I'm one of those who likes buying unique and often one-of-a-kind handcrafted items, many times from a custom order. I've often watched craftsmen work on these and fully appreciate the time, skill and labor that go into making them, so I don't object to the price asked. Yet, I am asked all the time why I would spend so much for a custom hand-made item instead of getting a "similar" mass-produced item, though almost everyone admits the hand-made item is superior to the mass-produced.

I would say that one reason many object to the "high" price is because they have little, if any, experience in making anything - whether it is working with metal, wood, leather, beads, quills, cloth, or even food. They are used to just going into a store and buying something off the shelf. They don't note the poor quality - only the price and how quickly they can get it into their hands. Its a sad commentary on our society.