The Consumer Council today (January 26) 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 Wai.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Soothing Lotion (Oatmeal & Shea Butter) 532ml (from $20 to $48, or a price difference of 140%).
Following closely (between 85.7% and 77.1%) were: Soup Base for Chicken Hot Pot 60g ($3.5 to $6.5, or 85.7%); Beer 330ml ($2.5 to $4.5, or 80%); Black Bean Garlic Sauce 226g ($11 to $19.5, or 77.3%); Powerful Cream Cleaner (Lemon Fresh) 500ml ($7 to $12.4 or 77.1%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 75% to 53.6%) were: Quick Serve Macaroni (Wonton Broth) 80g ($2.8 to $4.9, or 75%); Pork Ribs with Preserved Vegetable 397g ($12 to $18.9, or 57.5%); Softwave Skincare Wipes 80's ($16 to $24.9, or 55.6%); Insecticidal Fumigator 10g ($52 to $79.9, or 53.7%); Hydration Party Moisturizing Shampoo 750ml ($39 to $59.9, or 53.6%).
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 20 retail outlets in Tai Wai were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 8.1% to 85.7%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 17 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 18.4% to 140%.
- 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 2 to 4 stalls at the Lung Hang Wet Market, Hin Keng Wet 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 Sha Tin District Office.