The Consumer Council today (March 24) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Homantin.
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 $10 to $26.9, or a price difference of 169%).
Following closely (between 125% and 61.3%) were: Pei Pa Lo Cough Syrup 150ml ($16 to $36, or 125%); Coconut Milk 400ml ($8.3 to $16.9, or 103.6%); Chicken Franks 340.2g ($9 to $15.9, or 76.7%); Powerful Cream Cleaner (Lemon Fresh) 500ml ($8 to $12.9 or 61.3%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 61.1% to 42.1%) were: Imperial Leather Bath Soap 125g x 4 ($9 to $14.5, or 61.1%); Tooth and Gum Care Toothpaste 100ml ($9.9 to $15, or 51.5%); Chopped Pork and Ham 340g ($13.9 to $20.9, or 50.4%); Pure Corn Oil 600ml ($21.9 to $32, or 46.1%); Women Anti-Perspirant Deodorant (Oxygen) 40ml ($14 to $19.9, or 42.1%).
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 17 retail outlets in Homantin were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 4.8% to 103.6%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 14 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 10.4% to 169%.
- Overall, more highest unit prices were recorded at major supermarket and health-and-beauty chains than other retail outlets.
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 Kowloon City District Office.