Computer Village, which is thought to be West Africa’s biggest gadget market is one of the most popular places in Nigeria.
The village serves as a market where different types of electronic devices are bought and sold. As a matter of fact, there’s nothing connected to ICT accessories that you cannot find in this market.
Apart from the sales of IT accessories, computer village is also famous for the repairs of mobile phones and computers. That’s why it’s said to be the home of computer technicians and engineers.
As much as it seems like the Computer Village has it, there is also a downside to buying from the Computer Village. This downside is “Scamming” and the sales of counterfeit products. In other words, Computer Village can also be filled untruthful and uncertified hustlers. Fraudsters and unqualified engineers take advantage of the ever busy market to sell fake products and services.
The rate at which stolen phones and other electronic devices find their way to the market is very alarming, and that’s why you need to be careful and mindful of what you buy from there and whom you buy them from.
Generally, there are two major categories of traders in the market: the registered traders and the unregistered (free) traders. Visitors are advised to do their buying and selling at a proper shop.
There are some items you really have to be careful about buying at the Computer Village and these items are:
Phones
The stories you hear about people paying for phones in computer village, only to discover later that they bought a fake contraption or a bar of soap is no lie.
In fact, it’s a known fact that the costliest phones are sold at giveaway prices in that market. Don’t be astonished if a seller swings an iPhone X at your face in the market for a paltry sum of 60,000 Naira.
Before you become tempted to buy phones at computer village, think twice about the fact that it might be a stolen phone or a phone that’s programmed to work for just an hour.
Laptops
The computer village is mostly populated by street boys who don’t own an office or shop. They’re known for the slogan: “you wan buy, you wan sell.”
One of the things you must be very careful about buying from the market is a laptop. Most times, people fall into the rush of purchasing a laptop only to discover later that it has a fault or it doesn’t work as the seller explained. That’s why you need to be mindful.
Don’t buy laptops from those street boys, because when you get home and discover any fault, believe me; you won’t see them again when you return to the market the next day.
Recharge Cards
As much as you can, try to purchase call units from vendors who have shops. This is because most of the vendors without shops out there are selling fake cards, once you buy from them and give them the money, boom, they’re gone, and you might never see them again.
Earphones, Power Bank, And Phone Chargers
Unless you’re in dire need of a headset, power bank or phone chargers, don’t risk purchasing it from all those sellers who don’t have a shop or kiosk.
But if you buy it, bear it in mind that you may end up purchasing a substandard product that might end up causing more harm than good to your gadget.
Another downside to purchasing these items from vendors without shops is that there is no warranty, after sale service and you almost might not identify the seller when you see them again. And even if you do, you have no right to stop or accuse him/her.
Modems, Hard Drive And Memory Card
Similar to other items you might purchase at Computer Village, you also need to be careful when purchasing accessories like a modem, hard drive or memory card.
In most cases, it’s possible for the so-called street boys to steal a phone or laptop, detach the components and bring them to the market for sale irrespective of whether they are in a good condition or not.
You need to ensure you either go for brand new items or tested ones, right from a seller with a physical office/shop location.
General Advice
When you go to Computer Village to buy any of the above-mentioned items, ensure that you buy them from a seller with a physical office/shop location. That way, if it’s faulty, you can easily return to the seller for a fix or replacement.
If you’ve got any question or contribution, please do leave a comment below. We’d be eager to hear from you.
