If you’ve tried to shop for a cooler, you’ve probably noticed the magnificently designed Yeti cooler but were drawn back by the price tag.
Yeti products are significantly more expensive than competing products that offer similar quality and functionality.
So, why are they so expensive?
Branding and marketing is the number one reason why Yeti products are so expensive. However, other factors like innovation, warranty, and control over where the products are sold also contribute to the high prices.
This article looks at why Yeti products cost so much more than their competitors. Read on to find out if they’re worth the high prices.
About Yeti
The Yeti company has a fascinating history. It was started in 2006 by Ryan and Roy Seiders, two brothers who enjoyed fishing but couldn’t find a cooler that could stand on their boat’s fishing platform. They also needed ice to stay cool for longer than it did on conventional coolers.
When they were tired of looking for a cooler that met their standards, they decided to make their own; hence the Yeti company was born.
From the onset, Yeti coolers were more expensive than conventional coolers. However, customers appreciated the sturdy build quality and better ice retention, so they bought them anyway.
Today, Yeti is arguably the industry standard for coolers and can be seen on beaches, hunting trips, and offshore fishing decks.
Is Yeti a Chinese or American Company?
While some Yeti products are made in the Philippines and China, the Yeti company was started by American brothers in Austin, Texas. This makes it an American company.
Why Is Yeti So Expensive?
Yeti is clearly more expensive than competing brands. Here are a few reasons why Yeti is so expensive:
1. Branding and Marketing
The number one reason Yeti products are so expensive is that they are branded as luxury items. They are designed to make them appealing, high quality, and premium.
The branding is so strong that people don’t even say they bought a Yeti cooler. Instead, they call it a “Yeti.”
Thanks to this strong brand reputation, people are willing to pay more for Yeti products than generic options.
2. Control Over Where the Products Are Sold
If you’ve tried to look for Yeti products at Walmart or Costco, you probably noticed that they weren’t available. Yeti has strict control over where its products are sold and their prices.
The company prefers selling its products in select physical stores and on Amazon rather than making them cheaply to sell in bulk.
This allows Yeti to have absolute control over its products’ prices and keep them high to maintain the brand’s premium image.
3. Innovation
Since the first Yeti cooler, the company has been ahead of the competition in innovation. While its coolers are arguably the best in the industry, it keeps improving them and introducing new features to prolong their durability or cooling capacity.
4. Features and Finish
If you use Yeti products, you will notice that they go above and beyond when it comes to features. All Yeti products have various color options varying from outdoorsy to coastal.
The finish on these products is also top of the class. For instance, drinkware from other brands rusts or begins to chip after prolonged usage. Yeti drinkware, on the other hand, has a durable finish that could last a lifetime.
5. Yeti Warranty
Yeti products also come with impressive warranties. Selected Yeti Tundra coolers offer a 5-year warranty, while the remaining Yeti products have a 3-year warranty.
This is an impressive assurance considering that most of their competitors don’t give any warranty on their products.
Yeti Products Line
Over the years, Yeti has expanded its product line from just conventional coolers. Here are some products from the Yeti brand that are quite pricy but always strongly appreciated by their customers all over the world.
Yeti Boomer 8, Stainless Steel, Non-Slip Dog Bowl
This dog bowl from Yeti’s pet gear line is designed to be as adventurous and dependable as its target market. It is food safe and can hold up to 64 ounces of water. The bowl is also perfect for prime cuts and kibble.
Yeti Tundra Portable Wheeled Cooler
This cooler on wheels is part of Yeti’s outdoor gear product category. It has a rotomolded construction, making it virtually indestructible. It also has a sturdy arm handle made from durable welded aluminum.
Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler
As a part of Yeti’s hard cooler product category, the 75 cooler is ideal for a family outing or fishing. It can hold 50 cans and has 3 inches of PermaFrost insulation. It also has extra-thick walls to make it bear-resistant.
Yeti Backpack Coolers
Yeti backpacks are part of the company’s soft cooler line. They have rugged designs, making them ideal for extreme conditions, and feature cold cell insulation, which provides impressive cooling capabilities.
Yeti Drinkware: Rambler Tumblers and Mugs
Yeti also makes a wide variety of drinkware, including this magnificent gallon jug. It features a full inch of lid insulation which ensures your drinks maintain their temperatures for longer than ordinary vacuum bottles.
Yeti drinkware is quite pricy, but you will see them everywhere due to their reliability and a loyal customer base.
Are Yeti Products on Amazon Legit?
Yeti has an official store on Amazon. This means that every product from the store is legit and comes from Yeti.
What Is So Special About Yeti Products?
Yeti products primarily stand out because of their quality. Since the founders are former consumers, they understand what customers want and apply it to the products.
Judging from the positive customer reviews on their products, most of their customers agree that their product’s quality is quite good and worth the price.
Is Yeti Overrated?
Truthfully, Yeti is not overrated. Being the first premium cooler brand in the market, it introduced many features that are now standard in all coolers. It also innovates and keeps improving its products.
Is Yeti Worth the Money?
While Yeti products are durable and have unique features, they are a bit overpriced. It is possible to find products with similar functionality for a fraction of a Yeti product’s price.
But most Yeti diehards will say the products are worth every penny.
Read Also: Is Novogratz Furniture Really Expensive?
Yeti Brand Alternatives
You may be checking out Yeti products and probably think they are too expensive or not what you would prefer in your shopping cart. So, are there other alternatives out there?
Absolutely!
Here are a few Yeti alternative brands we would recommend.
RTIC
RTIC’s promotional tagline is “overbuilt, not overpriced.” This sums up the company’s products which give premium features at a bargain. RTIC has a similar product line to Yeti and serves as a cheaper alternative.
Coleman
Coleman sells a wide range of camping equipment ranging from tents to grills and airbeds. The company also has a wide variety of affordable coolers that rival Yeti products.
Igloo
Igloo was the biggest cooler brand before Yeti’s inception. The company continues to make a wide variety of products, with some offering the same functions as Yeti products at a fraction of the price.