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Third-party retailers now accept pre-orders for Google Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL in Singapore

By Liu Hongzuo - on 8 Oct 2017, 12:06pm

Third-party retailers now accept pre-orders for Google Pixel 2 & Pixel 2 XL in Singapore

Note: This article was first published on 6th October 2017.

Eagle-eyed folks among us would’ve noticed that Google isn’t bringing in the Google Pixel 2 to Singapore and that they’ve put up a Pixel 2 XL store page with no way of buying the device directly. The button to register interest was replaced with a ‘find retailer’ button that points you to this Singtel exclusive.

We refer to that big, blue button in the top right corner of the Google store (SG) web page.

To plug the availability gap, third-party resellers in Singapore have begun accepting pre-orders for both devices. Since they aren’t official retailers like Singtel, they’re likely export sets.

 

TechBox

Local retail portal TechBox is accepting pre-orders for both Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones. All color variants of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are available, along with both storage sizes (64GB or 128GB) for both models. TechBox claims that shipping starts on 7th November 2017, with an expected delivery period of 1 to 3 days. TechBox also stated that the phones come with a 1-year international warranty.

The website charges:

  • S$1,388 for the 64GB Pixel 2
  • S$1,588 for the 128GB Pixel 2
  • S$1,888 for the 64GB Pixel 2 XL
  • S$2,088 for the 128GB Pixel 2 XL

(Editorial: How did TechBox arrive at S$2,088 from US$949 is beyond us.)

 

TechBug

Malaysian portal TechBug offers worldwide shipping, which is excellent for our little red dot down in the South. The retailer’s site accepts pre-orders for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, in almost all color variants (Pixel 2’s Kinda Blue isn’t listed) and both storage sizes (64GB or 128GB). The phones have 1-year limited warranty by Google, and it only covers manufacturing defects. TechBug stated that buyers should contact them for any issues with the device.

The catch, however, is the shipping dates for each model, which ranges anywhere from “end-October 2017” to “mid-December 2017”, depending on the storage and color variant you choose.

Regardless of color, TechBug charges:

  • S$1,064.06 for a 64GB Pixel 2
  • S$1,209.20 for a 128GB Pixel 2
  • S$1,354.35 for a 64GB Pixel 2 XL
  • S$1,499.49 for a 128GB Pixel 2 XL

 

Forwarders

Using a forwarder is another option in for folks residing in our overpriced island.

For instance, you can create a personal order using ShopandBox by putting up a listing for one Google Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL device. The service will then ping its database of willing Boxers (people who help you purchase the phone on your behalf), and the entire transaction is completed over the ShopandBox browser. The Boxer’s responsibility is to get the product to you, and your responsibility is to provide as much information as needed to make the transaction a smooth one (hence our demonstration above is a negative example).

While this forwarder service has Boxers in 31 countries, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL originates from the U.S., so shipping the device from the U.S. makes more sense. You pay for:

  • The device’s RRP
  • Any further domestic delivering fees
  • ShopandBox service fee
  • International shipping fees required to get the product onto your shore
  • all via Paypal

ShopandBox isn’t the only forwarder alternative – some other vendors do mass-orders, as well as other forwarder web pages that may have different rates. Delivery dates for these forwarders are highly dependent on other people (just like us) picking up your order promptly, and any warranty comes from the shop or brand in the origin country. After the shipping and service fees, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL may cost more than what our unofficial local options are charging (although it’s unlikely at this point).

We do expect more retailers to put up listings for the new Google smartphones – hopefully, there’ll be enough options for us to emulate our older, first-generation Pixel phone retail coverage.

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