Singapore
Home > Breaking News > Singapore > Story
Dec 13, 2009
'ERP' at warehouse sale
Musical goods firm charges entry fee at popular end-of-year sale to ease congestion
<!-- by line --> By Terrence Voon
<!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar -->
At the sale yesterday, customers were seen selecting their buys in a less congested environment, unlike the situation in previous years. -- ST PHOTO: ASHLEIGH SIM
<!-- story content : start --> At Swee Lee Music Company's annual warehouse sale this weekend, it is a case of 'pay to browse'. Customers who want to check out the heavily discounted wares at the Sims Drive venue have to pay an entry fee of $10, a first for the end-of-year sale of this well-known company that has been in business since 1946. Countering any suggestion that it is a money-making move, organisers said this is to ease overcrowding at the two-day event. Last year, it drew about 1,300 people. 'It's like ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) for shoppers,' said Mr Adam Yeoh, a manager at Swee Lee. 'But it's not about making money; it's about making the shopping experience more pleasant for our customers.' In previous years, shoppers had complained about the congestion and long wait to get in. Queues had formed overnight as hefty discounts of up to 50 per cent were dangled on all musical instruments and sound systems. 'The purpose of the fee is to discourage browsers, and to provide a more comfortable environment for genuine buyers,' Mr Yeoh added.
[email protected]
Home > Breaking News > Singapore > Story
Dec 13, 2009
'ERP' at warehouse sale
Musical goods firm charges entry fee at popular end-of-year sale to ease congestion
<!-- by line --> By Terrence Voon
<!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar -->
At the sale yesterday, customers were seen selecting their buys in a less congested environment, unlike the situation in previous years. -- ST PHOTO: ASHLEIGH SIM
<!-- story content : start --> At Swee Lee Music Company's annual warehouse sale this weekend, it is a case of 'pay to browse'. Customers who want to check out the heavily discounted wares at the Sims Drive venue have to pay an entry fee of $10, a first for the end-of-year sale of this well-known company that has been in business since 1946. Countering any suggestion that it is a money-making move, organisers said this is to ease overcrowding at the two-day event. Last year, it drew about 1,300 people. 'It's like ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) for shoppers,' said Mr Adam Yeoh, a manager at Swee Lee. 'But it's not about making money; it's about making the shopping experience more pleasant for our customers.' In previous years, shoppers had complained about the congestion and long wait to get in. Queues had formed overnight as hefty discounts of up to 50 per cent were dangled on all musical instruments and sound systems. 'The purpose of the fee is to discourage browsers, and to provide a more comfortable environment for genuine buyers,' Mr Yeoh added.
[email protected]
