Push golf carts provide golfers with a simple and unique carting situation which is enjoyable, easy to tweak, and better for their health.
Rather than relying on a motor to get them from where they are to where they need to go, they need to push the cart through the course and can get a little exercise at the same time.
However, some golfers may be surprised to find these golf carts are so expensive—much more so than may seem reasonable to some.
Though not as expensive as traditional motorized golf carts, push golf carts range in price from just over $150 for the lowest priced option all the way up to $1,700 or even $2,000 for the highest-priced option.
What exactly is it that drives up the prices of these push golf carts to levels that probably seem unrealistic to many golfers?
Is there anything a golfer can do to bring these prices down, or are they actually going to have to pay these high prices for their carts?
Let’s find out the answers to these questions and others by examining the five most common reasons these carts are so expensive.
After we have discussed these points, we’ll give you an idea of how you can save money on these carts and avoid a heavy investment.
Why Are Push Golf Carts So Expensive?
The five most common reasons golf push carts are expensive include difficult and complex design concepts, expensive and specialized materials, a diverse range of uses and choices for each cart, a high demand, and the supply chain issues which are currently disrupting the market.
Each of these points is somewhat connected to others, and they intertwine in a variety of unique ways to create a challenging situation golf cart owners need to fully understand and manage.
In each sub-section below, we’ll break down more about each of these ideas and give you a better idea of why they have so much of an influence on push golf cart prices.
Then, we’ll examine different ways you may be able to counter these complex issues and find a push golf cart which suits your needs.
Some of these problems cannot be fully overcome, unfortunately, but by understanding a few workarounds for them, you can at least take some of the excessive price off these carts and save yourself a little cash.
5. Complex Design Concepts
Though a push golf cart may seem like a fairly simple vehicle for golf cart owners, they actually possess a surprising array of complex designs.
Just think of the average push cart for a moment.
They usually have between two and four wheels on their chassis which must be properly balanced.
Beyond that, they utilize concepts which allow them to fold up for easier storage and a myriad of storage containers along their sides to help to hold your golf balls, drinks, and a variety of other elements as you golf.
These complex design options necessitate a somewhat challenging manufacturing process that ensures the prices of push carts remain high.
The more complex your cart, the higher the price, as well.
This is why you see two-wheel carts with such lower prices than those with four wheels.
Though it is possible to cut back on the complexity of your cart in some areas, their innately complicated chassis will always keep the price a little high.
Few carts of this type ever drop below $200 or $300 at the least.
4. Expensive Materials
Although the materials used to build a push golf cart aren’t necessarily too expensive in and of themselves, the preparation process needed to produce them can drive up their price.
For example, some carts may have a full metal chassis that uses various types of stainless steel designed to prevent rust.
When using these materials, the price naturally is higher than if the cart had been manufactured with an alternative option, such as various types of plastics or even heavier metals that may be more prone to rusting, and therefore, it is pricier.
Beyond that, there are many small pieces on these carts, such as various connectors and other items – which have to be specially crafted for them.
The process of crafting them is a specialization which requires unique processes and techniques designed for each specific cart.
As a result, a cart that requires more unique parts is going to cost more than one which may use more universal options.
Maintenance on carts with more specialized part is also going to be higher, further influencing the price of the cart.
3. Diverse Range of Uses
The unique nature of push golf carts might make them seem like they would be more of a niche product than anything.
In a way, that perception is correct, and this is partially why their price is a little higher than you might anticipate.
As these carts are used for what can be considered a pretty unique and specific market, the manufacturers can increase their prices accordingly.
While this may not seem fair in many ways, it is a method of pricing which helps to guarantee they can make a profit and stay in business.
However, the diverse nature of many of these push carts also drives up their prices in certain ways.
For example, a push golf cart has adjustable height and control settings and can be adjusted to run on two to four wheels, depending on its design.
Each of these elements drives up the price of a push cart and makes those with a more diverse range of uses even more expensive.
As a result, those who want to save money may need to find a cart that isn’t as diverse in its design, but which isn’t as useful—a Catch-22 that’s hard to fight.
2. Supply Chain Disruptions
Many push golf carts are manufactured overseas to cut down on expenses, and they need to be shipped elsewhere.
This situation makes the supply chain for these carts more complex than other types of golf equipment manufactured within the country.
The supply chain refers to how a product gets from the warehouse or manufacturing facility where it is stored to the seller.
If there is a disruption of this chain—which can happen due to various types of complications—push cart prices will go up accordingly.
These disruptions are more intense during the Covid-19 era and may continue to be a difficulty for a year or so after the disease is finally gotten under control.
However, the supply chain for push carts can often be stretched thin during certain times of the year, such as summer and Christmas.
Summer is when most people will be buying these carts to get out on the links, meaning the supply chain needs to up its game.
However, the Christmas buying season is also a popular time for many people to gift these carts to loved ones or even to themselves.
1. High Demand for Carts
The number one most influential reason for push golf carts being so expensive is that there is such a high demand for them.
This problem and the second most common interact in a variety of ways, as you can imagine, because if the supply chain is not fully operational, the price goes up with the demand even more.
Why are these golf carts in such a high demand right now?
Will that demand ever go down in the upcoming years?
Let’s take a look at a few simple facts to give you an idea of why so many people like you want these golf carts.
First of all, many golfers are finding they either cannot afford a golf cart on their own or simply want to walk more on the course.
On a public golf course, they’ll be able to rent a cart, obviously, but some may want to cut down on their golfing investments and save themselves some money.
Others may just prefer to exercise more and want to keep their bodies moving on the course with a push golf cart.
During 2020 and beyond, the threat of Covid-19 infection has made the push golf cart even more popular than ever.
Social distancing guidelines make it critical for friends on the course to give each other distance in a way other types of carts cannot.
As the popularity of these carts has increased during the pandemic, after it has been properly handled, they are likely to remain just as popular.
As a result, golfers who want one will need to make sure that they are ready to handle the possible expenses involved.
Fighting These High Prices
Though many of these market concepts can seem like they are impossible to combat, there are always ways you can cut some of the cost off of a product.
By understanding a few of these simple concepts, you can potentially find a push golf cart which meets your needs and fits within your budget.
Some of these elements may be a bit out of your control in some circumstances, unfortunately, but if you are clever and take the time to understand them, you can improve your chances of finding a cart without any difficulty.
1. Cut Down on Your Cart Options
If you are struggling to find a push cart that meets your budget restrictions and you aren’t afraid to limit yourself a little, it may be a good idea to cut back on your options.
What we mean by this is that you can try to find a cart which is a little more basic and not quite as detailed in its design.
For instance, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars or more by buying a two-wheel cart instead of a four-wheel one.
These two-wheel carts come with a stand which creates a tripod-style design that ensures your cart doesn’t fall over while you golf.
You can also cut back on other items which may not be strictly necessary, such as solar-powered batteries for charging, various types of storage pockets, and more.
You can also buy from a more general manufacturer instead of a specialized one, but you should note that you’re going to experience a pretty significant decrease in quality if you do so.
Though it may be worth it for the money saved, it is important for you to understand this factor to ensure that you don’t get disappointed with the push cart you buy.
Don’t forget that you can also cut back on your expenses by choosing a cart with less exacting material designs than other types.
For example, there are plastic carts which cost hundreds of dollars less than those with a metal chassis design.
Understand that, with this design, your cart is not going to be as strong as it would be with a metal one, so you may end up having to replace it sooner.
However, proper maintenance and care of your cart—such as cleaning its exterior after each trip—can help you to avoid this issue.
2. Check the Used Market
If you are struggling to find inexpensive push golf carts, you can always shop on the used market to find some.
There are many different online sites which focus on these types of carts, as well as general sale sites like eBay that can also help.
Beyond these markets, you can also focus on finding carts from dealers in your area and cart owners who may have used one and who want to get rid of it.
Check your local newspaper for these deals to learn more and make sure you are doing so regularly to avoid missing out.
You can also try putting out an advertisement for one of these carts to see if you can find one, as someone may have one they want to get rid of, but for whatever reason, aren’t willing to put out an ad.
Focus on your local newspaper and various e-commerce sites, including any you might find directly from the manufacturer.
By working in this way, you can cut down a little on the prices you have to pay for these carts and ensure you find the model which works for your needs and isn’t too excessive in cost.
3. Work Directly with the Manufacturer
Lastly, you may want to talk directly with the manufacturer to learn more about how you can save money on a golf cart from them, particularly if you are clever about how you work with each.
Some will cut deals with individuals if they are willing to pay higher shipping costs or who want to work with them in various ways.
For example, some manufacturers may give you a deal if you buy several of their carts and use them on a golf course or if you plan on selling them to others.
This type of deal is something which may take some time to set up, though, and you need to have pretty good business acumen for it, so make sure you are prepared for this potential demand.
However, you may also want to sign up for the manufacturer’s mailing list, or those of several cart builders, because they may have deals throughout the year that you can take advantage of to save money.
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