The Consumer Council today (June 30) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Aberdeen / Tin Wan.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Rice Flour 600g (from $5.5 to $11.1, or a price difference of 101.8%).
Following closely (between 65.6% and 52.4%) were: Soft Kiss Indulgent Beauty Bar 90g x 4 ($9 to $14.9, or 65.6%); Fresh Cut Whole Kernel Corn 432g ($5.5 to $8.9, or 61.8%); Cough Syrup F2 120ml ($28 to $42.9, or 53.2%); Intensive Damage Therapy Conditioner 700ml ($38 to $57.9 or 52.4%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 52.3% to 41.6%) were: Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans 227g ($13 to $19.8, or 52.3%); Pack Calcium Premium Cracker 197g ($9.9 to $14.9, or 50.5%); Antiseptic Mouthwash (Natural Citrus) 1L ($43.5 to $62.9, or 44.6%); Antiseptic Mouthwash (Natural Citrus) 1L ($28 to $39.9, or 42.5%); Sensitive with Fluoride Toothpaste 100ml ($19 to $26.9, or 41.6%).
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 16 retail outlets in Aberdeen/Tin Wan were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 4.6% to 101.8%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 16 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 14.4% to 65.6%.
- 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 Southern District Office.