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Why are prams so expensive?

If you're a first time expecting parent (and even if you're not!), finding out how much a pram costs can be quite the shock. We've all had a giggle at some of the memes we've seen floating around on parent forums comparing the price of pram to more than our first car with our slapped on P-plates!

Like everything, the cost of a pram ranges depending on the model, brand and features. Some brands cost upwards of $1500, while others sit around the $600-$1000 price point. It's safe to say your pram purchase will be one of the biggest investments you make for your baby.

We're 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 purchases in your baby product kit.

We'll also show you the ways we provide both safety, designer style and unbeatable value to you and your growing family by selling directly to the you!

Retail mark up

Retailers mark up 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 very high price tags you see on some pram and stroller brands.

This is why Babybee sells exclusively online directly to you. By taking out the retailer and trade shows and instead selling directly to you online, we're able to pass these savings onto you and set our products at an accessible price point for Australian 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. While 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. While 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.

Another product feature determining cost will be the quality of materials used, ranging from the seat lining to the canopy and handlebar.

Babybee shines in this space, offering premium easy-clean fabrics that are soft on your baby's skin, in addition to our vegan-leather trim on our handlebars and belly bars, which gives the appearance and durability of leather without the maintenance (or price tag!).

So, is it worth buying new over second hand when it comes to a pram?

The cost of a pram can generally be justified once you examine all of its features, how its been made, the quality, product testing and how these factors contribute to its overall safety, durability and longevity.

However, you may be considering opting for a second-hand pram. The biggest issue when buying a second hand pram is the lack of liability and warranty. When you buy a pram new, you will be put on the manufacturer's or retailer's databse, who will be able to service your warranty, offer customer service or keep you updated if there's ever a product recall. If you're buying second hand on a market place or through a friend of a friend, the warranty will be voided (as they are most often only valid for the original purchaser only) and you're less likely to be contacted if there's a recall as your details will not be on file.

Buying new also means your entitled to a manufacturer's warranty. At Babybee, we offer a three-year warranty. Most prams are suited from newbron to when your child is four-years-of-age, which means this extended warranty almost covers the full life span of the product itself.

If you have any questions at all about the pram buying process, be sure to contact our friendly Melbourne-based customer service team here.

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