An Aussie shaving entrepreneur is so incensed by the rising cost of razors he’s established an index to track and highlight what we’re paying for what some see as an everyday staple.
Oscar de Vries, founder of men’s grooming brand OSCAR, says the already eye watering prices of razors have increased another 11 per cent in the past three months.
“Men are now paying over $40 for a four-pack of 4-pack of Gillette Labs, while women can pay up to $8 each – who can afford these prices in the current cost-of-living crisis?” Mr de Vries says.
“The high prices are unsustainable making it harder for people to make ends meet and even forcing some to steal – I’ve been told by supermarket employees razors are one of the most stolen products in their stores.
“I’ve been tracking the price rises over the past two years and the bad news is the cost of razors has continually outstripped inflation and they won’t be coming down.”
Mr de Vries established OSCAR in 2008 to supply shaving oil to the men’s grooming market and has since branched out into a subscription razor service.
“I know the cost of producing a razor as I can sell mine for an average under $4 a cartridge and still make a profit,” Mr de Vries says.
"My blades are manufactured in the USA, not exactly a low-cost country, yet the price difference remains staggering.
“It’s a heavily monopolised market and promotions are often used to obscure price increases with any discounts based on the new, higher recommended retail price.”
OSCAR has no physical office, outsourcing assembly and fulfillment to Sydney-based Beehive Enterprises, a not-for-profit social enterprise and shipping directly to customers across Australia.
The company is Australia’s highest-rated razor brand, with a 4.7-star rating from over 3,000 reviews.
Contact details:
For all media enquiries contact Oscar de Vries on 0414 607 607 or email
[email protected]
