Bot-hunting in Singapore (Part 2)

The crowd at CSC

When in Singapore, one just has to visit CSC (China Square Central if I'm not mistaken) on SUNDAYS if you're a toy collector and looking for good deals (notice that I don't use the word "bargains" as they're hard to come by these days and prices aren't as good as they were the last time I'd visited... it's probably due to the increasing demand for toys. There are still bargains to be found... you just gotta be very patient and do a thorough search and comparison of prices. I guess good luck counts as well)

Transformers
CSC's normally an ordinary shopping mall cum office building during the weekdays. It's a short 5-10 minute walk from the local train station at Chinatown. On Sundays and only Sundays, it comes alive when both small and big time toy sellers gather to peddle their wares.

Stalls along the aisle

Toys, toys, toys!

Pricing varies as there are small make-shift stalls (basically tables set up along the aisles) and permanent stores competing for customers. Most make-shift stalls are set up by collectors trying to clear their collection or by toy stores not located within the vicinity.

More toys!

Unless you're really desperate for an item, I'd suggest walking around and asking different stalls for their prices... haggling IS accepted (more so for the small stalls). I made the mistake of rushing and jumping on a purchase as the price was way below retail for a particular Kamen Rider figure only to be disappointed to find a cheaper price in a stall located in the lower floor) So always take your time...

You're always welcome to look at and inspect an item but if you purchase it, don't expect to return it or attempt to get a refund if you find a better bargain elsewhere. Once a purchase is made, that's it. So once again, always haggle down prices! It never hurts to try (quote realistic prices, of course! Asking for 50% off anything would only result in rude stares or words. Ha!)

Transformers, Kamen Riders, SIC and more!

Yummy vintage Transformers

Vintage items abound in some stores... always do a double take on MISB bots and be weary of KO's. Most sellers will inform you if an item is an unofficial remake aka KO. When in doubt, ask.

Binaltech Smokescreens to your left! At SGD230 each!!!

I was looking for a MISB KO Mirage for a friend in the US but KO's seem to be very hard to come by. I did come across the recently released KO Metroplex in one of my bot-hunts later on that week, but I'll talk more about that later.

Macross bots stacked up to the ceilings!

Bots and more bots!

There was heaps to see but unfortunately nothing really caught my eye as I was specifically looking for bargains... in the end, my only purchases for the day were a MISB Takara Robot Masters Mirage which I got at a great price and the Kamen Rider action figure. I was happy with that.

Stalls along the CSC bridge