Why Are Nature Climbing Holds So Expensive? A Detailed Look at Our Production Cost
The True Cost of Nature Climbing Holds: A Detailed Look at Our Cost & Pricing
At Nature Climbing, we often hear one of the most popular questions: Why are Nature Climbing holds so expensive? While our holds may come at a higher price compared to mass-produced plastic alternatives, the investment is justified by the unique value we provide. In this article, we delve into the specific factors that contribute to the cost of our holds and why they are worth every penny.
Premium Material Sourcing
One of the key reasons for the higher cost of our granite climbing holds is the sourcing of premium materials. We select granite from specific locations in Norway and Finland known for their high-quality rock. Even though we pride ourselves in working with a left-over rock that we repurpose, we still have to pay for it and get it to our workshop.
In the past, we would personally drive to Norway, filling our car with selected stones. While this approach ensured top quality, it wasn't viable in the long term. Now, we ship the granite to Denmark, adding logistical costs. The process of selecting rock that won't crack and provides an exceptional climbing experience requires time, intuition, and expertise.
Additionally, we use FSC-certified wood, which is significantly more expensive than non-certified alternatives sourced from outside the EU. The Forest Stewardship Council certification guarantees that the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.
Higher Production Costs in Denmark
Producing our climbing holds in Denmark involves higher costs, but this is a conscious choice. Danish wages and taxes are among the highest globally, reflecting the country's commitment to fair labor practices and social welfare. We believe in providing a quality life for ourselves and our families, as well as contributing to the local economy and climbing community.
Our skilled employees are compensated fairly, ensuring that their expertise and hard work are recognized. This ethical approach is a cornerstone of our operations, even though it increases production costs.
Craftsmanship and Uniqueness
Each Nature Climbing hold is a unique piece, handcrafted by climbers and artisans. Unlike mass-produced plastic holds, our holds require significant time and expertise to produce. The process involves careful selection of materials, detailed design work, and hands-on crafting, which cannot be rushed.
Every hold is one of a kind, providing a distinctive and authentic climbing experience. The time invested in creating each hold ensures unparalleled quality and durability.
Time and Individuality
The production time for each hold is considerable, for some of our Stone Woodies, it might take up to 2 days to get product ready. The careful selection of materials, combined with the intricate crafting process, means our holds are not scalable in the same way as plastic holds. We cannot outsource the handling of granite or achieve the same level of craftsmanship at a lower cost since there's no one who is experienced and competent enough to do that.
Each hold embodies the patience and skill of our artisans, resulting in a product that stands out in both performance and appearance.
Commitment to Ethical Practices
Our commitment to ethical practices extends beyond fair wages. We ensure that all our operations are environmentally responsible and socially equitable. This includes paying taxes in Denmark, which supports the country's robust social and environmental programs. We pay a minimum of 20 EUR per hour for our workshop employees. These practices naturally increase our operating costs but align with our core values of sustainability and social responsibility.
Shipping and Logistics
Our products are usually quite heavy, and while we cover the shipping costs most of the time, this factor is reflected in the price. Despite the higher shipping costs, we believe in delivering a product that maintains its integrity and quality, ensuring our customers receive the best climbing experience.
Longevity and Durability
Our products are designed to last forever, and we mean it. Unlike plastic holds, which wear and tear over time, Nature Climbing holds maintain their integrity and performance. This long-lasting durability represents a significant value, as you won't need to replace them frequently, making them a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Conclusion
Producing bespoke, sustainable, and rugged climbing holds requires significant time, patience, and resources. The higher cost of Nature Climbing holds reflects our commitment to sourcing premium materials, fair labor practices, and unparalleled craftsmanship. When you invest in our holds, you are supporting a brand dedicated to quality, sustainability, and ethical production.
By understanding the factors that contribute to the cost of our holds, it becomes clear why they are more expensive than mass-produced plastic alternatives. This investment not only ensures a superior climbing experience but also supports a sustainable and responsible approach to manufacturing.
Lastly, the more your order, the cheaper it gets. We are open to work with distributors and climbing chains and offer really good prices, in order to get as many climbers as possible to climb on our holds.