Consumer Council Launches Price-Tracking App to Help HK Shoppers Save
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Consumer Council has launched the Online Price Watch (OPW) mobile application and an upgraded web version, enabling Hong Kong shoppers to compare prices across nine online retailers . The platform tracks approximately 2,800 products spanning supermarkets, health and beauty stores, cosmetics shops and pharmacies . Speaking on a radio programme, a representative from the council's director of research and studies division, surnamed Shum, highlighted that the app targets online prices but noted they may differ from physical store pricing . The app provides real-time price comparisons, seven-day price trends, promotional offers and average prices at a single tap .
Key Points
- The app tracks prices for about 2,800 products at nine online retailers covering supermarkets, health and beauty stores, cosmetics shops and pharmacies
- Users can access current prices, seven-day price trends, promotional offers and average prices with one tap
- A "Scan Barcode" function enables instant price comparisons for products when shopping in physical stores
- The "Target Price" alert notifies users when a product's price falls to their desired purchase level
- A "Budget" function allows users to compile shopping lists and compare total costs across different online retailers
Why It Matters
The OPW app addresses a pressing need in Hong Kong, where grocery and consumer goods prices have been rising amid economic pressures, empowering price-conscious shoppers to make informed purchasing decisions . By providing unit price information and historical price trends, the tool helps users distinguish genuine promotions from marketing tactics, promoting transparency in the retail market .
The OPW app addresses a pressing need in Hong Kong, where grocery and consumer goods prices have been rising amid economic pressures, empowering price-conscious shoppers to make informed purchasing decisions . By providing unit price information and historical price trends, the tool helps users distinguish genuine promotions from marketing tactics, promoting transparency in the retail market .