Earlier this year, we at I-CANOE took a closer look at the pricing of Jackson Kayaks. Known for being the best in the business, Jackson Kayak sets itself apart as one of the top brands for whitewater and fishing kayaks. But this also makes them the most expensive kayaks on the Irish market. So, why is that?
We’re here to break down the costs so you can see exactly what you’re paying for when you purchase a new Jackson Kayak.
Made in the USA – Premium Quality
Jackson Kayak’s latest models are exclusively manufactured in the USA (older models are made under license in other regions). That means the kayaks have to be shipped overseas to the UK, adding to the cost.
Here's the breakdown of the pricing for a Jackson Kayak once it reaches us:
- Cost of production, shipping, handling, and import duties to the UK: £1112.67 (which is approximately €1335.20).
- Shipping to Dublin: €100.
- Customs export clearance fees: €60.
- Customs import clearance fees: €40.
- Import duty (2.7%): €41.45.
- VAT on the sale price (€2295): €429.15.
This brings the total cost to €2005.80 before we even consider our own expenses such as staff wages, storage, marketing, and sales fees.
Let’s break it down:
- Kayak: €1335.20
- Shipping: €100
- Export Docs: €40
- Import Docs: €60
- Duty: €41.45
- VAT: €429.15
Total Costs: €2005.80
Our final retail price for a Jackson Kayak is €2295. To give some perspective, our next most expensive whitewater kayak has a recommended selling price of €1795, which is €210 less than what it costs us to bring in a Jackson Kayak.
Why Not Demo Kayaks?
If you're wondering about demo kayaks, they cost the same as regular models. For example, a fleet of three Jackson Rockstar kayaks (one of each size) would set us back €6015.
Why the High Price?
Jackson Kayak is renowned for designing some of the best kayaks in the industry, with innovative features like their unique Unishock bulkhead footrest system, widely regarded as the best creekboat footrest system ever made. Jackson believes in the premium quality of their kayaks and justifies their pricing accordingly.
We’d love to hear your thoughts. What do you think about the costs behind Jackson Kayaks? Let us know!
