The Consumer Council today (August 18) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Tai Po Hui/Wan Tau Tong.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Fabric Softener (Antibacterial Deo Fresh) 1L (from $18 to $38.9, or a price difference of 116.1%).
Following closely (between 79.3% and 53.4%) were: Sensitive with Fluoride Toothpaste 100ml ($15 to $26.9, or 79.3%); Glutinous Rice Dumpling 3's ($7.8 to $12.9, or 65.4%); Pork and Ham 198g ($7.9 to $12.5, or 58.2%); Instant Peanut Dessert 200g ($5.8 to $8.9 or 53.4%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 53.1% to 43.5%) were: Furniture Polish (Lemon) 330ml ($26 to $39.8, or 53.1%); Ultra Balm 70ml ($22 to $33, or 50%); Chest Congestion 100ml ($28 to $41.5, or 48.2%); 1+2 Coffee 22 Pack ($19.9 to $28.9, or 45.2%); Top Super Soft Detergent 2.3kg ($29.9 to $42.9, or 43.5%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 20 items in this category at 11 retail outlets in Tai Po were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 5.6% to 65.4%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 15 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 13.4% to 116.1%.
- 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 Tai Po District Office.