Why Are Mattresses So Expensive?

You may be asking yourself, Why Are Mattresses So Expensive? After all, it's not only the manufacturing that costs money, but also the cost of shipping and showroom overhead. So how do companies make their mattresses so expensive? Let's take a look at the process in detail. Read on to find out how they make their products so expensive. Read on to find out how manufacturers make their mattresses so expensive.

Cost Of Mattress Manufacturing

There are many factors that impact the cost of mattress manufacturing. There are many factors that affect foam production, and these factors can differ significantly between mattress manufacturers. These factors include the model line-up and type of foam used in the mattress. Quilting foam, for example, is expensive, and is often produced in big rolls or buns. This material is then moulded and shaped to produce a soft mattress with no lumps or bumps. 

While retail units have been steadily declining in recent years, the industry has enjoyed relatively stable demand. In 1990, there were approximately 16 million mattresses sold in the United States, representing $4 billion in retail sales. Most mattress factories are small community-based operations, with most still owned by founding families. The cost of manufacturing a single mattress is comparatively inexpensive compared to the cost of manufacturing several hundred beds. Moreover, many retailers offer discounts for shoppers who just browse.

Cost Of Mattress Delivery

You might be wondering how much mattress delivery will cost you. Well, that depends on the size and weight of your mattress. If you choose to have it shipped, you should also consider the cost of tipping the delivery person. While tipping is not required, it is generally customary to give $5 to $20. Then again, you'll need to ensure that you have all the right packing materials and know the right way to unpack the mattress before it's delivered.

Regardless of whether you order your mattress online or from a retail store, the size and weight of the mattress will determine how much it costs to ship. Mattresses generally weigh between 50 and 75 pounds, so standard measurements should be enough to get you started. When it comes to shipping the mattress itself, you'll also need to take the weight of your box spring or foundation into account. For most mattresses, these two factors can add up to some pretty steep shipping costs.

Cost Of Showroom Overhead

A large percentage of the cost of buying a mattress is due to the showroom overhead. Retailers pay a lot of rent for commercial property, and employees earn a commission on sales. Because showroom overhead is unavoidable, mattresses can be very expensive. The costs of running a showroom are another significant factor in the cost of a mattress. Retailers must make up these expenses by marking up their products. Often, they charge extra for delivery.

When buying a mattress, consider the profit margin. Mattresses typically have a gross margin of about 40%-75%. That means a retailer ends up with a profit of 50 percent. That profit margin allows salespeople to push higher-priced products and sell more items. However, these profit margins aren't always apparent. Mattress manufacturers are often able to hide the huge markups.

Conclusion

There are a few reasons why mattresses are so expensive. The main reason is that mattresses are made out of high-quality materials, which can cost a lot of money. Mattress manufacturers also often use special construction techniques that make mattresses more durable and comfortable. Finally, mattresses are often sold in bulk, which can increase the cost per unit.