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Getting into the LARP hobby can be expensive, and lots of people are taken aback by the costs of costume, weaponry and accessories. Many customers ask why. Well, here are the reasons LARP kit is worth every penny of your hard-earned money… and probably more.
The first thing to understand about LARP costume, particularly clothing, is that it’s not the same grade as fancy dress. Halloween costumes and fancy dress are normally worn for a few hours or for a singular day. LARP kit is often worn for multiple days, sometimes all week. Even the cheapest kit is usually made from higher-quality fabrics, typically linen, cotton and wool. They need to be durable for extended wear, even when you’re rolling around in the muddy forest.
When you buy costume, think about whether you’re going to be comfortable and warm. You’ll only end up buying again if you find the fabric thin, scratchy or ill fitting. Moreover, do you need to buy more than one set? Would you wear the same t-shirt for seven days? Maybe you would – how else do gamers get such sterling reputation for cleanliness? But, having a second set of clothing on hand might be vital if you’re outside in the rain for hours.
We all know that linen, cotton and wool are more expensive than most polyester-fabric equivalents. The same goes for other natural materials that are commonly used for LARP kit. Real leather is used to make the nicest LARP accessories and costume, often replicating or inspired by historical designs and patterns. Leather is incredibly durable, but it comes with a matching price tag, and high-quality vegan alternatives can be just as costly if you expect them to last.
Sadly, prices of materials are rising across the board. Foams, glue, latex and other weapon-making materials have risen significantly since Brexit. Importing chemicals, especially the really-effective, hazardous ones, now costs more.
Still, whilst the price of a Freddo has increased by 200% since 2000, a LARP sword has only risen around 5% in cost. So, why have the prices remained in stasis when everything else constantly rises in price?
This is the element that most people seem to forget, but it is the most important factor. So, what are you actually paying for?
Thinking about an average LARP sword that costs around £80, you have to:
Take a long look at all the steps required to make a LARP sword, set that against the cost of materials, the cost required to power and heat a workshop, 20% VAT that may be deducted and then ask yourself how much you’d like to be paid an hour?
Maybe you're think of something smaller, like our £16.99 Corym A6 Leather Pouch for instance. We have to:
What we're saying is, most manufacturers of LARP goods vastly undercharge for the number of steps required, let alone the level of skill they demonstrate when crafting. It is only through consideration for their customers (and a hefty dose of nostalgia) that prices remain so low. In any other field, words like artisan and handmade normally add hundreds of pounds onto an item. That is not the case for LARP. Many of the weapon manufacturers and armour crafters have spent decades perfecting their skills, and are paying themselves minimum wage or lower.
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