You are off a little on Capitalism. If you think you can make a better kit cheeper then the market will reward you. Ithink inflation is the answer.
ORIGINAL: eddieC
As for kit prices in general, it's Capitalism. Charge what the market will bear, it has NO bearing on what an item costs to produce.
Back in the late 70's, Chevy Impalas were sold out in the US. GM had a choice of building a new plant to meet demand, or raise the price a few thousand. They didn't build the plant! [X(]
Thank the same business-school experts for where we are now, including the lack of resonably-priced kits. I know kit-building is in the decline, but Tower and others don't have to take advantage with such huge price increases. Vote with your feet/wallet. I'm looking into kit cutters as an alternative.