Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has called on businesses to improve services for elderly customers after receiving more than 9,200 complaints in the past three years, including a woman who spent HK$400,000 (US$51,294) on beauty treatments.
The Consumer Council said on Thursday that improving services for seniors would help boost the spending potential of the “silver economy”, a priority for the city’s government amid a rapidly ageing population.
“The council urges traders to review their sales policies and provide tailored support for senior consumers,” it said.
“At the same time, the council reminds senior consumers to consider their actual needs when enticed with sales promotions, avoid purchasing excessive services or products, read and understand the relevant sales terms carefully before the transaction, and not rush into paying.”
Between 2023 and 2025, the watchdog received 9,206 complaints from seniors, defined as those aged 55 or above, with 2024 seeing the highest number at 3,827.
In one case, a woman in her 70s told the council that she spent more than HK$300,000 on beauty treatments between 2022 and 2023. But despite unfinished sessions, beauty parlour staff members continued to press her to purchase more, without mentioning remaining services or expiry dates.
HK$26,000, Sales promotions, Silver economy, Aging population, Beauty parlour, HK$105,000, HK$400,000, Sales representative, Senior consumers, HK$300,000, Error message, Smart TV, Consumer Council, Hong Kong, Elderly residents#Hong #Kong #consumer #watchdog #urges #elderly #services #complaints1768451520
000
Aging population
Beauty parlour
complaints
consumer
Consumer Council
elderly
Elderly residents
Error message
HK$105
HK$26
HK$300
HK$400
Hong
Hong Kong
Kong
Sales promotions
Sales representative
Senior consumers
Services
Silver economy
Smart TV
Urges
watchdog
Recent Post
Gallery
Featured Videos
