Price Increase Question

[C.Kovar]

Question Guys, we booked a 3 animal package hunt in August of 2024. We paid a deposit at the time. We are 40 days out and just received a notice that the package price went up 42%. To be fair it did say price subject to change. So i guess our fault for not asking more questions. 42% just seems a little steep. Is this common practice for South African Hunting industry?

 

[Andrew62]

I’ve taken a lot of African safaris and I’ve never had that happen. I’m sorry to hear this for you!

 

[318AE]

I think if they take your deposit they should honor prices. I never had this happen. Depending on the deposit, it’s likely best to cut bait.

 

[Mekaniks]

42% on the total package sounds like a lot…

Can you tell us who the outfitter is?

 

[Spartan5]

Question Guys, we booked a 3 animal package hunt in August of 2024. We paid a deposit at the time. We are 40 days out and just received a notice that the package price went up 42%. To be fair it did say price subject to change. So i guess our fault for not asking more questions. 42% just seems a little steep. Is this common practice for South African Hunting industry?

That sounds like a crock. That increase should have been clearly communicated each year that the increase is X, and for sure at least 6 months out.

 

[MontanaPat]

Sounds like a rip off to me going up by that amount. I could understand them saying that the trophy price list has increased and any additional trophies taken are at the new current pricing but to do that on your existing package is a rather sleazy move. Day rates don’t typically increase by that high of a percentage in a 2 year time frame, maybe trophy fees do but not day rates which are probably half your package cost

 

[C.Kovar]

42% on the total package sounds like a lot…

Can you tell us who the outfitter is?

42% on the total package sounds like a lot…

Can you tell us who the outfitter is?

I don't really want to say at this time. I’ve been with this company once before and had a great time just not on a package hunt. We still plan on going and not sure i want to rock the boat just yet. I will update after we return.

 

[Spartan5]

Well I’m sure that 42% includes a built in tipping structure

 

[375Fox]

A 42% increase is unacceptable especially 40 days out. I’d say trust is broken and you should walk away regardless of the deposit. Professional organizations don’t pull that kind of bait and switch. They waited until they knew your plans were made and plane tickets bought to throw this at you. It would be very interesting to see the pricing offered if you said you were no longer coming.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I'd like to know the exact dollars involved. You might be able to get a much better deal even after losing the deposit. Fuel prices are messing things up for outfitters undoubtedly but I think 42% increase is way over the top. I expect to make some concessions when I go later this summer. Already have an idea on how we can cut driving costs substantially and I know it's what my PH would like to do anyway (staying at property rather than commuting to the lodge). I expect I can handle more legwork this year as the objectives are quite flexible. If I don't shoot a lot of animals it won't break my heart. But I've already shot a lot of them.

Hope you can get it sorted out.

 

[csmcclain]

I'd like to know the exact dollars involved. You might be able to get a much better deal even after losing the deposit.

My thoughts exactly. If it’s a $3000 basic package with a $1500 deposit, then it’s bad business, but you won’t do better. If it’s a $7500 package going to $10k+ with a $500 deposit, I’d be pulling the hunt and finding any other outfitter.

 

[grand veneur]

For the past year, prices for various items worldwide have increased by 30% and more. It is quite possible that outfitters are also suffering and can no longer offer their hunts to the original price.

What I still don't understand is why many of you book hunts so far in advance. It is impossible over a period of years to predict what will happen worldwide and also oneself. I book my hunts if possible not more then three months in advance, at times even shorter, and pay the full price. There was never a surprise regarding prices thereafter.

 

[mark-hunter]

Question Guys, we booked a 3 animal package hunt in August of 2024. We paid a deposit at the time. We are 40 days out and just received a notice that the package price went up 42%. To be fair it did say price subject to change. So i guess our fault for not asking more questions. 42% just seems a little steep. Is this common practice for South African Hunting industry?

I usually book the hunt for following season.
From 8 months up to 3 months in advance, and this has never happened to me in 5 safaris, in last 8 years.

Having said that, I remember there were few posts here when other hunters experienced the same.

This was not received well in this forum community.
But outfitter does have a right to change the pricing in last moment.

I follow my former outfiters pricing and annual offers. The prices go up gradually, from season to season. Sometimes they are steady, for three seasons or more. Key word is "gradually".
In 8 years for example kudu trophy fee came from 1400 to 2000 usd. But in 8 years, not in last minute just before boarding the plane.
And each increase in price came announced for next season

42% increase on short notice, is just too much in my opinion, and something smells fishy.
While it can be argued that you were supposed to ask more questions, the outfitter should have given you a notice, like... "be informed next year we will increase the prices by xyz %"

Yours now is to take it or leave it.
And his now is to refund you or not to refund you, in case you cancel the deal.
In case that you proceed with cancellation, the gentlemanly agreement would be to refund.

Personally I would never honor such business practice on my account, and I would cancel my plans and go to different outfitter, even in case he does not refund.

I would cut the losses and move on, and I would make sure this forum knows about it.

 

[RANCHERO Outfitters]

Question Guys, we booked a 3 animal package hunt in August of 2024. We paid a deposit at the time. We are 40 days out and just received a notice that the package price went up 42%. To be fair it did say price subject to change. So i guess our fault for not asking more questions. 42% just seems a little steep. Is this common practice for South African Hunting industry?

Thanks for raising this I think all hunters will question this.
While “price subject to change” does give some flexibility, there’s generally an expectation in the hunting industry that:
- Deposits lock in pricing, or at least
- Any increases are reasonable (typically single digit percentages), and
- Changes are communicated well in advance, not weeks before the hunt

If you budgeted for a $5000 package that is now $7100 man that is a big difference.
Sorry to hear this but this is not standard practice among most outfitters in South Africa.

I wish you all the best with your hunt.

 

[Charlie64]

.

What has gone up in price in RSA in the hunting industry other than fuel ? Next biggest cost is salaries & they are not up 40 % plus, then comes food & bev - ditto, your braai is not up 42 %, USD ZAR is pretty stable plus you are paying in USD so that is not really an issue. Taxes are same as well.

A 40 % hike on a hunt package!

You dont want to rock the boat by naming the outfitter but you are clearly not happy.

Let me ask a question .... how much was the deposit you put down & did you book direct with the PH Outfitter ?

.

 

[Spartan5]

I see a last minute cancellation hint just posted for near your timeframe here in this forum. Looks like it could hold an opportunity for you.

Thread 'Last Minute Cancellation Hunt - Deposit Already Paid'

Today at 1:28 AM

Dear AH Members,

I’ve just gotten off the phone with a good friend from Canada who was scheduled to hunt with me from 4–15 June. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, he is no longer able to make the trip this year. He has kindly offered his deposit to anyone who may be interested in taking his place.

I understand this is very short notice, but this is the only available window for this hunt. I currently have two options available:

Option 1: Double Buffalo Hunt – Zimbabwe (10 days)
Price: $21,000
This hunt can be taken by:

1 hunter pursuing two Cape buffalo, or
2...

• RANCHERO Outfitters
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Deals & offers

• 

 

[Altitude sickness]

If you like the outfit, I would offer a 10-15% increase and give them a chance to reconsider.

If not, ask one of the reputable member outfits here on AH if they can come close to your original deal.

Even if it cost me a little more to switch, I would rather hand my money to an honest outfit