AS THE MANUFACTURER OF THESE BUBBLE LIGHT STANDS I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS YOUR CONCERNS ON THE COST. THE MOLD COST FOR THIS STAND WAS IN EXCESS OF $15,000. THE COST OF SECURING THE WIRING AND SOCKETS AS WELL AS THE CARDBOARD BASE (INCLUDING A DYE TO CUT IT) WERE ALL QUITE SIGNIFICANT. I DID IT BECAUSE I REALLY LIKED THE STANDS, I WANTED TO SET THE PRICE AT A LEVEL WHERE THE STANDS WOULD HOLD THEIR VALUE AND AT THE SAME TIME RETURN SOME OF THE FUNDS SPENT. I FEEL THAT THESE STANDS ARE A REALISTIC VALUE. IF YOU WANT TO GET ONE CHEAPER, YOU SHOULD INQUIRE ABOUT A STAND KIT. THIS WAY YOU GET ALL THE PARTS NECESSARY FOR BUILDING THE STAND YOURSELF.