If you’re looking for a way to add more weight to your workouts, you may be wondering why weight plates are so expensive. I did my research, and here’s what I found.
Weight plates are so expensive because of the materials, shipping cost, and the number of plates needed. Different types of materials are used to make weight plates, such as cast iron, steel, or plastic, and their prices vary according to quality and quantity.
In this blog post, I will explore why weight plates are so expensive and offer tips on finding cheaper options.
Why Are Weights So Expensive?
The main reasons for the high price of weight plates are as follows:
Cost of Materials
Anyone who has ever stepped foot in a weight room knows that there is a wide range of prices for weight plates. Why is this?
The material each weight plate is made of contributes to the final cost. Iron plates, for example, are more expensive than rubber bumper plates because they are more difficult to manufacture and costly to ship due to their weight.
Rubber, on the other hand, is the main component in bumper plates which makes them more affordable. Bumper plates are also less likely to damage floors or equipment, making them a safer option for home and commercial gyms.
The type of weight plate you choose should be based on your budget and your needs. If you are starting out, rubber bumper plates may be your best option.
Good Quality
The weight plates that are made with higher-quality materials will last longer. As a result, you won’t have to replace them as often, which can save you money in the long run.
The Weight
The weight of the plates also affects the price. Heavier weight plates cost more because they require more material. The material must be strong enough to support the weight, hence the price.
Furthermore, the heavier the material, the heftier the shipping fee. A heavy package requires more care in handling and packaging, which can drive up the cost.
Additionally, Driving a truck with weight plates can result in fines if the truck is over the weight limit. This can add to the cost of shipping weight plates as well.
Shipping, Handling, and Storage
The shipping costs for weight plates can be high because of the size and weight of the plates.
There will also be a difference in shipping costs depending on where you live. If you live in an area that is far from the manufacturer or distribution center, it will cost more to ship the weight plates to you.
Manufacturers and distributors must also store the weight plates properly to prevent rust or damage. So they need enough space and proper ventilation to store the weight plates, which can add to the cost.
The Number of Plates
The number of plates can also affect the price. When buying the plates, you will need different weighted plates; this includes a selection of 2.5, 5, 10, 25, and 45 lbs. The cost of the plates will increase with the number of plates you need.
The different sizes of the number plates indicate different lines. The more different lines, the higher the cost. The various lines will also require you to get other staff, tools, machines, etc. This means that the more plates you need, the higher the cost.
Different lines also mean you need to get extra shipping and storage. When you add all these to your costs, it’s no wonder weight plates are so expensive.
Durability
A weight plate is a long-term investment that will last many years if maintained properly. This durability is reflected in its price.
The price of the weight plates is worth it when you consider all the benefits they provide.
Weight plates are an essential part of any fitness routine. They provide the resistance needed to build muscle and strength.
They are also a great way to add variety to your workouts.
Limitations in Supply
There is a limited supply of weight plates. The high demand and the limited supply can drive up the price.
The cost of weight plates has gone up in recent years. This is due to the increase in the demand for fitness equipment and the limited supply of weight plates.
Manufacturers can also decide to produce a lower number of weight plates to maintain the price at a certain level. This can limit the number of weight plates that are available on the market, which can result in a higher price.
Problems can also occur that will affect the supply of weight plates. For example, if there is a problem with the manufacturing process, it can cause a delay in the production of weight plates. This can lead to a shortage of weight plates and a price increase.
When a product has a high demand and a low supply, people associate this with the product being valuable. This can cause the price of weight plates to increase even though the quality of the product has not changed.
Popularity
The popularity of weightlifting has increased in recent years. This has led to an increase in the demand for weight plates. People are always looking for ways to stay fit, which contributes to this popularity.
The majority of people will opt for weight plates when they feel they are not healthy enough. Many may not be comfortable going to the gym and would rather work out at home. This has led to an increase in the prices of weight plates because of the high demand.
Resellers
Another factor that can affect the price of weight plates is resellers. When buying weight plates, you can get them from the manufacturer or a reseller.
Resellers buy the weight plates from the manufacturers and then sell them at a higher price. It is easier for them to do this and get away with it because of the scarcity of the product.
Because manufacturers can make more money by selling to resellers, they sometimes prefer to sell weight plates to them rather than sell them directly to consumers.
Plus, the high demand and limited supply of weight plates allow resellers to charge more for the weight plates. As a result, weight plates can become more expensive.
How to Save Money on Weights
You can save money on weight plates by doing a few things. Here are a few suggestions:
Craigslist
Craigslist is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell used items. You can often find weight plates on Craiglist for a fraction of the retail price.
When ordering weight plates on Craiglist, meet the seller in a public place and inspect them before purchasing.
Special Deals
Manufacturers often offer special deals on weight plates. By signing up for their newsletters, you’ll be the first to know when their specials are available. Also, you will usually receive a discount if you purchase a complete set of weight plates.
Special deals are often available during the holidays. This is a great time to purchase weight plates.
Check Local Ads
Local stores often advertise specials on weight plates. Check the local ads to see if any stores sell weight plates.
You can start by checking out Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Instagram for some good deals on weight plates.
You will find local deals where people are willing to sell their weight plates for a reduced price.
You can even get the weights for free if you are lucky enough. Some people are desperate to get rid of their weight plates and would instead give them away for free.
The best way to find these deals is to search social media using hashtags such as #weights, or #bumperplates.
Rent
Instead of going for the purchase, you can also rent weight plates. This is a great option if you only need the weight plates for a short period.
Gyms and other fitness facilities may be willing to rent out their weight plates to you. You can also find weight plate rentals online.
There are a few things to keep in mind when renting weight plates. Make sure you understand the rental agreement and the terms of use. Be sure to return the weight plates on time and in good condition.
Yardsales
Yardsales are places where people sell their used items. You can often find weight plates at a yardsale at a much lower price. When you are looking for weight plates at a discount, at yardsales, you should:
- Check the condition of the weight plates. Make sure they are not damaged.
- Ask the seller if they are negotiable on the price.
- Know that you will have to bargain.
Consignment Shop
A consignment shop is a store that sells used items. The consignment shop will take a percentage of the sale price. You can often find weight plates at a consignment shop that is cheaper than the retail price.
Final Thoughts
The cost of weight plates can be a bit high, but the price is worth considering all the benefits they provide.
If you want to save money on weight plates, search Craigslist, check special deals on holidays, and look for local ads.
Check out our other guide if you want additional tips on maintaining bumper plates.
