Raising Prices

[Valigator]

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/living/14193349.htm

Posted on Mon, Mar. 27, 2006
See ya later, alligatorAlligators are in trouble. No, not an athletic team, real alligators. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have played havoc on the alligator hides market.
Even though the harvest was nearly normal this year, it's now feared saltwater floods damaged foliage that alligators use to build nests.
No nest, no eggs, no skins, no Ricky bag.
The Ricky bag is the handbag designed by Ralph Lauren. The price of the alligator bag jumped 17 percent this year, which makes the current price $14,000. Mercy.
The Ricky bag is named after the designer's wife and was inspired by 19th-century luggage.
Ralph Lauren, who is also selling alligator cuff bracelets for $1,250 and men's alligator sandals for $995, is, as usual, thinking ahead and securing a multiyear deal with an alligator farmer.
The probable pending shortage comes at a time when alligator luxury pieces are hot, especially the Ricky bag.
Yes, even at $14,000 for the handbag, they fly off the shelves and there's even a waiting list.

[multibeard]

And why aren't you selling VALAUREN knock off bags at the flea market for $10,000?

[Nulle]

Better get going on that web site before the prices drop.

[fabsroman]

Sounds like the Mont Blanc pen that costs $15,000. Yeah, it is made of platinum, but so what. I would need to make a million a year, for several years, before I bought a pen like that or my wife bought a hand bag like that. This is why the majority of people in the US are in debt.

Val, sorry to hear about the possible alligator shortage, but gas prices have also increased here by about 20%. Funny thing is that gas prices have been creeping up slowly, so that nobody is really complaining.

[BILLY D.]

gee, just when i'd scraped together a few farthings to buy a ricky bag i get this heartbreaking news, i'm crushed. and on top of it all my spa appointment was cancelled. me oh my, what am i going to do.

shut up curt, or i'll smack you with my puth!!!

[Valigator]

Reptile chic: UF wildlife ecologist says Florida alligator farmers cashing in on fashion trend
Filed under Research, Business, Florida, Agriculture on Monday, March 27, 2006.GAINESVILLE, Fla. — While some agricultural producers are facing tough times, Florida alligator farmers are cashing in on reptile chic – the growing worldwide demand for alligator skins on everything from belts and boots to $10,000 designer handbags.

“The market for high-end alligator leather products is very strong right now, and farmers are getting top dollar for their gator skins,” said Perran Ross, a wildlife ecologist with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “Florida alligator farming has had its ups and downs in recent years, but it’s definitely a good time for those who are already established in the business.”

He said Louisiana is the nation’s leading producer, harvesting about 300,000 alligators every year compared to 60,000 in Florida, but Hurricanes Katrina and Rita damaged alligator egg production in Louisiana. As a result, luxury-goods manufacturers in the United States and Europe need to secure future supplies of alligator skins, which is helping Florida farmers who can provide high quality products.

He said the value of finished alligator skin products may be anywhere from five to ten times the raw-product value.

Allen Register, owner of Gatorama in Palmdale, Fla., one of 60 licensed alligator farms in the state, said prices for alligator bellies range from $40 to $50 per foot, which is up by almost 50 percent from a few years ago. He said that belly skins are more valuable because they are soft and flat, compared to horn-back skins that have bumpy ridges and are often used in western-wear market.”

[Valigator]

Thats the beauty of the shortage Fabs, it makes all my hides worth that much more. They were worth more anyway for the fact they were wildly harvested, now I am sitting on tons of money....plus all my hides given the topography of the gators I hunt, are almost pristine condition. So all this makes me a happy girl....

[larryours]

Hey Billy D, Haven't seen anything worth that much, just to carry personal items However go to the 7-11 and get a free bag along with a 6-pk, pay for 6-pk, bag is free

[larryours]

Val. it's the MIDDLE MAN that does less work and makes the big bucks!