Build It emerged as the most cost-effective option for October, with an overall basket cost of N$7,761.74, marking a 6.79% decrease compared to the previous month. This significant decrease can be attributed to a notable drop in the price of their paint product substitute, which went from N$1,695.1 to N$1,057.1.
For the second consecutive month, Pupkewitz Mega Build had the highest-priced basket in October, totaling N$8,360.72. However, there was a 3.08% decrease in their basket cost compared to September. This reduction was primarily due to price decreases in items such as Roofing Galvanised IBR (N$682.43 to N$658.10), Copper Tubes 460 Class O (N$645.10 to N$532.10), and Aluminum Sliding door (N$2,511.75 to N$2,357.10).
BUCO, which had consistently ranked as the cheapest option in previous surveys, came in second place in October with an overall basket cost of N$7,823.32, reflecting a 2.34% decrease. The inclusion of their cost-effective paint option continues to provide an advantage, despite other items in the basket not being as budget-friendly.
Ark Trading, which had previously been ranked as the most expensive option, saw a 6.16% decrease in their basket cost month-on-month, making them the third most cost-effective choice for October with a basket costing N$8,049.86.
The overall average price basket comparison curve between the four retail stores has shown no significant change over the course of the five-month price comparison period, which began in June and Moreover it remains flat.
Every month The Brief undertakes a survey which started in June to assess a basket of similar hardware items that customers would probably purchase in a month. The survey is carried out across four hardware stores namely, Build It, BUCO, Pupkewitz Megabuild and Ark Trading.
The aim of the survey is to provide shoppers with guidance on which hardware wholesaler offers the cheapest basket of building materials for that particular month. Moreover, an analysis of changes in the basket is carried out in order to provide overall basket and item variations month on month.
The Following items are in the basket:
- Roofing Galvanised IBR
- Copper Tube 460 Class 0
- Aluminium Window (Bronze)
- Aluminum Sliding Door (Bronze)
- Brick 7 MPA
- Brick force 150 MM 15M ROLL
- Brick force 75MM 15M ROLL
- Lintel concrete 1200X110X75MM
- Lintel concrete 1800X110X75MM
- Lintel concrete 900X110X75MM
- Ceiling Board 1200X3000X6.4MM
- Door Frame Steel 813X2032X115X1MM
- Lockset 2 lever
- Door Hardboard Interior 813 X 2032 MM
- 32.5 Cement Ohorongo
- 42.5 Cement Ohorongo
- Paint 20 litres
*Note: The list of products we collect is limited and not intended to be an absolute measure of affordability. We aim for products to be broadly comparable.
In almost all cases it is possible to find any of these products at a cheaper price or to find cheaper alternatives, depending on location or time of month. Our sample is intended to simply reflect the total price of the cart in a single visit on a particular day.
Commodity Spotlight: Brick force in Windhoek Hardware Stores
In October, we selected two similar products for comparison: the Brick force 75mm 1.8mm * 15m Roll BS15M75 and the Brick force 150mm 1.8mm * 15m Roll.
Among the four hardware stores surveyed, Pupkewitz Megabuild stands out as the most cost-effective option for the Brick force 75mm item, with an average price of N$17.92 over the 5-month survey period. During June to August, the price remained constant at N$18.95, but dropped to N$16.95 in September and October.
Conversely, BUCO’s price for the Brick force 75mm Roll emerged as the most expensive, averaging N$22.29 over the 5-month survey duration.
Ark Trading offers the second most economical choice for the Brick force 75mm Roll, averaging at N$18.16, followed by Build It with an average price of N$19.68 over the same 5-month survey period.
For the Brick force 150mm item, both Pupkewitz Megabuild and Ark Trading provide the most budget-friendly options, with an average price of N$18.23.
*Each month, The Brief conducts a survey of 17 standardised items in four hardware stores in Windhoek. The Brief will now conduct individual Commodity Spotlighting from the data collected over the months. The Commodity to be chosen will be done randomly.
