I've wondered how a few people make a living in this business. After pricing PV from EVERY source I could find...even skipping a night's sleep once...running up a phone bill with international calls, I had to ask myself "What is the retail markup on this stuff?" Every price I could get was a retail rate. Nobody would give me a wholesale price.

It's what keeps me from even thinking about making a tartan kilt. I can buy one for $200-$300 depending on who I go to--and these are the companies with a reputation for customer service and quality product, not something farmed out to Whatever-stan. How can they charge that price when the fabric alone will cost that much at retail? That's before figuring in thread, canvas, straps, buckles, etc. So, I'll never make a tartan kilt unless a mind blowing deal falls in my lap. I gave up on that a while ago. Why drop two bills on cloth when for a couple of dollars more a pro can do and I don't have to worry about me messing up a high dollar piece of fabric.

I too considered eventually getting into the business--part time and without brick and mortar storefront--and went through the figures several times. Even when I found a way to make a little profit I decided that my free time was more valuable.