What would you like to see/buy/know in SEG Shenzhen?

[mianchen]

Every time when I'm ordering parts from Farnell/Rapid etc I wish I was living near the SEG market in Shenzhen, so I can go and pick whatever I want. Now we ARE going to China next month, I can't think of what I should do when I am actually there...I've been there 7 years ago when I wasn't into electronic much, it seemed a bit too overwhelming to me

[jeroen74]

What I read about that market is that you really have to build good relations first with the people there if you want good prices or any business at all. As an outsider you will be overcharged massively. And components go by the reel only. And hoping you get new components instead of pulled and/or fakes and/or cheap knockoffs.

[johnboxall]

Do you know anyone over there? Planning and good connections (guanxi) FTW.

Ian Lesnet made a nice video of his trip in China:
http://dangerousprototypes.com/2012/04/19/video-hua-qiang-bei-market-in-shenzhen-china/

[baoshi]

For components, some of my experiences for outsiders:
1. For branded chips buy only highly specific ones, like mcu, ram. Avoid buying generic chip like opamp or regulator. They could be remarked or refurbished. Never believe factory package. They have their own refurbish machine and repackaging line.
2. If you need small quantity of components ask price for whole reel first, then tell them you want sample "yang-pin". The price shall rise to about 1.6-1.8x of the whole sale price. Most of the times it is still a lot cheaper than digikey.
3. Make sure to find shops having existing stock in the counter. Never let the runner "fetch from office". All gimmicks start from there.
4. Happy shopping