The Consumer Council today (December 1) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Tai Po.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Wet Wipes 10 wipes (from $5 to $12.8, or a price difference of 156%).
Following closely (between 87.5% and 60.6%) were: Tiger Balm (White) 19.4g ($12 to $22.5, or 87.5%); Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 220g ($6 to $10.8, or 80%); Lemon Tea 250ml × 6 ($12.9 to $21, or 62.8%); Aromatherapy (Anti-Stress) Bath 750ml ($18 to $28.9 or 60.6%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 60% to 44.4%) were: Orange Juice 450ml ($5 to $8, or 60%); Pure Peanut Oil 1L ($22 to $35, or 59.1%); Decongestant - Analgesic Ointment 28g ($17 to $26.9, or 58.2%); Treatment Shampoo (For Dry/Permed Hair) 750ml ($26 to $39.9, or 53.5%); Beancurd for Steaming 390ml ($4.5 to $6.5, or 44.4%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 19 items in this category at 18 retail outlets in Tai Po were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 0% to 80%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 21 items in this category at 15 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 9.6% to 156%.
- Overall, more highest unit prices were recorded at major supermarket and health-and-beauty chains than other retail outlets.
Fresh Produce
- Due to possible variations in the place of origin, quality, size or freshness of fresh produce, direct price comparison is considered not suitable.
- A total of 5 items from 1 to 4 stalls at the Jade Plaza Market, Tai Yuen Temporary Market, Fu Shin Market Market and 3 major supermarket chains were included in the survey for reference of consumers.
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.