Hong Kong Shopping Advice
The Hong Kong Tourism Board offers two golden rules for shoppers:
1. Shop around and compare prices before you make any decision to buy, particularly for an expensive purchase.
2. Always deal with reputable establishments, such as members of the Hong Kong Tourism Board's Quality Tourism Services Scheme which is identifiable by the logo of a red junk set next to a big golden Q with the Chinese character for quality written in black inside. The sign should be displayed prominently on the premises.
Make sure when buying electrical goods that you get an international guarantee and not just a local Hong Kong guarantee. Sometimes goods that seem suspiciously cheap may not have this guarantee. It is rare for local retailers to accept responsibility for faulty goods. Instead, you will have to return them to the manufacturer for repair.
The problem of retailers cheating tourists was rife a few years ago, but has been brought much more under control. However, if you do have a problem you should contact the HKTB or the Consumer Council (Tel: 2929 2222). Both organizations are keen to protect Hong Kong's shopping reputation and will offer whatever assistance they can. Calling in a police officer in a case of very obvious cheating can also be helpful, as shopkeepers do not wish to waste their time getting into disputes and do not like to have their reputation publicly damaged by the appearance of the police.
Shopkeepers may often appear to be rather rude and impatient. It's partly just the way that Hong Kong English sounds and partly the pace of life in Hong Kong. There is a fine line to be drawn between rude and unhelpful shopkeepers and those who just practice the normal Hong Kong behavior of trying to do things quickly. Shopkeepers rely on fast turnover to make profits, so you may find them unwilling to devote much time to ponderous tourists who are taking a lot of time over a relatively small purchase.