The Consumer Council today ( January 30) 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 Kok Tsui.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Cough Syrup 150ml (from HK$17 to HK$39, or a price difference of 129.4%).
Following closely (between 76.5% and 61.3%) were: Prepared Wasabi in Tube 43g (HK$8.5 to HK$15, or 76.5%); Healing Balm 10g (HK$17 to HK$28.9, or 70%); Chicken Franks 340.2g (HK$9.5 to HK$15.9, or 67.4%); Glutinous Rice Flour 600g (HK$8 to HK$12.9 or 61.3%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 61.1% to 55.6%) were: Bath Soap 115g × 4 (HK$9 to HK$14.5, or 61.1%); Worcestershire Sauce 150ml (HK$12.9 to HK$20.5, or 58.9%); Honey Cocktail Sausages 160g (HK$15 to HK$23.8, or 58.7%); Strain Relief Oil 50ml (HK$27 to HK$42, or 55.6%); Chinkiang Vinegar 600g (HK$9 to HK$14, or 55.6%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
- A total of 20 items in this category at 21 retail outlets in Tai Kok Tsui were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 0% to 76.5%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 19 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 13.9% to 129.4%.
- 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 3 stalls at the Tai Kok Tsui Market and 6 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 Yau Tsim Mong District Office.