Buying Electronics in Nicaragua

When you’re running the gauntlet of stores to complete your last-minute holiday shopping, it can be tempting to latch onto the helpful advice of a salesperson – especially when you’re dealing with confusing technology. But don’t let your desire to finish get the best of you. Remember: There is no good reason to believe a single word that comes out of your average salesperson’s mouth, especially if you’re visiting big outlets in search of that elusive bargain. Not all sales people are liars, but you won’t lose anything by treating their gentle suggestions and chidings with skepticism.

A UK survey by Gumtree found that consumers spent nearly $4 billion on unwanted Christmas gifts last year. Most of them might well be jumpers and socks, but a decent wedge will be unwanted electronics that were sold by an enthusiastic sales person focused on their commission.

Let’s take a look at how the truth can get bent, twisted, and shattered into a million pieces, along with a few tips on how to avoid being ripped off.

The massive discount

Just because a gadget is selling for a fraction of what it originally cost doesn’t make it a good deal. In some cases, an item might have been massively overpriced for a few weeks just so a store could drop it later to make it look like the bargain of the century. In others, the discount might be the only way to move a shoddy product. HP’s TouchPad flew off the shelves when retailers dropped prices to $99, but that doesn’t change the fact that it wasn’t a great tablet to begin with.

Always do a quick search on your smartphone using a price-comparison app because it could save you a fortune.

 What you really want is…

Whenever a salesperson gently shakes his head or does the plumber maneuver of whistling through his teeth with a grimace on his face, it means he’s about to upsell you. You were going to buy that $400 laptop? He’ll display disdain for it and say, “Let me just show you…” before leading you to gargantuan, feature-laden monster that is definitely way beyond what you need. He’ll tell you that he has one at home himself, because it’s simply the best. This is a lie. He doesn’t care what you actually need. “Future-proofing” is a handy excuse to upsell you. Don’t be dazzled; remember that you know what you want better than the sales person you just met.

Extended warranty

Generally speaking, a warranty covers you in the event that you buy a lemon. Whether it’s a toaster or a smartphone, if it dies after a couple of months or has some other obvious malfunction, you’ll be able to get a replacement for free. Normal warranties don’t tend to last for that long, but electronics usually have a one- or two-year manufacturer warranty, and that’s plenty of time to establish that your purchase doesn’t have anything obviously wrong with it.

Every electronics store in the world will try to sell you an extended warranty. They might call it Master Care or Star Cover, but it is basically an extended warranty.

They use loads of techniques to shift extended warranties. They’ll tell you that you really need it because the product you are buying breaks frequently and is expensive to fix. They’ll conspiratorially grin as they explain that you’ll obviously be taking the warranty because you’re a savvy shopper. They’ll even get other staff members involved, “This guy doesn’t want the Master Care,” they’ll say to a colleague who will pull such a look of revolted horror that you’ll want to repent and sign up for seven years on the spot.

Sometimes they’ll even tell you how amazing the warranty is, “You could literally decide to pour a cup of coffee into your PlayStation 3 and with Star Cover we’ll be at your door with a brand new one within 22 minutes.” It’s all a con. Every policy has a strict list of what is covered, and it’s not a world of VIP service. Some of these stores will even try to sell you extended warranties that will end up costing more than the original product.

Don’t give in. You don’t need the extended warranty. Even if you do really want the protection of an extended warranty, shop around before you buy, like you would with anything else; don’t assume the best deal will be in the store where you bought the device.

Setup services

A lot of electronics stores offer set up services now where they’ll send an “engineer” to your house to set up your new device and make sure you know how to use it or they’ll install everything for you in store. This can make sense if you’re buying a new PC or a laptop, but if you’ve just bought an HDTV and a sound bar, what they’re really saying is – let us take all the pain out of plugging in three cables and charge you a large fee.

If you really don’t have the confidence to do it yourself, then ask someone relatively tech savvy to help you, but don’t pay the outrageous fees these places typically charge.

You’ll also need…

So you’ve decided on the home-theater system or the new camera that you want, and now the sales person is trying to throw in a couple of extras. Do you need a gold-plated HDMI cable hand-crafted by digital artisans, or an ultra-mega wider-than-wide lens for photographing mountains at close range? No. Standard cables will work perfectly well, and you can always buy extra accessories later. If you do decide to get an accessory, slow down and shop around just as you would for any other product before you pull the trigger.

You drive a hard bargain

Haggling might not come naturally to you, but the vast majority of electronics stores have some wiggle room when it comes to negotiating a discount on big ticket items. They’ll generally try to make it out as if you just got such a great deal by negotiating that “free” HDMI cable with your $3,000 TV that they’ll be forced to forage in a dumpster for their meal tonight. Electronics stores have adopted the old car-salesman routine of “I’ll have to ask my manager” every time you try to negotiate a freebie or a discount. They don’t. It’s just an excuse for them to take a break and a psychological tool in the haggling battle with you.

Is it worth paying extra money to avoid an awkward moment staring down a sales person you will never see again? Absolutely not. It’s always worth haggling a bit, but you have to be prepared to walk or it won’t work.

Be prepared

The best way to avoid getting sucked in by lies and dodgy sales techniques is to prepare before you shop. Research what you want before you go. Read reviews. Treat the stores as a chance to get a hands-on look at what you want, but don’t feel pressured to buy it there. Always compare prices online before you buy.

There are honest sales people out there, so don’t assume they’re all liars, but never allow anyone to pressure you into a quick decision. That’s where most purchasing mistakes are made.

In Nicaragua can find their electronic on STORES GALLO MAS GALLO, LA CURACAO, TROPIGAS, EL VERDUGO, MAXI- PALI, COLONIAS, UNION.

A guide to buying electronics and save cash

If you are shopping for your electronics, you will obviously go for the best quality. There are millions of electronics, which you can buy from online stores, and meet your needs. However, if you are a novice, it is good to have a very clear understanding about the process that you can follow to get the best electronics in the market. The following is a perfect guide that you can follow to save money when you are doing shopping.

•Analyze the price movement

First, you should be very conversant with price changes in the market. Most electronics drop in prices from time to time and getting the best one means that you should have a good knowledge of the changing market trends. When you have the right information about your products, it will be easy to shop. You can get the latest market updates from online shops and have a clue about the amount that you will spend on your electronics.

•Quality of the product

Secondly, it is important to know the quality and performance of the electronics that you want to buy. Many companies in the market will provide you with the best electronics. High performance means that you have to get the right quality first. Quality goes hand in hand with price and this is what can make your shopping wonderful. You can look at the latest models in the market. If for instance you are shopping for LCD, you should know the latest type on the market and if you want to get an earlier model, you can search for the model that best fits you.

•Demonstration models

To save cash on your electronics, you can also ask for demonstration models since they are cheaper. You can save a lot of money when you buy the demonstrations, as they are not very expensive compared to brand new models. This is very important if you are on a very tight budget. You should further get a warranty for your product for repairs in case of any damages.

If you can get more discounts online, you can opt to shop for your electronics from there. There are different shops online where you can save a lot on your electronics. Great quality is assured and you will like your models. If you are shopping for the latest model, you will get great varieties online to match your needs.

After you get the best, it is good to try them before you pack them. This should be done before you make a decision of paying. You can ask for some tests to see whether the electronic device is working well. Lastly, it is advisable to shop from an online store which guarantees maintenance of your electronics and replacement in case of breakdown. This will make you increase the life of your devices.

 TANIA GOUSSEN ACEVEDO.

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Why buy a used car?

If you decided to buy a used car, and made a good decision. You can get a car that is almost as good as new, without paying for the depreciation that shakes strongly to people who buy a new car out of the dealership. Even cars that are only one year is 20-30 percent cheaper than new cars.

There are other good reasons to buy a used car:

1. Save money on auto insurance.
2. Perhaps the smart used car buyer, find great deals.
3. Today's cars are more reliable than ever.
4. Some cars still have the warranty.
5. Today most manufacturers sell certified used cars, which include warranties.
6. The history of a used car can easily be located using the identification number (VIN).
7. If you buy directly from a private seller, the negotiation process will be less stressful.

Save money by buying cars that are less known.

The value of a used car based on its condition, mileage, reliability, performance and popularity. Of course you want a car that is reliable and good performance. But does the used car that you want everyone else? If so, will pay more than you expected. In some cases, the only difference is the mark.

How much can you afford?

The smart shopper will consider how to finance the car at the beginning of the process. This will prevent any nasty surprises later and help you make an informed decision about how much fits in your budget.

Monthly Payment. If you borrow money, you know how much you can pay monthly?

Down Payment. How much can you give as a down payment to reduce your monthly payments?

Purchase price of the car. Answering the first two will help determine limits the amount you can pay for your used car.

Once you've determined how much you can give as a down payment, monthly payment and the purchase price of the car, print these figures. Later, when negotiating the price of a used car, you may need to review this information to set foot on earth.

Financing for a used car

There are three ways to pay for your used car:

Cash. Is there anything more to say? With money you can achieve a lot.

Financing through a bank, online lender or credit union (Credit Union). We highly recommend this route because they usually will save you money and give you maximum control over the transaction.

Financing through the dealer. This may benefit some people, depending on your credit score and current interest rates. When arranging financing beforehand with an independent financial dealer might try to make a better offer with a lower interest loan.

Financing through an independent source (internet lender, bank or credit union) offers several advantages:

1. Maintains simple negotiations with the dealer
2. It allows you to compare competing interests beforehand
3. Eliminates reliance on dealer financing
4. It helps you to be faithful to your budget

Where to buy your used car?

The three most common places to buy a used car are:

1. Private Sellers
2. The section of a used car dealership that also sells new cars
3. Independent used car lots

Of these sources, the sale by private sellers usually have the most reasonable prices. This is also a more relaxed way to buy a used car rather than meet with a car salesman at the dealership.

Still, there are advantages to buying a used car from a car dealership. Many used car dealers, are exchanges. Dealers typically get these cars at very low prices. If you make a low offer - but at the same time let them gain some - you might get a really good deal. In addition, many dealerships offer certified used cars have been thoroughly inspected and are backed by solid guarantees.

In Nicaragua there are many places you can find used car at a good price and with quality guarantees:

1. http://www.carronica.com/

2. www.encuentra24.com/Clasificados

3. http://autosnica.wordpress.com/

4. http://www.autoselchele.com/‎

Negotiating the price of a used car

Vendors at dealerships have much experience in trading. Most private sellers do not. So buying a used car from a dealer or a private seller, will be a very different experience from each other.

Follow these steps to negotiate:

1. Only deal with a seller with whom you feel comfortable

2. Initial bid that is low but that is around the price you want to pay

3. Decide in advance how much money is your limit and walk away when you reach this limit

4. Do not be afraid to leave the dealership - this is your most valuable tool in negotiating

5. Be patient - plan to negotiate at least an hour at the dealership, less time with private sellers

6. Exit the dealer if you are tired or hungry

7. Do not be distracted offers extended warranties, anti-theft devices or similar products

8. A seller who closes deals puts a lot more pressure to negotiate. It may be that this attempt to improve the treatment before arriving at a final price.

9. Since we have a deal, make sure the transaction is completed properly. The next section will explain what to expect and what to do.

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Compulsive Buying

Compulsive buying is also called as Aniomania is a disorder characterized by excessive concerns related to the purchase and the irresistible urge to buy en masse accompanied by feelings of anxiety, irritability or discomfort.

After the act of buying the person experiences feelings of guilt at the same instant pleasure and satisfaction with what he believes to fill his life.One feature is that the person has difficulty distinguishing between desire and need, has little tolerance for moods.

Compulsive buying is not only people who buy most of their means and possibilities includes people who use an excessive amount of time up going shopping or plan to buy things but never buy.It's time to know if you're one of these people. 

Are you a shopaholic in power?

• Sales shopping but did not need anything.

• Have the latest gadgets in the market. Many of them serve the same purpose.

• Actual expenditure and number of items you purchase when you walk into a supermarket always exceeds what you thought to spend and buy.

• You have a closet full of clothes you never wear, even've bought things that simply do not convince you too.

• When you renew your wardrobe almost always practically new and simply "out of fashion".

• Large amount of food that ends up in the trash stored because this up.

• You are about to buy milk and shopping around. Less milk.

• You spend more than you should. (For example you have credit cards to the limit)

• Go to the mall is one of your favorite plans.If you answered yes to any of these questions could have a serious problem: excessive consumerism trap may end up running wild and a pathological dependence purchases which is very hard to leave.

Possible causes of why we have this problem or disorder

- Too spoiled children that their parents used to provide them with virtually everything they wished.

- Dissatisfaction or problems that are projected through wasteful consumption. The purchase is sometimes used to provide a routine life illusion or empty.

- Used purchase distraction and evasion as more serious problems such as depression, alcoholism, love conflicts,

- Advertising is everywhere, constantly making us believe that success depends on the amount of products we purchase.

- Search for prestige: the easiest way to get social prestige is accumulating possessions and objects of desire and envy. Number of people visit supermarkets luxuries and dilate so long and only carry a product.- "Both have, are worth": own people's self-esteem increases with complex

12 Tips

1. Learn to differentiate between real needs and desires and attempts to control any spending on impulse purchases. Before you buy anything you need or simply ask yourself "I could do"?Examples: buy shoes because we are old is different to buy shoes because that's another pair. 

2. Avoid temptations: if you know you're a consumer born, try to avoid temptations. Do not go to malls or shopping areas unless you really have to buy something, go to small general food instead of giant hypermarkets, do not go to the bank teller near your favorite store. 

3. Do not fall for the sales and deals: no matter how cheap it is. If you do not need expensive and wasteful. 

4. Aiming all expenses that you made a month. It will help to realize the expenses you make or to project future expenses 

5. Make a fixed amount per month for expenses and Superstar unless strictly indispensable. 

6. Plan Gifts If you have to buy a gift, typical of this time, think before you can do really like that person, go to the store or specific section, and buy it. No és "see what I see out there," because you will end by giving you things to yourself. 

7. Go to always buy with a list. What is not listed is not bought 

8. Never pay with card. Take the money you are going to spend and pay cash. "It hurts" over and also prevents overcome our budget and actual spending power. 

9. If you have the ability to purchase online. It is also cheaper as shopping sites tend to be much more rational and also prevents you to be vulnerable to the tactics of Marketing and Sales Promotion supermarkets. 

10. Find new activities, sports or hobbies that do not consist out of stores.

11. Ask for help: tell someone you out soles to stop you from doing stupid spending. Extensible to this might be: do not hang with other shopaholics in certain places.

12. Give yourself a prize with the money you've saved: never forget that spending is unlimited. Try to control it because every time is growing.

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Buying Computer Hardware in Nicaragua

Every computer consists of hardware and software. Both the hardware and the software are very important for the way in which the computer operates. The hardware is considered the most important part within a computer because even the software is influenced by it. Even if you have the best and up-to-date software, it would still be useless if you have low-performance computer hardware. So, there is a necessity of buying good quality components for our PC.

Examples of computer hardware are motherboards, hard disks, RAM or the random access memory, video card, CPU or the central processing unit, monitor. You can buy pieces individually, but Nicaraguans usually buy the package that includes the entire computer with the accessories in the case of desktop computers.

It’s not convenient to buy PC computer in not specialized stores, because they don’t have benefits like technical support or guarantee.  

In Nicaragua, there are many hardware stores that sell a variety of products, including computer hardware. For example, in Managua we could find: 

Comtech

http://www.comtech.com.ni/

Datatext 

http://www.nicapac.com:5000/entrada

Conico

http://www.conico.com.ni/

Sevasa

http://www.sevasaonline.com/

E-tech

http://www.etech.com.ni/

In general, they offer almost the same price and the customer service is good. If you are not in a hurry, you should wait Feria Expica, where most of these stores participate. There all the products don’t have tax (15%), but it’s better to visit them the first days of the event. 

However, to buy hardware is more complicated to buy another thing. This is because the users have to understand which the best option for their necessities. Then a graphic designer needs to pay more attention to the hardware than a person who wants surfing the internet and writing word documents.

In this page, we show some tips you should know to get hardware.

Tips to buy hardware

• If you don't have previous knowledge you should do much research. This lets you to get the best option available, a good hardware at an affordable price. However, if you tend to buy any hardware without knowing its pros and cons, you will have a higher chance of not getting a good quality product. 
• You could compare the brands and the prices at the webs of the stores.
• These hardware stores allow you to handle the product before you buy. Even items that are packaged in boxes can be opened and inspected. Then, before you buy the product you should be sure that it is in proper condition and it is working fine.
• Finally, make sure it’s guaranteed, ask about the warranty period. Then, if something is not OK you can return it to get a new one or receive your money. 

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