Sunday, August 31, 2008

Does NTUC Fairprice give good value?

Dear Mr Tan,

I am an avid reader of your enlightening blog. I remember that you once cited that NTUC Fairprice offers the most economical pricings. What is your comment on the article below:

Price chart figures can be misleading

I refer to last Sunday's table titled 'At the shops', which compared the prices of food products in various supermarkets and wet markets in Singapore.

I have issues with the way in which the food prices were presented. At best, the figures require the readers to do some calculations to arrive at the right conclusions. At worst, the numbers mislead the readers into thinking that NTUC FairPrice always offers the most competitive prices.

For example, in citing the prices of kai lan, the table displayed FairPrice's pricing as $1/200g. This works out to $5/kg, which is higher than that in Sheng Siong supermarket ($2.50/kg) and Chung Ling Wet Market ($3/kg).

The comparative prices of cucumber and cai xin were also presented using sometimes different units of measure.

It turned out that in these instances, FairPrice's prices were the least competitive. From the table, it seemed FairPrice offered the most competitive pricing only for a carton of 10 eggs.

Most readers just want a quick look at the comparative prices. This being the case, the way the figures were presented can easily mislead the readers into thinking that FairPrice products are priced the lowest, when that may not be the case.

REPLY
It is a matter of opinion. Generally, Fairprice offers good value. Sheng Siong gives good value as well.

4 comments:

David said...

Actually price differences between the different supermarkets may not be an issue. Taken as a whole it may cancel out each other. It is also a matter of which is nearer for your convenience, otherwise even if cheaper at one, transport costs will add to it.
The main worry now is that inflation is not only still high but also still rising. I should know as I pay bills, do grocery shopping and eat out regularly. Although I can cope, I do not know how many others have difficulties because in Singapore widespread anger and discontent on this is not publicly shown, unlike other countries. Hence Singapore, although getting more crowded seems prosperous, developed and socially very stable, at least outwardly. Even a public protest on inflation organised by SDP got less than 20 people, including children, and hence all the adults got charged in court!
Maybe inflation is not that serious after all or affects only a minority.

hybridz said...

There can be no end to price comparisons between supermarkets. Agree that ultimately, convenience plays a part. In fact, we as consumers can look out for special promotions offered each week and decide whether it makes economical sense to purchase.

singaporenewsalternative said...

I have been surveying the prices of selected Fairprice groceries on montly basis since March this year. The lastest was done in Aug, and the report is contained here. There are certain items (like rice) which Fairprice is the most competitive, but eggs (10s) is not one of them. Last survey in Aug shows that Fairprice is selling it for $1.75 under its housebrand, while you can get it for $1.50 in Sheng Siong. There is no difference in size and quality as I have tried both of them. The next price survey will be done this week. Due to time constraint, I am only monitoring Fairprice, but am considering doing it for Sheng Siong too for price comparison sake. Maybe I will start for Sept :)

Anonymous said...

Price aside. Quality is important.
I know Seng Siong quality is not as fresh and good....

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