Why so much for a tubing tool??

[Austin351]

Granted I fully understand anyone who wants to make a dollar but, a lateral tubing tool for $250.00??? I made my own for $32 in materials and now that I have a working model, would take me less than an hour to reproduce. Shark Tank anyone?

[maple flats]

The maple companies charge so much because producers for the most part will pay it. They charge what the market will bear. They have many other examples. When I was laying out my mains I used a hand held site level to aid in the slope. The maple companies charge $32-40 for them, but I ordered 2 of the exact same model for under $18 from a hardware store. If I can buy small quantities for so much less, why do the maple companies (who must buy at better prices than when I buy at retail) charge so much? I'll get off my soap box, but I could go on and on with examples.