Just received a request for $740. payment for the processing of my 6 trophies (5 capes) taken a few weeks ago in the Eastern Cape, RSA. This quote includes $175. for paperwork? Shipping extra. Four years ago I only paid $250. for 10 trophies out of Namibia. They are also quoting a 3-4 month turnabout time to deliver to shipper. I received my trophies in the US from Namibia in less time than that.
Is this cost out of line or have prep prices really gone up that much?
Is there anything I could realistically do about this if it is too high?

Thanks for any comments.

Chuck

Actually that price is not out of line. Recently, we had to pay $90 per animal then the paperwork fees and then they add 25% for crating. Also, the 3-4 month turnabout is about usual.

It sounds like the taxidermist is handling the paperwork so you should not have to pay the paperwork charge again when shipping.

I had two shipments from SA this march and paperwork was Agency and Documentation Fee $75 and Airline Vet Fee $55. These charges were from the shipping company.

As far as Dip and Pack charges per animal that sounds about right. Turn around of 3-4 months is seems more then quick as the fastest I ever got for dip and ship was 6 months in the four shipments I have gotten from SA.

Thanks for your replies David & Hutty.

This was a last minute hunt and I didn't get to check out all the costs ahead of time.
Sounds like things are fair and I'll be making the payment without further questioning.

Appreciate you taking the time gentlemen.

Your right at todays market...you can bet it didn't get cheaper...

My dip and pack cost for seven animals from Namibia was about $1050 and it took about six months.

Thanks Ray & Wanderer.

Appears I was suffering from a little sticker shock. Since the trophy fees hadn't gone up to the same degree I was a little concerned, but sounds like everything is as it should be. That's what I get for waiting so long between hunts.

Thanks again