From Waste to Worth: 4 Tips for Using Defective or Past-BBD Products

Smarter Shopping to Save Money and Protect the Planet!

In today's world, we’re all about reducing waste and embracing sustainability. That’s why more people are turning to products with minor defects or those near their expiration date—sometimes even slightly past it! To support your eco-friendly shopping habits, Spot On has launched the Spot On Green section. Here, you can snag your favourite items with slight imperfections at unbeatable prices.

We get it, though—if you’re new to this, it can feel a bit daunting. That’s why we’ve put together four key tips—Look, Smell, Inspect, and Touch—to help you confidently choose and use these products. Save money, reduce waste, and discover safe, reliable treasures!

1. Look: Scrutinise the Packaging

When picking up products with slightly damaged packaging, check if the damage affects the item itself. Small dents or folds usually don’t compromise quality. However, if the packaging is significantly damaged, exposing the contents or causing leakage, it’s best to steer clear.

For near-expiration or expired food products, scrutinise the appearance before buying. Avoid any food with bloated packaging—it signals microbial action that could spoil the food. Transparent packaging makes it easier to spot colour changes, mould, or oil-water separation. Always ensure the product isn’t spoiled before purchasing.

2. Smell: Observe Changes in Odour

Odour is a telltale sign of a product’s condition, especially for skincare items and food. Not all products can be opened to check, but if samples of the same batch are available or the staff can assist, smelling is a great way to assess quality.

If you can’t smell the product before buying, give it a good sniff before using it. Sour or rotten odours in food indicate spoilage. For skincare and cleaning products, a fading fragrance over time is normal, but a strong, unexpected chemical odour means it’s time to say goodbye.

3. Inspect: Check the Storage Environment

The storage environment significantly impacts product quality beyond packaging and expiration dates. In hot and humid places like Hong Kong, products stored in poorly ventilated or humid areas, and those exposed to direct sunlight, are more prone to spoilage. This impact is even more significant for damaged or expired products.

For food and drinks kept in refrigerators, ensure that the temperature—especially in open-air display refrigerators—is low enough to keep items safe. Inspect the store’s environment, and if in doubt, ask the staff about their storage practices. They’ll be happy to help!

4. Touch: Pay Attention to Texture Changes

Texture changes can indicate spoilage, particularly in personal care and cleaning products. For instance, moisturisers that separate or gel products that become watery should be discarded.

If you’re buying expired products, check them before each use, as their quality can degrade over time.

See It for Yourself!

The key is to assess the product’s actual condition before buying. At Spot On’s Kowloon Bay store, you can inspect products with minor defects firsthand.

For our online shoppers, rest assured we’ve done all the inspections for you. Products in the Spot On Green collection meet our quality standards, ensuring you get the best value.

Only Buy What You Will Use!

While buying defective products helps reduce waste, it’s crucial to use them promptly. For food past their BBD, ensure you can consume it within two weeks (or longer for canned foods). For daily necessities, use them up ASAP to maintain quality.

Now that you know what to look for when purchasing products with minor defects, do you feel more confident? Remember, smart consumption not only saves you money but also helps protect the environment. So join us in turning waste into worth and start making greener choices today!

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