- Shopping carts can cost as low as $75 and go as high as $230 (Source)
- High-end shopping carts are more on the expensive side, costing as much as $300 or more (Source)
- Prices can change depending on the kind of shopping cart you want. For example, liquor store carts can cost between $125-$175, while double basket carts cost between $150-$200 (Source).
- Shopping cart theft is so widespread worldwide, making up more than $800 million worth of stolen shopping carts, costing businesses a lot of money to replace them (Source)
Have you ever gone grocery shopping without your car and, since you live close to the store, decided to go with the shopping cart home. Did you mean to return it later but simply forgot? You will be surprised at how often this happens.
Shopping cart theft, or ‘borrowing,’ is a crime, and you can get charged hundreds of dollars when caught. Instead of risking this, you might choose to get your own shopping cart, or maybe you need one for your business but you first need to know the prices. So, how much does a shopping cart cost?
Shopping Cart Cost Factors
The prices of shopping carts vary according to many factors. They include:
Materials Used
We mostly use metallic shopping carts when at the grocery store. This is because they are much cheaper compared to plastic shopping carts. A metal cart costs around $75-$150, depending on the manufacturer. However, some consider them heavy and bulky and prefer not to use them. Stainless steel carts are also expensive due to the high-end material used.
On the other hand, plastic carts range from $150-$200 or even more. This is because they are considered more durable and lightweight than their counterparts. So, getting a metal one is your best option if you want to buy your own shopping cart.
Mobility
Plastic shopping baskets are generally cheaper than trolleys with wheels. This is because they don’t require much material, such as wheels. However, these are more tiring to carry around.
Shopping carts are made with maximum mobility in mind. They are designed for flexibility and mobility and don’t require much effort to move around. Their price is marked up compared to the shopping baskets because of their portability.
Size
Shopping carts are bigger than shopping baskets, enabling you to carry more in one trip than you would with a basket. The carts are more suitable for shopping and easier to move around.
Different cart sizes are also suitable for different situations. Smaller carts for smaller aisles are less expensive than bigger carts.
Manufacturers/ Producers
Different manufacturing companies sell their shopping carts at different prices. Those claiming to offer more durable materials tend to sell them at a higher price than the others. The manufacturers can also charge more for branding or personalization of the carts, with others charging for their logos.
Functionality
Not only are shopping carts mobile and carry more than shopping baskets, but some also use better technology which drives up their prices. For example, some high-end shopping carts use a wheel lock mechanism that locks the cart when they cross a certain threshold to stop theft. These cost more than regular shopping carts do.
Others use more than one material, such as stainless steel for the cart’s body and plastic for the handle. These high-quality materials cost more than the shabby ones and drive the costs up.
How to Save Money on Shopping Carts
If you want a shopping cart for yourself or your business, your best move is to buy them in bulk. Carts sold at wholesale prices are more affordable, with some costing less than half.
If you want individual carts for home use, you can try refurbished or second-hand carts. They are generally less expensive, and you can find them on Craigslist from local classified ads or businesses that have stopped their operations.
More Details
When it comes to shopping carts, there are a few things you need to know. First and foremost, they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while others are large enough to hold multiple items. There are also cart covers available to keep your items safe from weather damage.
Second, you need to decide what type of material you want your cart to be made out of. The most common materials are plastic and metal, but there are also carts made out of wood or wicker. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Finally, you’ll need to decide where you want to store your cart. Some people keep them in their garage, while others prefer to keep them in their backyard. There are also a number of storage options available for shopping carts, so be sure to explore all your options before making a final decision.
With these things in mind, you should have no trouble finding the perfect shopping cart for your needs.
Buying Guide
When it comes to shopping carts, there are a few things you need to know. First and foremost, they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small enough to fit in the trunk of your car, while others are large enough to hold multiple items. There are also cart covers available to keep your items safe from weather damage.
Second, you need to decide what type of material you want your cart to be made out of. The most common materials are plastic and metal, but there are also carts made out of wood or wicker. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Finally, you’ll need to decide where you want to store your cart. Some people keep them in their garage, while others prefer to keep them in their backyard. There are also a number of storage options available for shopping carts, so be sure to explore all your options before making a final decision.
Now that you know what to look for when buying a shopping cart, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular options on the market.
- Plastic Shopping Carts: Plastic shopping carts are the most common type of cart on the market. They’re typically very lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them a good choice for people who need a cart that’s easy to move around. However, plastic carts are not as durable as other types of carts and can be damaged easily if they’re not used correctly.
- Metal Shopping Carts: Metal shopping carts are more durable than plastic carts, but they’re also heavier and more difficult to move around. If you’re looking for a cart that will be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear, then a metal cart is a good choice. However, keep in mind that these carts can be very expensive.
- Wood Shopping Carts: Wood shopping carts are another option that’s available on the market. These carts are usually very sturdy and durable, making them a good choice for people who need a cart that’s built to last. However, wood carts can be quite heavy, so they might not be the best choice for people who need a lightweight cart.
- Wicker Shopping Carts: Wicker shopping carts are similar to wood carts in that they’re often very sturdy and durable. However, wicker is a bit lighter than wood, so these carts might be a better choice for people who need a lighter cart. Wicker carts can also be quite expensive, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
No matter what type of cart you choose, be sure to consider all of your options before making a final decision.
Each type of cart has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs. With a little bit of research, you should have no trouble finding the perfect cart for your needs.
Overall
Shopping cart prices are shockingly high. The price depends on multiple factors, such as the materials used and their quality, size, mobility, and functionality. Some cost even more because of the technology used on them. Buy the carts in bulk or from ads to save money.
Hi, my name’s David. I started this pricing blog as a side project to help people figure out the best prices on common services. Whether you’re trying to figure out how much it costs to get scanning done at Staples or the expense to bleach short hair, more than likely I’ve blogged about it. Shoot me an email if you have any questions: david@mightyprice.com.