HSBC launches limited edition sparrow set, with second-hand resale prices reaching HKD 38,000

HSBC Bank stated that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the completion of its fourth-generation headquarters building, and with the theme "Forty Years of Prosperity," it has launched a festive red packet set inspired by the headquarters building design, as well as a limited edition commemorative mahjong set. The commemorative mahjong set was made available for redemption on the HSBC Reward+ app on February 2nd and quickly flowed into the second-hand trading platform, with sellers pricing it between HKD 3,200 and HKD 38,888, sparking discussions on whether it is speculation or worth the price. HKD 3,888 "Reward Money" for Redemption, Limited to 400 Sets The HSBC Reward+ app opened the commemorative mahjong set for customer redemption on February 2nd, with a limited quantity of 400 sets. Customers can use HKD 3,888 "reward money" for priority redemption or use at least HKD 500 "reward money," with the balance paid using an HSBC credit card. After the launch of the commemorative mahjong set, the response was enthusiastic, and some stock quickly flowed into second-hand trading platforms. A reporter from Sing Tao Daily found that the selling prices varied significantly, generally ranging from about HKD 4,000 to HKD 9,000, but some sellers even listed prices as high as HKD 28,888 or HKD 38,888. Need to Spend Nearly One Million to Purchase "It's Not Just About Money" Regarding the high selling prices, there are voices questioning the enthusiasm of Hong Kong people for speculation. However, many rebutted, arguing that the high prices are justified and not merely speculation. Some analysts pointed out that if the general credit card spending rebate is about 0.4%, meaning spending HKD 250 earns HKD 1 "reward money," to accumulate HKD 3,888 "reward money," the actual spending amount needs to reach HKD 970,000. "I want to ask how this is speculation?" There are also opinions that the general public is accustomed to offsetting "reward money" against spending immediately, making it difficult to accumulate large amounts of points. This event clearly targets high-spending customers who are willing to spend to redeem their favorites, so the premium in the second-hand market is reasonable; some even stated, "It's not like you can just walk into the bank with HKD 3,888 and buy it," and "HSBC memorabilia, from red packets to Octopus cards, has always had a market value."