The Consumer Council today (August 31) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Sau Mau Ping.
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 HK$10 to HK$26.9, or a price difference of 169%).
Following closely (between 134.5% and 61.3%) were: Rice Flour 600g (HK$5.5 to HK$12.9, or 134.5%); Mosquito Coils 10's (HK$5.5 to HK$9.9, or 80%); Sliced Mustard Tuber 3's 70g (HK$7 to HK$11.7, or 67.1%); Powerful Cream Cleanser (Lemon Fresh) 500ml (HK$8 to HK$12.9 or 61.3%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 56.7% to 41.4%) were: Fresh Cut Sliced Pineapple in Syrup 836g (HK$12 to HK$18.8, or 56.7%); Sichuan Hot Fermented Beancurd 130g (HK$6.5 to HK$9.9, or 52.3%); Niu-Huang Jie-Du-Pian 50 Sugar Coated Tablets (HK$18 to HK$26.5, or 47.2%); Dulcolax 100 tablets (HK$47 to HK$66.8, or 42.1%); Corn Starch 420g (HK$7 to HK$9.9, or 41.4%).
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 20 retail outlets in Sau Mau Ping were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 6.1% to 134.5%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 22 items in this category at 12 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 17.6% to 169%.
- 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 Sau Mau Ping Market, Po Tat Market and 2 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 Kwun Tong District Office.