B2B

I recently bought a Philips 700 series 42" LCD for $1,399 during the comex fair which includes HDMI cable and wall mounting FOC. I was abit hesitant at first, as my budget was aroung S$1K. I really can't tell the difference between the TVs. However, the salesman was able to convince me that the set I bought had 100hz and 80,000:1 contrast ratio - is it worth it to pay that extra just for this?

Honestly, if you want to get Karcher Steam cleaners, I suggest you take the high end models. The high end models got more pressure and makes cleaning more pleasurable and easy. Steam cleaners need time for steam to build up. For the low end models they run out of steam very fast, and you have to wait for the pressure to build up again..

I have gotten the VSX919 - I must say the the sound from the Amp was not as good as one of the VSX models I got 5 years back. I would think this is more like a budget amp. the only good thing is there is an Ipod dock... other than this nothing impressive.

Pioneer was having a clearance sale at their Alexandra Rd HQ.. I got a friend to help me buy the VSX919 at S$500+.. not sure if it is a good buy. Any reviews on this? VSX-919AHVSX919AH

The only thing about buying from retailer is there is 2 X 100% market up. One from the factory cost price and another from the retailer's cost price. By the way, Cellini has two large panel factories in Indonesia, one in Cikarang and one in Cikempak. Indonesia cost is comparable if not lower than China. Lorenzo and HTL, Eurosa, Star has factories in China, Koda in Vietnam.. and they are all direct manufacturers. Besides doing retail, they export to US, Europe and the middle east. I am aware of their prices because I am in the export business. However, there are alot of fly-by-night retailers. They have longer lead times as they do not have the cashflow to hold inventories. Many times thay have difficulty trying to consolidate a 40 foot container, especially when they only have 2-3 outlets in S'pore. Many smaller retailers have also defaulted on their rental payments in the last few months. I am sure you have heard of many stories of customers not getting their goods on time, no replacement of defective goods or deposits gone when such retailers turn insolvent. I have dealt with many retailer wannabes in the past, some local , some overseas... all you need is to be able to cover your rental payments. With the deposit and full payment you collected from your customer, you will use that to pay your suppliers. If you are small fry- you don't have bank trade facilities or credit terms from the supplier. In order to maximise profits, you gotta fill up a 40 footer container. For some small retailers, it can take 1-2 months to do that. When there are customisation or large variety of orders(imagine 40 different types of sofas, tables etc in one order) , only small time supplier/sub contractor can do such orders. The bigger and more reputable companies in China will not entertain such orders as they prefer bulk orders of one type of product. The problem is the quality and workmanship of small time suppliers are terrible. I have advised my clients to stay away from them. Most of the local manufacturers I have mentioned have been around for more than 2 or 3 decades. They have backing from banks, spring singapore, IE Singapore and SFIC. They were even cited in the PM's 2009 national day rally for participating in the Milan Fair.

I always believe in HTL, Lorenzo, Cellini, Scanteak etc.. providing the best value, because they manufacture direct - no middleman. That way, they don't mark up so much.. I understand most of the local retailers who buy from China mark up by at least 80-100%.. worse, if there is a defect, they can take ages to replace!!

Went down to ParkMAll cellini branch, the sales person told me they have a S$2998 package that includes Leather recliner sofa, Bedframe and Latex Mattress. If you don't want the Mattress you can get other freebies like dining set or console table etc.. she said they are launching this package until this weekend.

To be honest, I was doing a case study on the singapore furniture industry for my uni project -when I was still studying. My finding was Melandas back then was even bigger then Cellini and Lorenzo in terms of sales. Unfortunately, they over geared at a time when the economy was facing a down turn. They liquidated everything including their manufacturing. So I am sure it would not be the same Melandas, as they should procure from China suppliers now. I am still watching the furniture industry very closely, as I have recently vested in some equities of local furniture companies. By the way HTL and Lorenzo share prices have gone up quite abit last couple of weeks!! Although I quite weary when stocks start 'cheonging' so fast...

Actually I have stayed at the westin KL a couple of times and found the so called 'Heavenly Bed' to be a so-so mattress. Are Ackerman & Smith the guys selling 'ENGLANDER' beds as well in Furniture Mall?

If I am not wrong, the oringinal Melandas went bust a couple of years back... One of the ex-salesman told me they sold off their building, which is now the current international furniture center at Sugei Kadut. They used to manufacture back then - when they have something like a dozen outlets back then. The Melandas in Indonesia is merely a franchise who continued using the Melandas name, but import their goods from various supplier from China. But I am not sure who owns the current Melandas in Singapore, but I am sure they don't manufacture their stuff, cos they won't have a wide distribution channel to support an entire factory.

Just heard from a friend pioneer is clearing stock as they are closing down.. some of the AV receivers/TVs are up to 70% off.. I wonder if you guys have any reviews on Pioneer AV Receivers? Is it reliable as there is no warranty for the clearance?

Hi Simon, saw your living room, pretty chic, it's real nice place to chill out. Saw some castor wheels under your sofa. Is the sofa movable? The package you bought from Cellini, did you go for the Mattress or the Consoles? My sis got the mattress, and found it a real good buy. She insist the mattress is even better value than the sofa! But I thought your sofa look quite cool in the pix...

If got $$, go for Dyson.. no questions ask.

They have another mattress promo which I felt is more attractive.. My sis got a Latex with individual pocket spring mattress for only $999. She bought another one for my parents after she tried for 3 months as it is very comfy. If I am not wrong the home package promo comes with only pocket spring mattress and has no latex... I feel if you want to buy sofa from Cellini, you should only get the leather - for abit more you can get more value - just my two cents

Personally, I have always prefer to shop after GSS... Since businesses generally slow down after GSS and due to the hungry ghost 7th month, they are forced to lower prices to clear stocks and generate enough revenue to sustain their momentum. you should try bargaining, I won't be surprise if the sales man gives in after a couple of negos..

Air division is one of those who claimed that their sofas are imported from Australia or other European countries.. from my understanding, they subcontract their orders to furniture makers in Singapore or Malaysia. You should always be careful when you have to wait 3 months - most of these companies are open with very little capital, hence, they are unable to keep ex-stock furniture. Once you take the order, they will contact their subcontractor to produce the furniture. However, to transport the furniture to Singapore, they need to consolidate a 40 foot container (so as to save on per unit cost). As the economy is slow, they can take up to 2-3 months to consolidate one 40 footer. If they buy from Singapore, it is usually one-man-show sofa upholsterer - it is expensive and takes very long to produce. In the meantime, they will need to pay upfront to the subcontractor (as they are small in size, they do not have trade facilities with banks) - hence, they are asking for your deposit in full. Most of these operations have the following characteristics: 1. They allow sofa customisation (as those subcontractors are carpenters and upholsterers who do not mass produce) 2. They have alot of fabric and leather choice (they don't buy raw mat in bulk, and subcon buys fabrics/leather from stockists) 3. Delivery lead time is more than 4 weeks. 4. Usually cost much higher (as subcon cost is expensive - unless they use inferior material like split leather) Most importantly, since it takes so long to consolidate a 40 foot container, should your furniture be damaged, it might take awhile should a replacement be necessary - or they might not even replace your defective pc (as they would have to incur additional transport cost).

Most people won't know the difference from buying from Lorenzo, Cellini, Natuzzi as oppose to companies like Furniture Club. Alot of these retailers like furniture club don't manufacture - they subcontract out or buy from suppliers in China. That is the reason why their prices are much higher. Guys like furniture club only has presence in Singapore, whereas the bigger guys retail and export globally. When I was at IFC, I was taken aback when the Furniture Club salesman told me Lorenzo's quality is not up tho their standard, because they(Lorenzo) mass produce. They even claimed that Lorenzo's leather is of lousier quality. The truth is Lorenzo is able to get lower cost due to mass production. Leather purchase in bulk also lowers the costs substantially. The thing is if I really want to custom make my sofa, I would rather go down to Toa Payoh where there are many upholstery shops.

Previously I was using an Ariston - not sure why, but after 3 years, it started leaking. The serviceman said it was due to rust, so I had to change the whole thing. I bought a new Ariston(Again!) for $500.. sure hope it last!.

I have tried one before. I think the more expensive or industrial grade models are very useful. The problem about the cheaper models, they tend to lose pressure very fast and you have to wait a couple of minutes for the pressure to built up. If you have a bigger apartment, suggest you invest abit more and get the higher range steam cleaners. I find it useful when cleaning kitchens. the grease goes away easily... cheers.

To be honest, alot of retailers today are using low grade cowhides imported from China, some even use half-leather (Synthetic for back portion) or split leather (Leather which is subject to faster wear and tear and peeling). I am always cautious when the prices of leather sofas are so low. I would definitely go for reputable brands and manufacturers like Natuzzi, Hilker, Musterring, Cellini or Lorenzo. You get what you pay for. Cellini and Lorenzo are not that expensive nowadays, since they are direct manufacturers, bypassing the middleman distributor or retailer. If you want to buy from Lorenzo, I suggest you buy from their retail stores rather than from courts. I realise their sofas at courts are of lower quality and some uses half leather (but at least they are honest and not misrepresent!)

I have been spending quite abit on aircon maintenance since I clean it about twice a year. does anybody have good contact on cheap and reliable aircon servicing company?

My uncle bought an Altar from Cellini at their HQ branch. I think it cost around $600 but looks contemporary. He bought it last year, so I'm not sure if they still have it. You should call to check first.

If you don't mind paying, you can try Abitex, they are at Paragon.

Based on an announcement on SGX website, Mr Toh Soon Huat, has sold 115,825,235 shares representing 27.54% of Novena Holdings issued share capital. Novena Holdings at initially sold off its Furniture Arm which includes Castilla, Novena, White Collection etc.. to TT international in exchange for shares of TT International. Mr Toh still has 3.93% stake in Novena, but has stepped down as CEO and Acting Chairman. See Link. Novena Holdings Announcement

Why don't you request for early delivery?