to head shopping, so much so that the Friday after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday – marking the busiest retail shopping day of the year.

So this weekend will be packed for you if you are a retailer in the US.

But that’s in the US. What affects us here directly in Singapore, or rather, online retailers all around the world, is Cyber Monday! That’s the Monday after the frenzy weekend of shopping!

Cyber Monday is reportedly the kickoff of the online shopping season! You see, after the weekend of brick and mortar shopping, when the people head back to their offices and in front of their computers, they continue to shop… online!

So are you prepared for next Monday?

What about the gloomy economy?

One major concern you might have is “With all the news on the economy going on, will people still shop?”

Yes. The economy may affect the total expenditure, but it does not affect trends as much. People will still shop more during this period.

According to the Yahoo Search Marketing blog post on Cyber Monday:

… the average consumer plans to spend 2.36 this holiday season and 44.2% of those consumers plan to buy items online

That’s a whole lot of money.

In fact, with the economic crisis going on, I feel that online shopping this year will take a larger pie than before.

Shopping in retail malls are most of the time deliberate. With news of the gloomy economy all around, many conscious consumers will note to themselves to “not make the trip to the mall” to stop spending, and stay at home.

… and when they do stay at home, that is where they use their home computers and surf the net!

So have you optimized your site for this festive season? If not, here are a few strategies you might want to quickly roll out!

#1 Get your site to look like you know its the festive season!

Throw out a new theme for your site. Let people know feel the holiday season when they visit your site. I know there is an economic crisis, but you don’t have to keep reminding your customers that!

By the way, if you are wondering… a theme with green, red and gold is good for this season!

#2 Know what is in trend

Do a quick analysis on Google Trends to find out if a particular product will be hot during this period. For example, if you look at this trend, its obvious that PSPs hit a high during this festive period and flowers do not.

So if you are selling flowers, maybe its time you look for joint venture partners to put your flowers as an upsell, or package it together with something that is going to be in demand!

#3 Highlight your offers

Do you have special deals for this season? You should, and you need to highlight these offers. Consumers always respond to discounts and bargains. Even if you originally something for , you can put it at and then get the right to say that you are running a discount!

Write out all you are providing – including free wrapping, free delivery, etc. List them all down on you sales copy. State the benefits of every offer. Are your services helping your customers to save their valuable time? Be direct and tell them that! Let them know you want the best for them.

#4 Use dynamic pricing

One great way to do this for this festive season is to have an “early holiday shopper” promotion. You can let your consumers know that they can save more money by buying now – you can sell a widget for the last week of November, in first 2 weeks of November, and as the Christmas arrives.

After Christmas, hold a “Post Christmas Sale” to clear out your inventory and then work on the “New Year Sale” immediately. Many will be tempted to continue shopping when they see their peers get the wonderful Christmas gift that they wished so much for!

#5 Offer the right package at the right time

Know what is on your customer’s mind. Before Christmas, focus on “getting this for Christmas”, after Christmas focus on “great investment for the upcoming year” and package your offer to fit this message.

For example, if you are in the computer gaming industry, before Christmas offer the customer to “get a Playstation Portable for your Christmas gift“, and after Christmas, offer a 12 month package with new game titles every month so they will “be up to date with all the hottest games for the whole of 2009”

#6 Stock enough

Nothing can be more frustrating than to have some wanting to buy your product only to find that you don’t have it in stock. If your Google trends analysis shows that a surge is coming, be ready for the surge. Stock up!

Get ready your site for the holiday season. It will be well worth it. Many online shops make their year’s profits entirely from the peak seasons!

Over here in Singapore, we don’t celebrate thanksgiving very much. In fact, for me, life goes on as per normal if not for what I read from my blog RSS subscriptions.

In the US, thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season, and is celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November. So starting this Thursday, the adult population of America’s 303 million people will be heading on the streets shopping for their holiday gifts.

History has shown that many employees take this Friday off just to head shopping, so much so that the Friday after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday – marking the busiest retail shopping day of the year.

So this weekend will be packed for you if you are a retailer in the US.

But that’s in the US. What affects us here directly in Singapore, or rather, online retailers all around the world, is Cyber Monday! That’s the Monday after the frenzy weekend of shopping!

Cyber Monday is reportedly the kickoff of the online shopping season! You see, after the weekend of brick and mortar shopping, when the people head back to their offices and in front of their computers, they continue to shop… online!

So are you prepared for next Monday?

What about the gloomy economy?

One major concern you might have is “With all the news on the economy going on, will people still shop?”

Yes. The economy may affect the total expenditure, but it does not affect trends as much. People will still shop more during this period.

According to the Yahoo Search Marketing blog post on Cyber Monday:

… the average consumer plans to spend 2.36 this holiday season and 44.2% of those consumers plan to buy items online

That’s a whole lot of money.

In fact, with the economic crisis going on, I feel that online shopping this year will take a larger pie than before.

Shopping in retail malls are most of the time deliberate. With news of the gloomy economy all around, many conscious consumers will note to themselves to “not make the trip to the mall” to stop spending, and stay at home.

… and when they do stay at home, that is where they use their home computers and surf the net!

So have you optimized your site for this festive season? If not, here are a few strategies you might want to quickly roll out!

#1 Get your site to look like you know its the festive season!

Throw out a new theme for your site. Let people know feel the holiday season when they visit your site. I know there is an economic crisis, but you don’t have to keep reminding your customers that!

By the way, if you are wondering… a theme with green, red and gold is good for this season!

#2 Know what is in trend

Do a quick analysis on Google Trends to find out if a particular product will be hot during this period. For example, if you look at this trend, its obvious that PSPs hit a high during this festive period and flowers do not.

So if you are selling flowers, maybe its time you look for joint venture partners to put your flowers as an upsell, or package it together with something that is going to be in demand!

#3 Highlight your offers

Do you have special deals for this season? You should, and you need to highlight these offers. Consumers always respond to discounts and bargains. Even if you originally something for , you can put it at and then get the right to say that you are running a discount!

Write out all you are providing – including free wrapping, free delivery, etc. List them all down on you sales copy. State the benefits of every offer. Are your services helping your customers to save their valuable time? Be direct and tell them that! Let them know you want the best for them.

#4 Use dynamic pricing

One great way to do this for this festive season is to have an “early holiday shopper” promotion. You can let your consumers know that they can save more money by buying now – you can sell a widget for the last week of November, in first 2 weeks of November, and as the Christmas arrives.

After Christmas, hold a “Post Christmas Sale” to clear out your inventory and then work on the “New Year Sale” immediately. Many will be tempted to continue shopping when they see their peers get the wonderful Christmas gift that they wished so much for!

#5 Offer the right package at the right time

Know what is on your customer’s mind. Before Christmas, focus on “getting this for Christmas”, after Christmas focus on “great investment for the upcoming year” and package your offer to fit this message.

For example, if you are in the computer gaming industry, before Christmas offer the customer to “get a Playstation Portable for your Christmas gift“, and after Christmas, offer a 12 month package with new game titles every month so they will “be up to date with all the hottest games for the whole of 2009”

#6 Stock enough

Nothing can be more frustrating than to have some wanting to buy your product only to find that you don’t have it in stock. If your Google trends analysis shows that a surge is coming, be ready for the surge. Stock up!

Get ready your site for the holiday season. It will be well worth it. Many online shops make their year’s profits entirely from the peak seasons!

In fact, this time, the floor space for the exhibition with exceed 2 big halls in the Singapore Expo, and will a total of 1,500 sqm! The categories of exhibitors include Animation, Camera & Camcorder, Computer & Hardware, Gaming, Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, MP3/MP4/MP5, Automobile Electronics, IT & New Media Education, IT for Kids, and Smart Home.

So what bargains or offers are you looking for this time at SITEX?

I don’t know about you, but this time, I’m particularly interested to look at the Cameras and Camcorders on sale! After learning from my trekking forum that my friend bought a Panasonic DMC-LX3, I’m tempted to buy one too!

Over the years, cameras seem to have a “market price” or “recommended price” – probably controlled by the manufacturer, so the selling price will probably not differ much. However, the goodies that come with the camera can be quite significant. For example, if the retailer bundles the camera with a 8GB SD card, good carry case, LCD screen protector and an extra battery, it might be a good deal for you to get the package for a 0 more, if you are going to buy these accessories anyway.

My old Konica Minolta Z2 is really quite dead after all the treks I’ve brought it with me, and I’m dying to get another prosumer camera. The Panasonic DMC-LX3 is perfect for trekking and travelling, because most of the time we tend to take more landscape shots – and with the wide angle of 24mm, you can really capture a lot more!

Where to Find What’s On Offer

If you want to find out what deals there will be, be sure to check out these three papers:

26th November 2008 – Straits Times Digital Life
27th November 2008 – Straits Times & Today Paper
28th November 2008 – CATS classified and MyPaper

What are you intending to get at SITEX 2008? Let me know thru the comments below – are mobile phones hotter, or game consoles like Playstation 3 and XBox, or MP3 players… or digital cameras?

In fact, this time, the floor space for the exhibition with exceed 2 big halls in the Singapore Expo, and will a total of 1,500 sqm! The categories of exhibitors include Animation, Camera & Camcorder, Computer & Hardware, Gaming, Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, MP3/MP4/MP5, Automobile Electronics, IT & New Media Education, IT for Kids, and Smart Home.

So what bargains or offers are you looking for this time at SITEX?

I don’t know about you, but this time, I’m particularly interested to look at the Cameras and Camcorders on sale! After learning from my trekking forum that my friend bought a Panasonic DMC-LX3, I’m tempted to buy one too!

Over the years, cameras seem to have a “market price” or “recommended price” – probably controlled by the manufacturer, so the selling price will probably not differ much. However, the goodies that come with the camera can be quite significant. For example, if the retailer bundles the camera with a 8GB SD card, good carry case, LCD screen protector and an extra battery, it might be a good deal for you to get the package for a 0 more, if you are going to buy these accessories anyway.

My old Konica Minolta Z2 is really quite dead after all the treks I’ve brought it with me, and I’m dying to get another prosumer camera. The Panasonic DMC-LX3 is perfect for trekking and travelling, because most of the time we tend to take more landscape shots – and with the wide angle of 24mm, you can really capture a lot more!

Where to Find What’s On Offer

If you want to find out what deals there will be, be sure to check out these three papers:

26th November 2008 – Straits Times Digital Life
27th November 2008 – Straits Times & Today Paper
28th November 2008 – CATS classified and MyPaper

What are you intending to get at SITEX 2008? Let me know thru the comments below – are mobile phones hotter, or game consoles like Playstation 3 and XBox, or MP3 players… or digital cameras?

I’ve got mine and I love it.

Here’s what my Gmail inbox looks like now. Pretty.

Have you got yours?

I’ve got mine and I love it.

Here’s what my Gmail inbox looks like now. Pretty.

Have you got yours?

Don’t.

I know you know this, but are you doing it?

Cheaper alternatives cause irreparable damage in the long run. From my own experience, it ALWAYS pays to get a professional to do the job. Do your due dilligence and do your research. Professionals charge a professional price, and they give you professional results.

The Story Goes…

Recently I met a friend attended an Internet marketing course held by one of Singapore’s Internet marketers. The course was great, as he has claimed, but as a newbie then, he was recommended to put his site under a web hosting provider.

Apparently the “web hosting provider” he was recommend to was not even in the business of web hosting! Their main business was in some international calling cards, callback and roaming services. But of course, being a good learner, all he did was follow. He was told that the money he paid would get him “lifetime webhosting”.

And by the way, he didn’t get a good deal. The amount he paid was equivalent to about 2 years of hosting fees with many of the good hosts you see out there. It is quite obvious that there was some joint venturing between the marketer and that hosting company.

“Lifetime webhosting” for a one time fee. Right. They just didn’t mention whose “life” it was.

Anyway, just one year down the road, the hosting company “migrated servers”. My friend had a WordPress blog hosted in his original website with over 20 well written articles. 20 articles is not a lot, but each article was well thought, and it was a lot of effort.

Guess what he got back? He got a “clean-Kubrick-themed-hello-world” blog back.

Overnight.

Good thing for him, he’s got the articles on disk. He now has to reload the articles one by one, creating the exact permalinks.

Now that’s painful.

Imagine what would have happened if he didn’t have those articles on disk?

Case Number 2

As I am writing this, the world’s most popular autoresponder system (the one on my sidebar) is refusing to load my opt in form. Instead of taking 5 seconds to load a page, my blog now loads at a facinating speed of 30 seconds.

Enough time to bore even the most hyperactive child to sleep.

Not only that – I’ve just sent out my monthly newsletter. I’m eager to see my open rates and click through rates. The click thrus in the newsletter ARE tracked. That means the clicks first go to the autoresponder system’s domain, THEN get directed to the page on my site.

Unfortunately I think my subscribers are going to see the same thing as what I see.

This.

Good thing my email out was not a product launch. It was not as fortunate for CopyBlogger, judging from his tweet.

I’m confident of AWeber’s deliverabilty, but after today, maybe not so much confidence in their uptime anymore. I believe this is not the first time this has happened.

Case Number 3

4 hours ago, I was at my prospective client’s office. It was a web design job.

One and a half years ago, they outsourced their web design project to an overseas firm. It was a Joomla project. The website was set up beautifully.

Everything was perfect, except the firm provided a pathetic manual on how to update the site. There was no training given whatsoever, of the editorial process, the user roles etc.

Leaving the non-tech savvy users to the steep learning curve of the Joomla administrator pages, you can imagine how broken the site is now.

They tried to get in touch with the web design firm. No news.

So now they are looking for another provider (me!) to step in to make the changes.

So the moral of the story goes…

If you want to cut your business expenses…

Then pay a good price for professional services. You will find that the work professionals do – the little things that didn’t seem apparant at first… that will save you money in the long run.

Here are some things you need to look out for when you select a provider, whether for outsourcing or as a strategic business partner.

1. Independant third party accreditation and certification.
2. Track record. Reviews, comments from the previous buyers.
3. Price. Is it too good to be true?
4. Documentation. In programming code, and user manuals.
5. Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Do they have any in the first place?

If you are on twitter or any social media platform, do a shoutout – ask for opinions and experiences. Search the forums. Look at what people are saying.

Don’t scrimp on the essentials, if you mean business.

I know you know this, but are you doing it?

Don’t.

I know you know this, but are you doing it?

Cheaper alternatives cause irreparable damage in the long run. From my own experience, it ALWAYS pays to get a professional to do the job. Do your due dilligence and do your research. Professionals charge a professional price, and they give you professional results.

The Story Goes…

Recently I met a friend attended an Internet marketing course held by one of Singapore’s Internet marketers. The course was great, as he has claimed, but as a newbie then, he was recommended to put his site under a web hosting provider.

Apparently the “web hosting provider” he was recommend to was not even in the business of web hosting! Their main business was in some international calling cards, callback and roaming services. But of course, being a good learner, all he did was follow. He was told that the money he paid would get him “lifetime webhosting”.

And by the way, he didn’t get a good deal. The amount he paid was equivalent to about 2 years of hosting fees with many of the good hosts you see out there. It is quite obvious that there was some joint venturing between the marketer and that hosting company.

“Lifetime webhosting” for a one time fee. Right. They just didn’t mention whose “life” it was.

Anyway, just one year down the road, the hosting company “migrated servers”. My friend had a WordPress blog hosted in his original website with over 20 well written articles. 20 articles is not a lot, but each article was well thought, and it was a lot of effort.

Guess what he got back? He got a “clean-Kubrick-themed-hello-world” blog back.

Overnight.

Good thing for him, he’s got the articles on disk. He now has to reload the articles one by one, creating the exact permalinks.

Now that’s painful.

Imagine what would have happened if he didn’t have those articles on disk?

Case Number 2

As I am writing this, the world’s most popular autoresponder system (the one on my sidebar) is refusing to load my opt in form. Instead of taking 5 seconds to load a page, my blog now loads at a facinating speed of 30 seconds.

Enough time to bore even the most hyperactive child to sleep.

Not only that – I’ve just sent out my monthly newsletter. I’m eager to see my open rates and click through rates. The click thrus in the newsletter ARE tracked. That means the clicks first go to the autoresponder system’s domain, THEN get directed to the page on my site.

Unfortunately I think my subscribers are going to see the same thing as what I see.

This.

Good thing my email out was not a product launch. It was not as fortunate for CopyBlogger, judging from his tweet.

I’m confident of AWeber’s deliverabilty, but after today, maybe not so much confidence in their uptime anymore. I believe this is not the first time this has happened.

Case Number 3

4 hours ago, I was at my prospective client’s office. It was a web design job.

One and a half years ago, they outsourced their web design project to an overseas firm. It was a Joomla project. The website was set up beautifully.

Everything was perfect, except the firm provided a pathetic manual on how to update the site. There was no training given whatsoever, of the editorial process, the user roles etc.

Leaving the non-tech savvy users to the steep learning curve of the Joomla administrator pages, you can imagine how broken the site is now.

They tried to get in touch with the web design firm. No news.

So now they are looking for another provider (me!) to step in to make the changes.

So the moral of the story goes…

If you want to cut your business expenses…

Then pay a good price for professional services. You will find that the work professionals do – the little things that didn’t seem apparant at first… that will save you money in the long run.

Here are some things you need to look out for when you select a provider, whether for outsourcing or as a strategic business partner.

1. Independant third party accreditation and certification.
2. Track record. Reviews, comments from the previous buyers.
3. Price. Is it too good to be true?
4. Documentation. In programming code, and user manuals.
5. Service Level Agreements (SLAs). Do they have any in the first place?

If you are on twitter or any social media platform, do a shoutout – ask for opinions and experiences. Search the forums. Look at what people are saying.

Don’t scrimp on the essentials, if you mean business.

I know you know this, but are you doing it?