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.