(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
The unit price tags are helping consumers to choose the products available at most competitive prices as they allow them to compare prices of similar products which are sold in different sized packs.
Almost all major shopping complexes and malls have started displaying unit prices with selling prices of packed products of varying weights, following the rules of Consumer Protection Department (CPD) which made it mandatory for commercial outlets measuring 400sqm and above initially.
The rule issued April last year meant to boost competition in the market and to protect the consumers' rights by allowing them to compare between the prices of products sold in different weights and sizes.
The outlets came under the preview of new rule were given six-month grace period to rectify their situation from the date of the issuance of new rule.
Unit pricing is a system that helps consumers to compare prices of groceries. It tells them how much different products would cost if they were sold in packs of the same weight or volume. By using standard units of measurement customers can easily compare the prices of products, regardless of their size or brand.
The Peninsula visited many places and found that all leading commercial complexes are abiding by CPD rule required displaying unit prices of the products showcased in their shelves regardless the size or quantity of the products.
Very few shelves of some outlets were found displaying only sale prices. The shopkeepers told The Peninsula that they were working to display the unit prices on all products and the remaining one will have both types pricing tags very soon.
A small box of few grams of mouth freshness were also found having unit prices at a shopping mall. All packs of different flavors and brands were available at QR1.5 per box but the unit prices of these products were different at QR93.75, QR75 and QR73.75 in term of per kg. It means the consumers can find in no time which one is expensive despite the sale prices of these products were same.
'I noticed the unit prices displayed on the products few weeks ago, a consumer told The Peninsula at a shopping complex in Old Airport Area. "The move is very import and useful for consumers especially for the countries like Qatar whereby the products imported from all over the world," he added.
There are products of many brands and varieties in different packs in the country. It was very difficult for a consumer to pick the rice at the most competitive price, for example, when it has only sales prices because of the differences in the packs. The unit price has solved the problem because it displayed per kg price of the product.
For example, the unit price of a famous rice brand displays QR6.5 per kg and it is easy to go by it. The size of the packets could be reduced to compete in the market fooling the customers as a marketing strategy but the unit price shows clearly which brand is most competitive.
'We have started displaying unit prices on the products a few months ago and now our entire products showcased in the shelves have both types of pricing," said the manager of a shopping complex.
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