The Consumer Council today (July 14) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Tsing Yi.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: 2in1 Body Wash With Moisturizers 750ml (from $21 to $49.9, or a price difference of 137.6%).
Following closely (between 99.5% and 56.4%) were: Keratin Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Balanced Aqua Moisturizing - for Normal Hair) 750ml ($20 to $39.9, or 99.5%); Watermelon Frost Insufflations 3g ($14 to $26.5, or 89.3%); Ham Slices 200g ($12 to $19.9, or 65.8%); 360˚ Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothbrush (Ultra Soft) ($14 to $21.9 or 56.4%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 52.6% to 42.9%) were: Bath Soap 125g x 4's ($9.5 to $14.5, or 52.6%); Spiced Pork Cubes 142g ($7.9 to $12, or 51.9%); Seasoned Soy Sauce for Seafood 410ml ($9.9 to $15, or 51.5%); Chopped Pork and Ham 340g ($13.5 to $20, or 48.1%); Straw Mushrooms (Whole Unpeeled) 425g ($7 to $10, or 42.9%); Spicy Bake Mix 25g ($2.8 to $4, or 42.9%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 17 items in this category at 17 retail outlets in Tsing Yi were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 5.8% to 65.8%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 23 items in this category at 17 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 11.2% to 137.6%.
- Overall, more highest unit prices were recorded at major supermarket and health-and-beauty chains than other retail outlets.
The weekly survey covers, for price comparison, a broad range of retail outlets of different types located in the district under comparison, including major and individual supermarkets, health-and-beauty chains, frozen food and grocery stores, and drugstores.
It is common that many outlets will offer bulk-purchase incentives, add-size packs, gifts, rebates, etc. for purchase of designated products or up to a certain value.
Consumers, however, should note that promotional offers are not necessarily the best bargains (the lowest unit price) available on the items. They should shop around whenever possible and compare prices.
Results of the weekly price survey and analysis are available on the Council's website, its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Kwai Tsing District Office.