For many women, finding out how much a pram costs can be quite the shock (I can still hear my husband's voice stating “is it made from gold or something?” in my head from when we first looked at prams). With some brands costing upwards of $1500, and mid-tier brands usually sitting around the $600-1000 price point, it certainly is a big hit to the back pocket.
We are all about transparency at Babybee so let's get into the nitty-gritty and explain the factors that contribute towards prams being one of the biggest investments you will make for your baby.
RETAIL MARK UP
Retailers markup pram and strollers anywhere between 50-90%, so unfortunately a lot of what you pay for has nothing to do with the pram itself or any additional features. For larger international brands, retailers are given the responsibility of setting their own price so that it can cover domestic marketing, including trade shows or advertising, further contributing towards some of the seemingly ridiculous price tags you see on some pram and stroller brands.
This is why Babybee sells exclusively online - taking out the retailer middle man, and ensuring our products are set at an accessible price point for Aussie families.
QUALITY CONTROL
Outside of the obvious manufacturing costs (which we will delve into later), quality control contributes a considerable amount towards the total cost of a pram. Whilst some brands rely solely on their manufacturer to implement quality control measures - a decision that can result in product faults and recalls - high-quality brands will implement rigorous quality control tests by third-party providers to ensure the quality and reputation of the brand isn't compromised.
In case you were wondering, Babybee prams are independently lab tested for rigorous quality control testing to comply with all Australian Standards for safety and durability.
PRODUCT FEATURES
When it comes to the product itself, not all prams are created equal. The cheapest prams on the market (often referred to as Umbrella Prams) are usually made from plastic, with small, easily penetrable wheels and are suited for use for quick strolls through the supermarket. They won’t be suited for use with newborns, and you’re unlikely to get much more than a year or two use.
When you’re investing in mid to top tier pram brands, most brands will rely on aluminium for its frame to ensure maximum durability and longevity. Whilst some brands are renowned for being extremely heavy and hard to maneuver, some brands will focus on sourcing extremely lightweight aluminium frames to ensure the stroller is as lightweight and easy to maneuver as possible, increasing the cost. The wheels found on a pram will also greatly influence its cost, with air tyres and tyres that do not offer 360-degree swivel costing considerably less to manufacture than puncture-proof rubber based wheels.