Hong Kong Hotels - hongkong shopping

Overview
Hong Kong is famous for being a shoppers paradise and it is no wonder as the locals are crazy about it. With anything and everything on sale, from swanky malls, multi storey department stores, narrow streets of small stalls and vibrant night markets shopping is a way of life, a social activity and a form of recreation for many in Hong Kong. Whilst Hong Kong may no longer seem to be the bargain basement it used to be, it certainly has the variety, cutting edge fashion and quality shopping environment to keep Hong Kong as one of the best cities in Asia to shop.

There is no sales tax so usually the price tag is what you pay. Credit cards are widely accepted except in small shops and night markets where can still try your bargaining skills.

Smart Shopping Tips

	Shop around and compare prices before you decide to purchase the item, especially expensive items like watches, cameras etc.
	Deal only with reputable shops, such as members of the Hong Kong Tourism Board's Quality Tourism Services Scheme (they have a logo with a Chinese junk (boat) set next to a big golden Q with Chinese character for quality written black inside). Any partcipating retailer will have this displayed prominently at the premises.
	When you buy electrical or electronic items, do make sure that you get an international guarantee not a local guarantee.
	Test the good(s) before purchasing - make sure it works as advertised - this is especially important for electronic goods.
	Make sure what you buy is what is in the box before you leave the store. Once you have decided to purchase an item, purchase THAT item - Do Not let the sales staff go back and 'get a new one'. If that happens, read this sentence again from the beginning.
	Keep the sales receipt in case you need to return the merchandise.
	If coming just to shop, best to try and visit during the end-of-season sales (January-February and July-August). Prices are cut aywhere between 50% to 70% in most stores and boutiques.
	Make sure that what you buy is allowed to be imported into your country. As well, when buying electrical goods make sure it will work with your home country's electrical current.
	Bargaining used to be a norm in Hong Kong, except of course at the large departmental shops and branded chain stores. Nowdays however, prices are so competitive that it is hardly worth the effort, however you will always get a better deal paying cash than with a credit card as many shops add a small percentage for using cards.

Caveat Emptor Buyer Beware. The overwhelming majority of retailers in Hong Kong are fair and reputable businessmen and women. Unfortunately however not all are and with some 20 million tourists coming to Hong Kong each year unscrupolous retailers in Hong Kong have a seemingly unending supply of targets.

These know by the time you get back to your home country and find out you did not get what you paid for and your recourse is limited. The Hong Kong government and other Hong Kong retailers realised this as well and know that it is ultimately destructive for the entire economy.

As such the Hong Kong Tourism Board set up the Quality Tourism Services program to assist visitors to find shops (and restaurants) that can be trusted.

Participating retailers and restaurants will have a sign with a large letter 'Q' with chinese characters inside the 'Q' and a red junk (chinese boat) prominently displayed on the door. It will also have the validity (i.e. Valid for year 20XX) at the top of the sign.

Such establishments will have passed annual assessments that they:
1. Provide genuine products with clearly displayed prices;
2. Product information is clearly displayed; and
3. Staff have extensive product knowledge and training.

For a complete list of participating establishments (and it is extensive so you should have no problem locating a reputable retailer for anything you wish to buy) you can pick up a copy of 'A Guide to Quality Shops and Restaurants' from any Hong Kong Tourist Board Office.

That said shopping in Hong Kong doesn't have to be stressful. By being aware of some of the tricks, using common sense and shopping at retailers with the HKTB logo prominently display you can shop with confidence.

Watch out for questionable shops advertise big discounts especially along Nathan Road in the Tsim Sha Tsui area. This is often a bait and switch tatic - the item advertised is 'out of stock' "but wait, here's a 'nicer model' at a better price". If this happens best to just get up and leave.

Other reasons for unusually low prices: no international warranty (maybe no warranty at all), returned merchandise, missing components, or really expensive accessories. Keep in mind the age old adage 'If it is too good to be true - it probably is'

Many unreputable retailers become aggressive quickly with tourists who ask too many questions and are hesitatant to buy. If this happens just head for the door.