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Patronise QTS merchants
You can trust shops displaying the QTS sign because they must pass stringent annual quality assessments showing that they:
Compare prices
Do some comparison-shopping before you buy. Prices are usually clearly marked, particularly in shopping malls, department stores and chain stores. However, some small shops and street markets do not always display prices. Here, bargaining is possible.
Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags
To reduce the use of plastic shopping bags, the environmental levy scheme on plastic shopping bags commenced on 7 July 2009. Both chain and large supermarkets, convenience stores, and personal health and beauty product stores are required to charge HK$0.50 for each plastic shopping bag provided to customers. Customers are advised to bring their own shopping bags to avoid the levy. For more details about the environmental levy scheme, please click here.
Know your products
Make sure you know what you want in terms of model, features, prices, accessories and the warranty including its geographical coverage. Call the Consumer Council Hotline 2929 2222 for names of sole agents of popular brands.
Shop With Extra Peace Of Mind
To enhance consumer protection while shopping, amendments have been made to the Trade Descriptions Ordinance from 2 March 2009 in Hong Kong. The amendments to the law are aimed at improving sales practices in the retail business, including:
Be aware of parallel imports
Parallel imports are items brought into Hong Kong by someone other than the official import agent. Be aware that the reason parallel imports are usually cheaper is because they often offer a restricted guarantee or limited after-sale service.
Beware of bait-and-switch tactics
Watch out for the bait-and-switch tactics. Unscrupulous retailers showcase a product at an ambiguous price, but after getting a deposit, they claim the item is out of stock. They then try to sell an often-inferior item at an inflated price. Always look for clearly marked prices, shop around before you buy, know the product you want to buy, check for the included accessories and shop where you see the QTS sign.
Beware of touts (street traders)
Be cautious if approached by sales staff on the street. Don't buy from street touts, nor follow them to any warehouses or showrooms.
Inspect your products
Check the product before paying and make sure you have all the accessories that should be included.
Do not purchase pirated or fake goods
To protect your own interests, please do not purchase pirated or counterfeit goods. Hong Kong Customs is the enforcement agency responsible for intellectual property rights protection. For any enquiries, please call Customs 24-hour hotline at 2815 7711.
Check your receipts
Check your receipts and ensure that all details and verbal agreements are fully listed.
Credit card payment
Most Hong Kong shops accept credit cards. Check the credit card slip before signing it and remember to take your receipt. Credit card companies and/or banks issuing the cards may charge a currency-exchange fee on overseas purchases. Please check with your credit card issuer for further details.
- Provide clearly displayed prices;
- Display clearly product information; and
- Ensure superb customer service.
Compare prices
Do some comparison-shopping before you buy. Prices are usually clearly marked, particularly in shopping malls, department stores and chain stores. However, some small shops and street markets do not always display prices. Here, bargaining is possible.
Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags
To reduce the use of plastic shopping bags, the environmental levy scheme on plastic shopping bags commenced on 7 July 2009. Both chain and large supermarkets, convenience stores, and personal health and beauty product stores are required to charge HK$0.50 for each plastic shopping bag provided to customers. Customers are advised to bring their own shopping bags to avoid the levy. For more details about the environmental levy scheme, please click here.
Know your products
Make sure you know what you want in terms of model, features, prices, accessories and the warranty including its geographical coverage. Call the Consumer Council Hotline 2929 2222 for names of sole agents of popular brands.
Shop With Extra Peace Of Mind
To enhance consumer protection while shopping, amendments have been made to the Trade Descriptions Ordinance from 2 March 2009 in Hong Kong. The amendments to the law are aimed at improving sales practices in the retail business, including:
- making false representations regarding after-sale services and warranties for goods;
- misleading price indication;
- prices for five major types of electronic products (digital audio player, digital camcorder, digital camera, mobile phone and portable multimedia player) must indicate the basic accessories that are not included;
- false or misleading representation regarding connection with and endorsement by another person
Be aware of parallel imports
Parallel imports are items brought into Hong Kong by someone other than the official import agent. Be aware that the reason parallel imports are usually cheaper is because they often offer a restricted guarantee or limited after-sale service.
Beware of bait-and-switch tactics
Watch out for the bait-and-switch tactics. Unscrupulous retailers showcase a product at an ambiguous price, but after getting a deposit, they claim the item is out of stock. They then try to sell an often-inferior item at an inflated price. Always look for clearly marked prices, shop around before you buy, know the product you want to buy, check for the included accessories and shop where you see the QTS sign.
Beware of touts (street traders)
Be cautious if approached by sales staff on the street. Don't buy from street touts, nor follow them to any warehouses or showrooms.
Inspect your products
Check the product before paying and make sure you have all the accessories that should be included.
Do not purchase pirated or fake goods
To protect your own interests, please do not purchase pirated or counterfeit goods. Hong Kong Customs is the enforcement agency responsible for intellectual property rights protection. For any enquiries, please call Customs 24-hour hotline at 2815 7711.
Check your receipts
Check your receipts and ensure that all details and verbal agreements are fully listed.
Credit card payment
Most Hong Kong shops accept credit cards. Check the credit card slip before signing it and remember to take your receipt. Credit card companies and/or banks issuing the cards may charge a currency-exchange fee on overseas purchases. Please check with your credit card issuer for further details.
Advice on purchasing gold, jewellery and watches
- Only buy from reputable shops and get a proper receipt stating purchase details.
- By law, gold and platinum jewellery must be stamped with a purity hallmark.
- There are "4Cs" to consider when buying diamonds: carat, clarity, cut and colour. Get a laboratory report for guidance and insurance purposes.
- When shopping for pearls, check the origin, lustre, size and brilliance.
- When shopping for jade, check the type, quality and origin of the stone.
- In general, jade jewellery can be classified into 3 types below:
-Type A jade - refers to natural Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) which is not subjected to any form of chemical treatment. The jade is usually polished with colourless wax, however, its crystalline structure will not be damaged.
-Type B jade - refers to Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) which is chemically treated and resin impregnated to improve its lustrousness, with its crystalline structure being damaged.
-Type C jade - refers to Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) which is dyed to improve its colour. - Useful contact numbers: The Hong Kong Jewellers' & Goldsmiths' Association, (tel: 2543 9633). For diamonds and appraisals, contact the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, (tel: 2524 5081). For a list of gem testing laboratories, contact the Gemmological Association of Hong Kong, (tel: 2366 6006).
Group visitors who patronize a registered shop arranged by Travel Industry Council (TIC) members are entitled to full refund protection if they are dissatisfied with their purchases. To apply for a refund, visitors may contact their tour organizers or receiving agents. For details of the refund protection, please visit the TIC’s website or contact them at 2807 0707.
Monday to Friday 9am - 1pm, 2pm - 5:30pm, Saturday, 9am - 1pm. During non-office hours, Sundays, and public holidays, leave a message at the above hotline number, and the TIC will contact you on the next working day.
Consumer Assistance
Always keep your receipts and if you have any problems, contact the following organisations regarding:
Shopping or consumer rights
Consumer Council Hotline: 2929 2222
Monday to Friday, 9am – 5:30pm. During non-office hours, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays leave a message at the above hotline number.
Piracy or counterfeit products
Customs 24-hour hotline: 2815 7711
Serious disputes
Hong Kong Police: 999 (24 hours)
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Last update: 23 Oct 09. Best viewed with IE 6.0 / Firefox 1.5 or above in 1024x768 resolution
Copyright ©2007 Hong Kong Tourism Board. All rights reserved. Privacy policy & Terms of use
RSS |Last update: 23 Oct 09. Best viewed with IE 6.0 / Firefox 1.5 or above in 1024x768 resolution
Copyright ©2007 Hong Kong Tourism Board. All rights reserved. Privacy policy & Terms of use