The Consumer Council today (October 20) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Tin Shui Wai North.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Bean Sauce 227g (from $8 to $15.9, or a price difference of 98.8%).
Following closely (between 81.1% and 49.5%) were: Hand Balsam 80ml ($9 to $16.3, or 81.1%); 3 in 1 Toilet Cleaner (Aqua Fresh) 750ml ($7.5 to $11.9, or 58.7%); Moisturising Shower Foam 2L ($24 to $37.9, or 57.9%); Lemon Mint Magsil Antacid / Anti-Gas 24 Tablets ($20 to $29.9 or 49.5%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 46.5% to 41.9%) were: Fabric Softener (Floral) 1L ($17 to $24.9, or 46.5%); Shiny Shine Enhancing Shampoo 750ml ($41.5 to $59.9, or 44.3%); Medicated Lipbalm 3.5g ($17 to $24.4, or 43.5%); Daily Pore Cleanser 100g ($26 to $36.9, or 41.9%); White Flower Embrocation Number 2 10ml ($15.5 to $22, or 41.9%).
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 12 retail outlets in Tin Shui Wai North were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 6% to 98.8%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 23 items in this category at 14 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 13.9% to 81.1%.
- 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 Yuen Long District Office.