Buying Products In Thailand

[monochaser]

I have been living here for 4 years and at least 75% of the time that I buy something (clothes, electronics, appliances etc) it is junk. Usually the most expensive stuff is the worst. Let's take clothes 1st: in the past I have bought items only to find that it is defective or something breaks in a short time.

electronics: digital camera 12300 baht. get it home and find out it's junk made who knows where. pics grainier that imaginable. what you going to do? take it back for your cash? LOL. you pay out cash in Thailand for anything and that cash is gone. everyone has no refund policy.

Mobile Phone: 12K baht=piece of junk. battery goes dead after half day. buy a new battery same same, buy a 3rd, same. 12 more K in toilet

dvd player: 5K baht, this is best of lot, it works still after a year of minimal use but it has always made a loud humming noise like it will explode at any time

toaster: fried after 3 weeks

computer: nothing but probs but works

mobile phone #2: totally defective, had to take back for exchange in 3 weeks. got raped for 2K in the exchange and then some

These items are bought at tesco, carre four, mbk, big c, robinson to name a few. I see a pattern here. for some odd reason, stuff sold here is garbage and I need to buy whatever I can in other countries. Now I am not saying that all of this stuff is made here. In fact, I have a suitcase bought in USA that is rock solid top quality made in thailand. I guess they ship out the good stuff and sell the trash here. beware when you reach into that wallet

[game4shame]

what you going to do? take it back for your cash? LOL. you pay out cash in Thailand for anything and that cash is gone. everyone has no refund policy.

TiT

......on the other hand, you can get convincing replica clothes/trainers etc for peanuts.

Edited March 23, 2006 by game4shame

[suegha]

what you going to do? take it back for your cash? LOL. you pay out cash in Thailand for anything and that cash is gone. everyone has no refund policy.

TiT

......on the other hand, you can get convincing replica clothes/trainers etc for peanuts.

That's right, and if it's junk who cares, you've paid peanuts for it. That said, I have bought some cheap stuff that's lasted for years.

[cobra]

Are you buying genuine name brand stuff (Sony, etc) or generic, or even worse, knock offs,

Usually you get what you pay for but considering the low cost of most stuff to begin with it's not that big of an impact.

I have some cheap Rayban knock-offs that I've had for years and then again some that didn't last the day.

[LaoPo]

I have been living here for 4 years and at least 75% of the time that I buy something (clothes, electronics, appliances etc) it is junk. .......................

.............In fact, I have a suitcase bought in USA that is rock solid top quality made in thailand. I guess they ship out the good stuff and sell the trash here. beware when you reach into that wallet

Sad story...you have my sympathy

I fear the only solution is to leave the country and buy the rock solid stuff in the USA...made in Thailand

LaoPo

[Donz]

I have been living here for 4 years and at least 75% of the time that I buy something (clothes, electronics, appliances etc) it is junk. Usually the most expensive stuff is the worst. Let's take clothes 1st: in the past I have bought items only to find that it is defective or something breaks in a short time.

electronics: digital camera 12300 baht. get it home and find out it's junk made who knows where. pics grainier that imaginable. what you going to do? take it back for your cash? LOL. you pay out cash in Thailand for anything and that cash is gone. everyone has no refund policy.

Mobile Phone: 12K baht=piece of junk. battery goes dead after half day. buy a new battery same same, buy a 3rd, same. 12 more K in toilet

dvd player: 5K baht, this is best of lot, it works still after a year of minimal use but it has always made a loud humming noise like it will explode at any time

toaster: fried after 3 weeks

computer: nothing but probs but works

mobile phone #2: totally defective, had to take back for exchange in 3 weeks. got raped for 2K in the exchange and then some

These items are bought at tesco, carre four, mbk, big c, robinson to name a few. I see a pattern here. for some odd reason, stuff sold here is garbage and I need to buy whatever I can in other countries. Now I am not saying that all of this stuff is made here. In fact, I have a suitcase bought in USA that is rock solid top quality made in thailand. I guess they ship out the good stuff and sell the trash here. beware when you reach into that wallet

I think you have just got some bad luck

Dam all that has gone wrong for you??

I'll give you a tip, with Camera's, DVD players, TV's etc try to buy the good brands like Sony, LG, Panasonic.

Dont bother with the chinese brands, there like half the price but you take a gamble as some may last but some wont.

And what sort of phone did you buy.

Computer, now have you been watching porn?? that stuff wrecks the computer with viruses.

Alsway becareful of shirts. especially polo shirts, you havew to look at it closely as i have had a few shirts just fluff up after a few washes. Some are good but there is alot of crap out there.

[ChiefBEM]

I have been living here for 4 years and at least 75% of the time that I buy something (clothes, electronics, appliances etc) it is junk. Usually the most expensive stuff is the worst. Let's take clothes 1st: in the past I have bought items only to find that it is defective or something breaks in a short time.

electronics: digital camera 12300 baht. get it home and find out it's junk made who knows where. pics grainier that imaginable. what you going to do? take it back for your cash? LOL. you pay out cash in Thailand for anything and that cash is gone. everyone has no refund policy.

Mobile Phone: 12K baht=piece of junk. battery goes dead after half day. buy a new battery same same, buy a 3rd, same. 12 more K in toilet

dvd player: 5K baht, this is best of lot, it works still after a year of minimal use but it has always made a loud humming noise like it will explode at any time

toaster: fried after 3 weeks

computer: nothing but probs but works

mobile phone #2: totally defective, had to take back for exchange in 3 weeks. got raped for 2K in the exchange and then some

These items are bought at tesco, carre four, mbk, big c, robinson to name a few. I see a pattern here. for some odd reason, stuff sold here is garbage and I need to buy whatever I can in other countries. Now I am not saying that all of this stuff is made here. In fact, I have a suitcase bought in USA that is rock solid top quality made in thailand. I guess they ship out the good stuff and sell the trash here. beware when you reach into that wallet

WOW!

If it was not for bad luck ... you would have no luck at all!

Maybe there is a message in all of this ......

Do you have this happening everywhere or just in Thailand?

[penzman]

I've bought well known brand name stuff that had defects, many times. I've mentioned before that I'm suspecting some of these manufacturers may simply be dumping their products (that fail quality check) over here in Thailand.

Consumer rights? In Thailand?

[somchai jones]

I have been living here for 4 years and at least 75% of the time that I buy something (clothes, electronics, appliances etc) it is junk. .......................

.............In fact, I have a suitcase bought in USA that is rock solid top quality made in thailand. I guess they ship out the good stuff and sell the trash here. beware when you reach into that wallet

Sad story...you have my sympathy

I fear the only solution is to leave the country and buy the rock solid stuff in the USA...made in Thailand

LaoPo

Yeah, and you'll be able to take it back!

Only problem is it'll cost you five times as much to buy.

Edited March 24, 2006 by somchai jones

[zzap]

Sounds like the complains of someone who doesn't know how to buy stuff nor how do negotiate. There is a pretty good chance for refunds etc. in places such as Tesco and other department stores, insist on a guarantee and keep the purchase receipt.

I am price concious when buying stuff, but if a 250 Bt toaster breaks after 3 weeks, that's not the end of the world. For more expensive items, such as camcorder etc., do your research on the net first, Thai sales staff rarely have any product knowledge.

[monochaser]

The 2 phones I had were Nokias. As far as items costing more in another country, I will pay more to get something that is not broken immediately or shortly after. Anyway, in the US 95% of items I mentioned are defective when bought here are cheaper there anyway. As for knockoff clothing, I found that stuff to be worthless my 1st trip here. Usually after 1 wash or wearing you have to throw it out.

[game4shame]

As for knockoff clothing, I found that stuff to be worthless my 1st trip here. Usually after 1 wash or wearing you have to throw it out.

granted, some of the clothes are pretty dodgy but for the price you pay its bearable.

but some of the trainers are just as good as the genuine article.........at sometimes 1/10 of the UK price.

[zzap]

It's curious that I am rather happy with clothes here, but I don't go for designer replicas, but for 'genuine' low-priced Thai 'fashion'.

Other products I am contented with as well, my only complaint is the ignorance of Thai staff about what they sell -well, to be fair, sometimes they are knowledgable, but the mutual lack of language skills gets in the way.

Maybe I have been lucky, or maybe I am not a spoiled brat who runs his mouth about every little inconvenience?

[Boon Mee]

Just like anywhere else. You buy your clothes at Wal Mart, you got no room to beef about the quality. You buy your clothes is some 'mall' store in Partunam - you get what you pay for...

[bbigman21]

You can buy that same crap here and it will cost you twice much. Yes you do pay cash for everything in Thailand even buying from street stalls but I have had good luck with taking my stuff back usually either same day or next. Even on the streets they will usually have there stall in right around the same place. Unless they are really trying to rip you off and not just trying to make a living. Then you are going to get that here too.

[monochaser]

Just like anywhere else. You buy your clothes at Wal Mart, you got no room to beef about the quality. You buy your clothes is some 'mall' store in Partunam - you get what you pay for...

No pal, Walmart is where minorities buy their clothes. All you need to do is walk in the store and see the selection and you'll catch my drift. You buy at the name brand outlet stores who always run specials and clothes are top quality and same price to very slightly higher than pratunam. When compared to robinson's, it is a fraction of the cost and besides that, robinson's sells garbage

[seonai]

I don't know Walmart or any of the other stores you are gibbering about Monochaser. But I think you really are talking out of your nether regions. This is ASIA. I have bought many pure cotton quality goods that have lasted years, I also once (rather stupidly) bought a fake Christian Dior watch in BKK - it lasted me 6 years and when it fell off my wrist because the strap broke in Scotland, a woman interrogated me before giving it back as she thought it was real!

In EVERY country you have the same thing, bad products and good products, I suggest that you are not happy in Thailand - all your posts are so negative - so MOVE OUT.

[lampard10]

I have been living here for 4 years and at least 75% of the time that I buy something (clothes, electronics, appliances etc) it is junk. Usually the most expensive stuff is the worst. Let's take clothes 1st: in the past I have bought items only to find that it is defective or something breaks in a short time.

electronics: digital camera 12300 baht. get it home and find out it's junk made who knows where. pics grainier that imaginable. what you going to do? take it back for your cash? LOL. you pay out cash in Thailand for anything and that cash is gone. everyone has no refund policy.

Mobile Phone: 12K baht=piece of junk. battery goes dead after half day. buy a new battery same same, buy a 3rd, same. 12 more K in toilet

dvd player: 5K baht, this is best of lot, it works still after a year of minimal use but it has always made a loud humming noise like it will explode at any time

toaster: fried after 3 weeks

computer: nothing but probs but works

mobile phone #2: totally defective, had to take back for exchange in 3 weeks. got raped for 2K in the exchange and then some

These items are bought at tesco, carre four, mbk, big c, robinson to name a few. I see a pattern here. for some odd reason, stuff sold here is garbage and I need to buy whatever I can in other countries. Now I am not saying that all of this stuff is made here. In fact, I have a suitcase bought in USA that is rock solid top quality made in thailand. I guess they ship out the good stuff and sell the trash here. beware when you reach into that wallet

Believe me, it's not just Thailand.........same problem back in England, although let it be said that a great deal of stuff comes from this region anyway. The most apparant difference is that back home if it goes wrong, you can normally demand your money back, or at least a replacement. Have you tried that here?

[chuchok]

I have been living here for 4 years and at least 75% of the time that I buy something (clothes, electronics, appliances etc) it is junk. Usually the most expensive stuff is the worst. Let's take clothes 1st: in the past I have bought items only to find that it is defective or something breaks in a short time.

electronics: digital camera 12300 baht. get it home and find out it's junk made who knows where. pics grainier that imaginable. what you going to do? take it back for your cash? LOL. you pay out cash in Thailand for anything and that cash is gone. everyone has no refund policy.

Mobile Phone: 12K baht=piece of junk. battery goes dead after half day. buy a new battery same same, buy a 3rd, same. 12 more K in toilet

dvd player: 5K baht, this is best of lot, it works still after a year of minimal use but it has always made a loud humming noise like it will explode at any time

toaster: fried after 3 weeks

computer: nothing but probs but works

mobile phone #2: totally defective, had to take back for exchange in 3 weeks. got raped for 2K in the exchange and then some

These items are bought at tesco, carre four, mbk, big c, robinson to name a few. I see a pattern here. for some odd reason, stuff sold here is garbage and I need to buy whatever I can in other countries. Now I am not saying that all of this stuff is made here. In fact, I have a suitcase bought in USA that is rock solid top quality made in thailand. I guess they ship out the good stuff and sell the trash here. beware when you reach into that wallet

I guess this says more about your inability to know what you are buying.

[Boon Mee]

No pal, Walmart is where minorities buy their clothes. All you need to do is walk in the store and see the selection and you'll catch my drift. You buy at the name brand outlet stores who always run specials and clothes are top quality and same price to very slightly higher than pratunam. When compared to robinson's, it is a fraction of the cost and besides that, robinson's sells garbage

Don't know or care where y'all from there monochaser but Wal Mart certainly couldn't get to be the world's #1 retailer with selling only to 'minorities'!

[chuchok]

No pal, Walmart is where minorities buy their clothes. All you need to do is walk in the store and see the selection and you'll catch my drift. You buy at the name brand outlet stores who always run specials and clothes are top quality and same price to very slightly higher than pratunam. When compared to robinson's, it is a fraction of the cost and besides that, robinson's sells garbage

Don't know or care where y'all from there monochaser but Wal Mart certainly couldn't get to be the world's #1 retailer with selling only to 'minorities'!

I thought that it was an interesting statement as well.Some people have no clues.

[andyfletch]

If you are going to buy electrical items, cameras, phones etc go to a specialist shop, NOT Tesco, Carrefour etc.

For general items ( TV hi-fi etc) I have found powerbuy in Central Citlom to be good. Bought a Marantz hi-fi & DVD player from them over a year ago - Hi-fi ok, DVD player had problems - took it back, repaired (2 weeks) no problems since.

Cameras - go to Fotofile in MBK - one of the best camera shops in town. Again bought 2 cameras from them - both Canon - no problems, both well over a year old.

As pointed out by Donz - buy branded goods not cheap Chinese ones and you will not go far wrong.

Edited March 25, 2006 by andyfletch

[bbigman21]

I don't know Walmart or any of the other stores you are gibbering about Monochaser. But I think you really are talking out of your nether regions. This is ASIA. I have bought many pure cotton quality goods that have lasted years, I also once (rather stupidly) bought a fake Christian Dior watch in BKK - it lasted me 6 years and when it fell off my wrist because the strap broke in Scotland, a woman interrogated me before giving it back as she thought it was real!

In EVERY country you have the same thing, bad products and good products, I suggest that you are not happy in Thailand - all your posts are so negative - so MOVE OUT.

Edited March 25, 2006 by bbigman21

[Boon Mee]

Walmart is where minorities buy their clothes.

Dressing Up

[monochaser]

You don't know Walmart? Is that how far removed Thailand Island living takes someone? hmmm.

Lamp, good suggestions

Walmart certainly did not become the world's #1 retailer by selling CLOTHES. This much I can assure you

I think the bottom line here is that the US and other countries have quality codes for their imports so that Thailand and other countries must adhere to these standards for their EXPORTS. As for the junk sold within Thai borders, anything goes

And Seonai, if it were not for the mass quanities of hot, available and willing chicks then sure I'd be out of here in a heartbeat. Those hotties are so sweet. They blow my mind they really do and they keep me here. Nothing else does I can assure you. So what I'm saying is that when I get tired of these countless attractive ladies in my life, I will leave. It's possible that will be when I die. In the mean time, I catch flights to buy my products. The airport is only 30 minutes away. That's the best convenience I have and another great reason to live in BKK. I learned my lesson; don't buy things here other than food

Edited March 28, 2006 by monochaser

[splitlid]

"I learned my lesson; don't buy things here other than food."

oh and all those sweet hotties you love so much here

[Mighty Mouse]

I buy all my clothes in Thailand with the exception of socks.

I have suits and trousers tailor made, buy jeans, tee shirts, shorts and shoes from the markets and have never had a problem.

I don't buy dark coloured tee shirts as the colour runs out at the first wash and I couldn't be bothered buying a packet of salt to stablize the colours.

My mate bought three jugs (made in Thailand stamped on the base) before he found one that lasted more than two weeks.

Most name brand electronic gear is made in third world countries and they are not a whole lot better than the cheapie unknown brands. A lot depends on what the item is, of course.

If you are a traveller, such as I, buying anything that carries a warranty in another country other than where you live, is a giant risk.

[alexth]

I've never had problems with the products I bought in Thailand, but anyways, the branded names are the real thing

[Gary A]

This is kind of strange. Everything electric or electronic I have purchased from Tesco Lotus has had a written warranty. Even stranger is that I have never had to see if the warranty was any good because I have not had any problems. The last phone I bought was from a small shop and it was second hand. I got a 90 day warranty on it. Again I didn't have to test the warranty.

I think the OP is a little strange too so maybe that explains his problems.

[alexth]

This is kind of strange. Everything electric or electronic I have purchased from Tesco Lotus has had a written warranty. Even stranger is that I have never had to see if the warranty was any good because I have not had any problems. The last phone I bought was from a small shop and it was second hand. I got a 90 day warranty on it. Again I didn't have to test the warranty.

I think the OP is a little strange too so maybe that explains his problems.

Neah, he just got unlucky