Katwe: Home of low cost used electronics
WHEN it comes to the sprawling downtown bazaar that is Katwe, many people think of only automobile spare parts and welded metal gadgets. But that beehive of incessant workmanship offers a wide array of used electronics, especially for a buyer who finds new electronics expensive.
By Joseph Ssemutooke.
WHEN it comes to the sprawling downtown bazaar that is Katwe, many people think of only automobile spare parts and welded metal gadgets. But that beehive of incessant workmanship offers a wide array of used electronics, especially for a buyer who finds new electronics expensive.
Hajji Musoke, who runs an electronics shop in the area, says: “Yes, the electronics sold here are used, but they are in good condition. We import them from Japan and Dubai. So the buyer gets their money’s worth.â€
The electronics include television sets, music systems, fridges, cookers, irons and floodlights.
A 14-inch colour television set can go for sh170,000 (about sh50,000 less than a new model uptown), while a 21-inch can go for sh320,000 (about sh90,000 less than a new model). A large Philips fridge can be acquired for as low as sh500,000.
A giant Sony music system with a triple CD changer costs sh250,000.
Of course, one’s bargaining prowess plays a key role in determining the price, but on the whole a buyer may end up purchasing an item at 20% less than the price of a new model elsewhere.
But one must be careful when purchasing used electronics. Check the condition of the item, as well as the compatibility of its default gadgets. For example whether the remote control, in the case of a music system, is compatible and functioning.
Check the voltage usage of the appliance to ensure that it corresponds with your electricity supply at home. Many gadgets shipped in normally require less voltage (owing to low voltage supply abroad).
In that case, you need to have the gadget reformatted to match the local electricity load.
There may be other possible defects to look for, but if you are careful enough, you will end up with a good gadget at a really low cost.
WHEN it comes to the sprawling downtown bazaar that is Katwe, many people think of only automobile spare parts and welded metal gadgets. But that beehive of incessant workmanship offers a wide array of used electronics, especially for a buyer who finds new electronics expensive.
Hajji Musoke, who runs an electronics shop in the area, says: “Yes, the electronics sold here are used, but they are in good condition. We import them from Japan and Dubai. So the buyer gets their money’s worth.â€
The electronics include television sets, music systems, fridges, cookers, irons and floodlights.
A 14-inch colour television set can go for sh170,000 (about sh50,000 less than a new model uptown), while a 21-inch can go for sh320,000 (about sh90,000 less than a new model). A large Philips fridge can be acquired for as low as sh500,000.
A giant Sony music system with a triple CD changer costs sh250,000.
Of course, one’s bargaining prowess plays a key role in determining the price, but on the whole a buyer may end up purchasing an item at 20% less than the price of a new model elsewhere.
But one must be careful when purchasing used electronics. Check the condition of the item, as well as the compatibility of its default gadgets. For example whether the remote control, in the case of a music system, is compatible and functioning.
Check the voltage usage of the appliance to ensure that it corresponds with your electricity supply at home. Many gadgets shipped in normally require less voltage (owing to low voltage supply abroad).
In that case, you need to have the gadget reformatted to match the local electricity load.
There may be other possible defects to look for, but if you are careful enough, you will end up with a good gadget at a really low cost.