Price Increase Question

[uplander01]

Tell them to go pound sand, I'd demand my deposit back, ......but you'll never get it. There are a lot of variables in the different areas, but 42% 40 days before the hunt I don't think so, sounds like a PH needs money, maybe his kids need to go to a better school LMAO. I guess it's up to you, if money doesn't mean much to you, go and enjoy, but it sounds to me like you have a bad feeling, usually wise to listen to that.

 

[JimP]

My question is, did you sign a contract stating the price?

If you didn't you are at the outfitters mercy on what is going to be charged. Anything with a substantial amount of money is going to change hands should have a signed contract in place.

 

[MacJenkins]

42% this close to the hunt is rediculous. Especially for SA.

The industry standard that I have seen over the last two decades for increases costs is only if it is government license or trophy fee increases. Remember this aroud 2010 timeframe in Tazania when the government doubled the Trophy fees. Zim government I remember doubled Buffalo trophy fee as well somewhere about a decade or a bit longer ago. That I totally understand and out of control of the outfitter.

But yours in SA, it sounds like they were not able to secure the ranch possibly they are hunting on and had to possibly change? Either way unless you get a reason you are comfortable with I would be looking to book a different hunt in it's place quickly. Should be doable.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

How have their trophy fees increased on each of the animals in your package in the last 2 years? Price increases are expected, BUT that seems excessive. Is there 1 specific animal that’s skyrocketed up in price for them like a Kudu that’s skewing things? Have they increased their day rates since then? Did you contract a price?

Personally I’d have a casual conversation with them. Maybe tell them that’s out of your budget you understand a 10% increase you know fuel prices are up, etc but that big of a jump you’re probably going to have to cancel since there was no other notice about the price increase being that much.

 

[gizmo]

That is absolutely unacceptable. I can understand having a 10% or so change on a hunt that was booked two years in advance but 40%, give me a break, and a couple weeks out..... No that is absolute BS and unacceptable business practice. Did you add or change or anything in the package to bring this on or did they just notify you they were jumping the price on you?

 

[coreydb]

All my hunting trips whether in Africa, Europe or the States, I always book out two years. Never have the outfitters upped their prices from the package/price offered at the time of my deposit.

 

[coreydb]

The price was always locked in at the time of my deposit.

 

[wesheltonj]

I will agree with everyone else, 42% is unacceptable a few weeks out. To me its sounds like (1) he did not control his own area and his new ranch cost him a lot more. (2) It's a put and take operation and his suppliers charged him more then he expected, plus his profit. Whatever the reason, I would be asking for my deposit back and booking elsewhere or demanding he honor the price.

 

[DAK]

Sounds like a scam but I agree, did you sign a contract where the pricing wasn’t locked in at time of deposit? Never heard of that but I guess it could exist? I know a few central Asian outfitters who have price escalation clauses but they limit to 10% per year if you’re booking more than 2yrs out. Never seen that with an African outfitter.

 

[C.Kovar]

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.

It increased 2100 dollars. We had 1000 dollar deposit.

 

[Newboomer]

It increased 2100 dollars. We had 1000 dollar deposit.

It increased 2100 dollars. We had 1000 dollar deposit.

I'd say try to negotiate a more reasonable increase. If that doesn't work cut your loss and go elsewhere. People like that are not to be trusted even if you can negotiate.

 

[pilar]

Unacceptable!
Sounds like my grandfather’s funeral, he prepaid for the service then when the funeral was about to start the funeral director said the cost of funeral services had increased In that time frame, and to cough up the gap cost , this contract should be honored within reasonable terms.

 

[gizmo]

If it's only $1000 deposit you'd lose you can tell him to pack it in his ass and still save $1100 booking elsewhere. @Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS can help you. Good people, fair, and honest. If the original outfitter is pulling this shit now, I can only imagine what other surprises will come up while there and afterwards. I did that on my first safari, ate the deposit with an outfitter that was not being fair on pricing and rebooked with a good and fair outfitter. I actually saved more in the long run as the animal prices alone made up for the lost deposit.

 

[csmcclain]

I would personally find another outfitter willing to take me for the total less deposit ($5,100). I would post the dates and target animals on here, see who responds with availability, then research hunt reports and book. If it starts bad before you leave, it will most likely weigh negatively on your mind the entire trip.

Between flights, taxidermy the package, tips, clearance, brokerage, and shipping, you're $10k+ in, not including if you add another animal. I would want my money to go where I'm happiest.

 

[Hogpatrol]

I'm with others, eat the thousand, contact some outfitters here to see if they can accommodate you. 42% is usurious.
Just curious, was this an auction hunt or connected to a previous auction hunt?