Hong Kong Shopping Tips

Shopping is one of the most fascinating activities in Hong Kong, if not the most.

When I was a kid, I used to have a lot of questions, like:

“Why are women gifted with super-charged legs, which will never get tired even after several hours of marching and shopping?"

“Why was this shopping center built like a maze, which had no exit at all.”

“Where is the ambulance when my legs seem to be falling apart?”

Here are eight Hong Kong shopping tips which will save you money and time, when you do your shopping in Hong Kong.

Tip #1 – Price Comparison

Don’t fork out your hard-earned cash easily.

If you are sure what you want to buy, go and compare three to four vendors before payment. You will be glad you did.

Tip #2 – Purchase Impulse

Hold onto your wallet/ pulse, when you land at a particular store, that offers exactly what you want.

If you don't, you may get upset at yourself a couple minutes later, when you see the same merchandise is being offered 20-30% less than what you’ve just paid for.

Tip #3 – Don't’ Beat Up Yourself

Okay, if you don't learn Tip #2, this one will save you from grieving ;)

I know it from my personal experience - it’s a kick in the stomach, when you see your item is being offered 10-20% lower than what you’ve just paid for, 2 minutes after you've just made your purchase.

No matter what, Hong Kong merchandise is already a bargain. If you can grab things you've wanted at further discount, that’s a bonus.

Tip #4 - Bulk Purchase Discount

Many local shoppers don’t realize this. You should always try to centralize all your purchase at a particular shop, after doing the price comparsion. If you ask the shop-keeper nicely, “May I have a little more discount, since I am planning to buy so many items from you?”

You will be surprised – nine out of ten times, you will be able to save a few more bucks, if you are just bold enough to ask.

Don’t feel embarrassed. It’s part of culture, and you will be regarded as a smart shopper.

I have known some quite a few vendors who give me special discounts. Even a local Hong Konger, I have to ask for discount, everytime. :)

Believe me, shop-keepers are more than willing to give you discount.

Tip #5 – Accept Rejection

Don’t cry if your request for discount is rejected.

Not every shop-owner is that nice.

That's why I said nine out of ten in Tip #4 above.

Tip #6 – Replacement Period

Ask the shop-keeper if there is any replacement period. Usually, digital or computing products usually have a seven to ten days replacement period, i.e., if your item is damaged or defective within the period, you may ask for a replacement, free of charge.

Do try out your new item extensively, before the replacement period is gone.

Note: No 30 days guarantee refund policy, like Fry’s in the State. Never ever expect one.

Tip #7 – Keeping your receipt intact

Get a receipt, even though you don't like one, and keep it as long as you may need it for replacement.

A receipt is especially useful when your item carries a replacement period.

Besides, a receipt is a strong proof against embarrassment, when you visit other stores later.

Tip #8 - Final check.

This one should be by far the most important.

Be sure you are buying something you need, not just what you want.

Seeking advice from shop-keepers, e.g. how long a particular product has been in the market and how popular is certain item may not be useful. Save those questions to yourself. You need to ask yourself if that particular product shall meet your need.

In general, shop-keepers are just salespersons who know little or nothing, more than the cash in your wallet.

Make up your mind before you decide to spend/ waste your day in an overly-crowded shopping center.

Again, ask yourself this question three times:

“What is the single reason that I am buying this product?”

This will keep you away from stacking up junk at your basement/ garage.

In the end, it’s you who know what you want/ need, not the shop-keepers.

I hope I have provided some guideline for you to enjoy Hong Kong shopping, but again, this guideline aims to help you save money and hassle, but not time - you have to do the walking yourself and compare prices. That’s the essence of shopping, which my mom taught me years ago. :)

I wish you would find your dream items at a bargain in Hong Kong.

If you find anything interesting regarding to Hong Kong shopping, please share it with us by emailing at the address below.

I await to hear your fabulour Hong Kong shopping stories.