The Consumer Council today (September 15) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in North Point.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Total 12 (Professional Clean) Toothpaste 160g (from HK$13.9 to HK$24.9, or a price difference of 79.1%).
Following closely (between 72.5% and 59.5%) were: Soup Base for Chicken Hot Pot 60g (HK$4 to HK$6.9, or 72.5%); Cough Syrup F2 for Children 60ml (HK$18 to HK$30.9, or 71.7%); Green Tea (with Honey) 500ml (HK$6 to HK$9.9, or 65%); Aromatherapy (Anti-Stress) Bath 750ml (HK$20 to HK$31.9 or 59.5%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 56.4% to 51.8%) were: Peach Halves in Syrup 825g (HK$14 to HK$21.9, or 56.4%); Stew Pork Chop 256g (HK$14 to HK$21.9, or 56.4%); Insecticidal Fumigator 10g (HK$52 to HK$79.9, or 53.7%); Anti-perspirant (Dry Comfort) 150ml (HK$20 to HK$30.5, or 52.5%); Cream Cleanser 500ml (HK$8.5 to HK$12.9, or 51.8%).
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 13 retail outlets in North Point were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 0.8% to 72.5%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 21 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 14% to 79.1%.
- 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 Chun Yeung Street 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 are available on the Council's website, its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Eastern District Office.