The Consumer Council today (November 14) 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, Shatin.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Anti-Bacterial Wet Wipes 10's (from HK$5.5 to HK$10.9, or a price difference of 98.2%).
Following closely (between 87.5% and 72.5%) were: Sauce for Mapo Tofu 80g (HK$4 to HK$7.5, or 87.5%); Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 220g (HK$6.5 to HK$11.8, or 81.5%); Deep Cleansing Line Oil Control Cleanser 100g (HK$22 to HK$39, or 77.3%); Instant Japanese Fresh Noodle 200g (HK$4 to HK$6.9 or 72.5%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 65% to 54.4%) were: Expectorant 100ml (HK$30 to HK$49.5, or 65%); Furniture Polish (Rainshower) 330ml (HK$27 to HK$43.9, or 62.6%); Lipbalm SPF 15 3.5g (HK$16 to HK$25.9, or 61.9%); Sensitive Enamel Protect Fluoride Toothpaste 130g (HK$17 to HK$26.9, or 58.2%); One Minute Hair Treatment 150ml (HK$9 to HK$13.9, or 54.4%).
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 20 retail outlets in Tai Wai, Shatin were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 3.8% to 87.5%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 21 items in this category at 18 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 16.9% to 98.2%.
- 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 Tai Wai Market, Lung Hang Market, Hin Keng 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, its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Sha Tin District Office.