The cost of mobile phone accessories surges amid Cedi depreciation.

Customers seeking mobile phone accessories may find themselves needing to sharpen their bargaining skills to secure a reasonable deal amidst rising costs.

The prices of items such as phone covers, chargers, and earpieces have seen significant increases, attributed to the adverse effects of the Cedi’s depreciation on the importation of these products.

According to some anonymous phone dealers interviewed by Citi Business News, they have been forced to invest more capital to import these items from London and China. Previously, wholesale prices for chargers, cords, screen protectors, and earpieces, which ranged between GHȼ5 and GHȼ15, have now surged to over GHȼ20, prompting them to adjust retail prices accordingly.

Previously, individuals looking to safeguard their mobile devices with a phone cover case and screen protector could expect to spend no more than GHȼ50 in total. However, the current landscape tells a different story.

Chimezie Jovita, with over five years in the mobile phone accessories business, describes the current market as increasingly challenging, making it unsustainable to maintain previous price points.

“Customers sometimes express dissatisfaction. Last year, I quoted them certain prices, but this year, prices have changed. When they return, they compare the current prices to what I quoted last year. I explain that prices fluctuate based on our import costs from suppliers,” she stated.

“I have GHȼ40 and GHȼ50. If the person is my customer, I just give it to him for GHȼ30 to maintain him. Last year we were selling [charger] GHȼ40 but as the price increased from where we are buying it from we sell it GHȼ50 now,” he added.

This price surge is not limited to phone covers and screen protectors. Items such as mobile phone chargers and earpieces have also seen significant price hikes.

Uche Peter, another phone accessories dealer, told Citi Business News how concerning this development is, as customers resort to bargaining, which sometimes robs them of their profit and customers.

“If I tell them the price, they ask for a reduction. They mention their price. If it is enough I sell, but if not they go.”