The Consumer Council today (September 15) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in North Point.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Protective Plaster (Sheer Type) 100 Strips (from $10 to $26.9, or a price difference of 169%).
Following closely (between 123.5% and 85%) were: Cough Mixture 177ml ($17 to $38, or 123.5%); Watermelon Frost Insufflations 3g ($12 to $26.5, or 120.8%); Yunnan Baiyao (Powder) 4g + 1 Safety Pill ($16 to $35, or 118.8%); All Shiny White Lime Mint Toothpaste 160g ($10 to $18.5 or 85%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 73.3% to 61.1%) were: Tse Koo Choy 5's ($15 to $26, or 73.3%); Oxy 10 Maximum Strength Acne-Pimple Medication 25g ($40 to $69, or 72.5%); Fleas & Mites Fumigator 10g ($50 to $83.9, or 67.8%); Sweetened Black Rice Vinegar 500ml ($11.5 to $18.9, or 64.3%); Intensive Damage Therapy Shampoo 700ml ($36 to $58, or 61.1%).
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 19 retail outlets in North Point were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 4.6% to 64.3%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 24 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 22.4% to 169%.
- 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 Eastern District Office.