Shopping in Hong Kong - Criticism

Criticism

In the mix of competition, Hong Kong has a reputation for selling counterfeits and fakes. The mishap of paying for an item that turns out to be illegitimate is an ongoing problem. Items from bootleg CDs, clothing brands, watches to software have all been forged. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has introduced a plan to identify shops that offer a reliable service, via a 300-page book called "A Guide to Quality Shops and Restaurants". Divisions like ICAC have also taken part in the anti-corruption process. On the contrary, bargain hunting has been a controversial issue since local consumers often seek to buy imitation brand-named goods at well below market price value. However, in recent years, this problem has shifted to mainland China, where IP laws are not enforced as strongly and prices of these counterfeit products are even lower.

Warranties and return policies vary widely depending on stores. A majority will not allow refunds or exchanges if the items have been tampered with.

Hong Kong is also known for its tourist traps where shops deploy tactics such as "bait-and-switch" to cheat tourists. This is where a very attractive price is given for a product and once the tourist pays, she/he is told that either the product is out-of-stock or that it doesn’t include all the accessories, such as the battery charger, connection cords, etc., that it is supposed to include. A substituted product would then be proposed at the same price when the substituted product is in fact an inferior and a much cheaper product. Shops with bright neon lights displaying only famous brands such as Canon, Nikon, Nokia, etc., as their shop name, often deploy this tactic so it is best to avoid these shops. Tourists are advised not to pay for the goods until they have seen and checked the product, including its warranty, to their full satisfaction. There is a price comparison website, ShopCite, which can be used to check the prices of goods sold by large chain-stores and reputable shops in Hong Kong for general referencing.