Source: REUTERS/IVAN ALVARADO
[Saba Sports News] Since this year, several leading badminton manufacturers have raised their prices multiple times, with some models of badminton increasing by more than 60%, causing many badminton enthusiasts to complain about badminton being an “elitist sport.” A reporter visited China’s Yiwu International Trade City and found that the price of badminton has also increased, and the delivery time has been extended. It is reported that both high-end badminton products made of goose feathers and mid-to-low-end badminton products made of duck feathers have seen a wholesale price increase since the beginning of this year. The main reason for the continuous rise in badminton prices is the shortage of raw material feathers. Duck and goose feathers, which are used in making badminton, come from the breeding industry. The quantity of feathers from geese and ducks is limited, making it difficult to meet market demand. Feathers from ducks that are more than three months old can be used to make badminton. Since the supply of raw materials is limited, the production of finished products is affected, leading to an extended delivery time. Previously, the delivery time was only about a week, but now it takes at least half a month to complete. However, despite the rising prices, it has not dampened consumer enthusiasm for purchasing badminton. Consumers hope to take advantage of the lower prices, resulting in a significant increase in Yiwu badminton orders recently, with a 30% increase compared to last month.