Consumer Watchdog Urges Online Shoppers To Beware

The chief executive of the Consumer Council, Gilly Wong, has called on businesses to do more to improve their services as shopping habits change amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking on RTHK’s Letter to Hong Kong, the head of the city’s consumer watchdog said a recent survey showed that 52 percent of Hong Kong people’s shopping was done online during the pandemic – a 12-percent increase compared to before the coronavirus.

But she said this has been accompanied by a spike in complaints related to online shopping.

“As of November this year, close to 13,000 complaints on online shopping have been lodged with the Council, which is more than a 200 percent increase compared to the same period last year,” she said.

Wong urged consumers to be vigilant with the New Year holidays and Lunar New Year coming soon.

“A recent survey on online supermarket services found blunders abound, such as delivery issues, order mix-ups and unsatisfactory condition of the goods and fresh food received,” Wong said.

“We recommend customers to protect themselves by checking the quality and quantity of products immediately upon receipt, while traders should also improve their service.”

Wong also pointed out that this reliance on online shopping and takeaway meals had led to a surge in packaging waste.

“I hope restaurants can proactively consider measures to tackle this issue, such as allowing customers to bring their own food containers for takeout meals.”