The Consumer Council today (September 29) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Sun Chui/Lung Hang/Hin Keng, Shatin.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Foaming Hand Wash (Moisturizing) 300ml (from $14 to $30.3, or a price difference of 116.4%).
Following closely (between 79.6% and 65.8%) were: Premium Oyster Sauce 510g ($25 to $44.9, or 79.6%); One Minute Hair Treatment 150ml ($8 to $13.9, or 73.8%); Tropical Fruit Mix 850g ($10 to $16.9, or 69%); 4-ply Tissue (Gardenia) 15's ($12 to $19.9 or 65.8%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 62.5% to 49.4%) were: Seafood Soy Sauce 500ml ($8 to $13, or 62.5%); Salonpas 10 patches ($8 to $12.5, or 56.3%); Beauty Moisture Bath 1L ($32 to $49.9, or 55.9%); Furniture Polish (Lemon) 330ml ($26 to $39.8, or 53.1%); Sensitive with Fluoride Toothpaste 100ml ($18 to $26.9, or 49.4%).
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 19 retail outlets in Sun Chui/Lung Hang/Hin Keng, Shatin were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 12.5% to 79.6%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 22 items in this category at 14 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 8% to 116.4%.
- 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 Sha Tin District Office.