ARE YOU buying a hamper this Christmas? It may be worth assembling it yourself.
Financial comparison site Mozo.com.au has price checked Christmas hampers from some of the nation’s most popular retailers and found shoppers could be paying almost 100 per cent more for a pre-assembled hamper than if they were to purchase the products independently.
Christmas hampers from David Jones, Myer, Chrisco, Gourmet Basket and Pamper Hamper were compared and Mozo found prices ranged from a measly to 14 per cent to a whopping 96 per cent more than product value
The site's director Kirsty Lamont said three out of the five hampers priced checked charged nearly double the value of the contents inside.
“While a beautifully assembled Christmas hamper can make for a wonderful and time-saving gift for family or friends, think twice about the price you’re paying for the convenience of a preassembled hamper," she said.
“If you buy a Christmas hamper, take the time to check the prices of products inside to avoid getting slugged. Alternatively, you can make your own hamper. A beautiful basket can cost as little as $10, add some cellophane and ribbon and your construction costs won’t amount to more than $20. Apart from cost saving, the great thing about making your own hamper is you can add personal touches for the recipient.
“To avoid being hit with overpriced Christmas presents, do your research this festive season and start shopping early. Shoppers often spend more money when they panic purchase on the days before Christmas. It’s still possible to get a great present for loved ones, without it costing the earth,” she said.
Gourmet Basket was found to be charging a 96 per cent increase on the product value with the hamper costing $179. When purchasing the products in the hamper independently, the total value was $91.34.
David Jones’ Christmas hamper cost $160 at checkout with an advertised 20 per cent discount, but when products were purchased independently they cost just under half the advertised price at $82.82.
Chrisco was found to offer the most competitive pricing with their $434.20 Christmas hamper containing $380.40 worth of product value, resulting in a 14 per cent increase in product value.
Myer’s Christmas hamper is priced at $200 basket and offers $105.71 in product value, an 89 per cent price increase. Pamper Hamper’s Christmas basket was priced at $196 while the product value was $111.82, a price increase of 75 per cent.
