The Consumer Council today (September 17) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in the Sheung Shui District.
In the analysis were listed the top 11 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Mach3 Razor (from $28 to $57.9, or a price difference of 106.8%).
Following closely (between 95% and 75.6%) were: Mineralized Water 770ml ($2 to $3.9, or 95%); Ultra Fabric Softener 1L ($17 to $30.9, or 81.8%); Po Chai Pills 10's ($10 to $17.9, or 79%); Freshmint Toothpaste 120g ($25 to $43.9 or 75.6%).
The remainders 6 of the top 10 list (ranging from 73.5% to 46.3%) were: Medicated Oil 57ml ($17 to $29.5, or 73.5%); Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser 100g ($32 to $48.9, or 52.8%); Extra Safe Condom 12's ($40 to $59.5, or 48.8%); Chrysanthemum Tea Drink 250mlx6 ($13.8 to $20.5, or 48.6); Shredded Pork And Preserved Vegetable 240g ($9.5 to $13.9, or 46.3%); Tartar Control Antiseptic Mouthwash 1L ($43 to $62.9, or 46.3%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 18 items in this category at 13 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, individual supermarkets, grocery stores, health-and-beauty chains, retail wholesale and provisions outlets in the Sheung Shui District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 1.9% to 95%.
- Some shops and major supermarket chains in particular offered bulk purchase incentives. For example, 3 major supermarket chains offered Instant Noodle Chicken Flavour 100g at $26.4 for 8, averaging $3.3 each, while 1 grocery store offered $11 for 3, averaging $3.7 each, but the discounted price was still higher than the lowest unit price at an individual supermarket.
- So, bulk purchase discounts do not necessarily mean they are always of good buy, consumers are advised to shop around for price comparison and value.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 22 items in this category at 13 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 14.4% to 106.8%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chains were generally higher while those at drugstores were lower.
- Individual major supermarket chain offered gift of fast-food coupon for purchase of up to $60 Monday to Thursday until October 1.
- Some shops offered free gifts for designated goods. For example, 1 major supermarket chain offered bath lotion 100ml and 1 health-and-beauty chain offered mouthwash mug for the purchase of Tartar Control Antiseptic Mouthwash 1L.
- Some shops offered add-volume size. For sample, 3 drugstores offered 33% add-volume size to Freshmint Toothpaste 120g, thus better value than the price discount and gift offers of 2 health-and-beauty chains.
Results of the weekly price survey are available on the Council's website, its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of North District Office.