For decades, Hong Kong has been thought of as a bargain shopper's paradise and visitors returning home from shopping sprees in the past had the goods and prices to prove it. Cameras, watches, jewelry and tailored clothing, costing less than just about anywhere else in the world, were staple acquisitions made during most tourists and business trips. But the record-breaking property market of the late 1970's hastened the great Hong Kong Bargain to extinction; some rents increased 80-fold in a three year period. You can still save money but don't think in terms of bargains. What you will get is good value.
There are two factors that should work in tandem when you are shopping in Hong Kong: bartering ability and your knowledge of a particular category.
Be it in a subtle fashion or downright blatantly, there are retailers who will take utmost advantage of a shopper's lack of information. The guidelines below will reduce their opportunity. In stores where barter is standard fare, hone your skills making any investments. Some if the information is not generally known outside the trades; use it to learn, not accuse. Even a substantiated accusation will be denied and you will not have improved your position in the least. You can, however, reveal you're aware of these practices. It won't open any floodgates but it could possibly encourage reputable dealers to discuss them any further.
A major adjustment many first-time shoppers in Hong Kong have to make is assuming the role of a hard-bargaining consumer. Shed the entire concept of sales' courtesy and service because, unless you are quoted a wildly inflated price, you will not receive either. Also non-existent is advice; if you don't know exactly what you want or what's available you're at their mercy. It's up to you to learn and the only way is to shop as many stores as possible, making tentative inquiries along the way and boldly challenging trumped-up claims. It's the most effective way towards becoming a sharp customer.
Here are some tips when shopping in Hongkong:
1. Only buy from a store who is a member of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (previously known as Hong Kong Tourist Association) - If you have any complaints to make about a shop later, you have somewhere to turn and they will be investigated.
2. Shop several stores. Compare the range of prices and qualities.
3. Before paying for any purchase, ask for a receipt. Make sure the clerk dates and stamps the receipt with the company chop if they have one. Any product with a serial number should be recorded on the receipt and checked against the guarantee.
4. Look at the guarantee. Is it worldwide or for local use only?
5. If you wear corrective lenses and shop for frames in Hong Kong, there are some things you should know about before having a prescription filled. It's strongly recommended that you call the Hong Kong Tourism Board (previously known as Hong Kong Tourist Association) or Hong Kong Optometric Association for the name if a qualified optometrist near your hotel.