Over the years, consumption habits have evolved. Guided by our needs, the criteria have evolved alongside the offering available. Price having become one of the main criteria for the majority of individuals, the market naturally adapted to offer products meeting this expectation above all else. As a result, many factors were set aside in favour of mass consumption and fast fashion. In this article, we will seek to understand how the price of a pair of vegan trainers is determined, and why it is generally higher than that of a conventional pair of trainers.
Transparency
We are witnessing today a global awareness of the absurdity of consumption habits in recent years. It is becoming necessary, for many, that brand transparency regarding pricing and manufacturing conditions becomes a ubiquitous element in the landscape of modern consumption.
A brand that communicates transparently about its prices and production conditions justifies the quality and ethics of its products, while strengthening consumer trust. The customer knows, in a precise manner, what they are consuming and under what conditions. This transparency allows customers to make informed decisions by understanding the true value of products and by supporting ethical manufacturing practices. It also contributes to raising public awareness of the social and environmental issues linked to production. Brands that make transparency an important element thereby respond to consumers' growing concerns regarding sustainability and responsibility.
Zèta, the price of your trainers in full transparency
Since our very beginnings, our commitment to transparency regarding costs and manufacturing conditions has always been a fundamental priority. Detailing the production cost of each pair allows us, above all, to establish an honest relationship with our customers, inviting them to understand precisely what they are purchasing.
We are convinced that transparency illuminates consumer choices. Knowing where our materials come from, how our products are made, and what the environmental and social implications are throughout our production processes helps to empower our customers.
By providing clear and detailed information, we hope to meet growing expectations in terms of sustainability, but also to establish a lasting relationship of trust with you.
If you have never had the opportunity to see it, here is an example of a production cost breakdown grid for our Bêta model.
*Our gross margin is a coefficient of 2.3
By way of comparison, most trainer brands have a gross margin coefficient of between 7 and 10 (yes, that is quite a lot).
After deduction of expenses (salaries, marketing, premises, etc.), our net margin comes down to… €29. It is solely this remainder that allows us to invest in the brand and the development of new collections and new products.
Breakdown of trainer prices at our competitors
So, what does this coefficient of 7 to 10 achieved by a good number of competing trainer brands (or otherwise) actually correspond to?
Let us take as a comparative example a pair well known to the general public — whose brand name we shall withhold, but… that everyone knows. This pair of trainers retails at around €140, which is €15 less than a pair of Bêta, introduced to you just above.
In 2016, the Alternatives Economiques website broke down the cost of these American trainers. Here is the breakdown, compared to that of a pair of Zèta.
The price of vegan trainers: are the additional costs justified?
As observed previously, the cost of vegan raw materials proves to be higher than that of conventional trainers. This disparity is explained by two main factors.
Firstly, the phenomenon of economies of scale comes into play. As a company increases its production, its consumption of raw materials also grows, granting it greater negotiating power over those resources. Currently, the cost of materials used in the manufacture of vegan trainers is higher due to their less advanced development. However, with the growing prevalence of eco-responsible footwear, a future reduction in the cost of vegan trainers can be expected.
The second crucial aspect concerns the dignity of working conditions. When you choose to purchase your trainers from a sustainable, ethical, and transparent brand, you are contributing to the support of high-quality workshops, such as those of our producers who craft Zèta shoes. This cost is (much) higher than that incurred by brands outsourcing their production to countries where working conditions are often (to put it mildly) vague, uncertain, and even… utterly appalling. We will not shy away from saying it, because it is clearly the case. And this ethical stance inevitably impacts the price of our trainers.
Zèta, eco-responsible choices
At Zèta, every decision — whether it concerns the choice of materials, factories, sourcing methods, or other aspects — is guided by an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Our objective is clear: to reintroduce by-products into the consumption cycle, thereby creating eco-responsible products without compromising on quality.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge the primary difficulty inherent in these production methods, namely cost. Indeed, at Zèta, the manufacture of vegan trainers is based on the recovery of by-products from agricultural production such as grapes, maize, coffee, olive, etc., transformed into a new plant-based consumable material.
Taking the example of materials derived from the by-products of wine production highlights their higher cost, resulting from their scarcity and the more expensive production methods required. Despite this, our primary objective remains validated: the reintroduction of recovered materials into the production process, offering an ethical alternative to controversial animal leather.
Quality, durability and comfort: a cost well worth it
Our high-quality materials are carefully selected to ensure not only their positive impact on the environment but also their exceptional resistance. The use of multiple prototypes and rigorous testing, both at the physico-mechanical level and in the field with real users, is a crucial step in ensuring the quality and robustness of our trainers.
The assembly of each pair is carried out with artisanal precision, entrusted to talented professionals who apply their expertise to guarantee the solidity and durability of the final product. Each pair of Zèta is the result of a meticulous process, careful attention to detail, and an unwavering determination to offer footwear that stands the test of time.
The enhanced comfort offered by our trainers stems directly from the exceptional quality of the materials used. Each component is chosen not only for its durability, but also for the well-being it provides to those who wear them. Comfort, durability and solidity are inseparable aspects of our products, thereby justifying the price that reflects the exceptional quality and ethical approach that characterise our trainers.
Ultimately, when you invest in a pair of Zèta, you are choosing far more than a simple shoe: you are choosing durability, quality, and a commitment to ethical and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. It is this constant concern for quality and responsibility that helps define the added value of our trainers and justifies their pricing position.
The rise of vegan trainers in the market
Current market trends show a significant increase in demand for vegan trainers. Recent data indicates that consumers are willing to spend more on ethical and sustainable products. This trend is explained by a growing awareness among consumers of the impact of their choices on the environment.
We are ourselves an illustration of this growing awareness, offering ethical, sustainable products with a transparent production process. Admittedly, our models are sometimes more expensive than market averages. But as explained previously, price is not everything. Consumers of white vegan trainers take into account the materials used, durability, as well as the manufacturing process and conditions.
Over the years, vegan and sustainable ready-to-wear brands have been growing. This trend aims to bring down the prices of vegan trainers as well as other clothing. The democratisation of the various manufacturing processes will lead to a reduction in costs, while maintaining the quality and ethical standards of production.
The price of vegan trainers: an investment for the future
In short, the price of vegan trainers is the result of a combination of factors, ranging from transparency to environmental impact, by way of eco-responsibility. Consumers, increasingly sensitive to these issues, view this investment as a step towards a more conscious lifestyle. As cost comparison examples and figures demonstrate the growing competitiveness of vegan trainers, it becomes clear that their adoption is not only an ethical choice, but an investment for a more sustainable future.
At Zèta, we offer the fairest price possible, but we do occasionally offer promotional codes. Discover our promo codes!
