Just a few days back I decided to buy a new mobile for myself. And that’s when I realised that there are so many mobile stores nowadays. I didn’t have any particular brand or model in mind. I didn’t even think of what features I wanted in my mobile. I didn’t even have a budget in mind. I just wanted to pick up whatever I fancied.
So I went to a nearby mobile store and enquired. Then I came to know that there is another store nearby. So I visited that too. Then another and then another…
By the time I finally decided to buy one, I had visited seven different stores. Each had its own plus and minuses. Some had more minuses and some more plusses.
I decided to share my experience with you so that you have an idea of what to expect where.
Hotspot:** This store had a very limited collection of mobiles. They offered a good price for all the models displayed and also offered a good exchange rate for my old mobile. Verdict: Ideal if you want to purchase any of the bestselling mobiles
RPG Cellucom: This store had a wide range of mobiles on display but would give a demo only if the customer is sure to purchase the phone. Quite absurd! The sales person was courteous and well informed. He offered the best exchange rate for my old mobile. Verdict: Ideal to find out the exchange rate for your old mobile
Hash 10: The store looked great. It also had the best display of mobiles. The sales person was very patient, courteous and helpful. He was willing to negotiate the exchange rate for my old mobile. Verdict: Ideal to gather knowledge about the various phones available
Sangeetha: This store too had a good range of models. They promised the best service. The sales people were not very aware of the new models. Verdict: Ideal if you wish to keep the same phone for long(you may need good service)
Mobile Store: **The store looked good and they had displayed the mobiles very uniquely, by the kind of usage. They offered the best prices on most mobiles(no not Subhiksha). The sales person was very knowledgeable and very convincing. Verdict: One of the two places you can actually empty your wallet
Subhiksha: This store was a disappointment. So much of money spent on advertising and nothing to show for it. First of all it didn’t have most models. Then the sales person spoke as if he was bestowing a great honour on me. They quoted whatever they felt like for the exchange rate of my old mobile. Verdict: Please keep off
Univercell: The store was the best looking one among all and also displayed the widest collection of mobiles. The sales person was very courteous and made me feel at ease. Verdict: Ideal to check out the range of mobiles available and one of the two places you can actually empty your wallet
This write-up is based on what I saw in the stores in Chennai. It may not be the pattern everywhere.