And I say $30 generously - I’m in Canada and my cost in Cdn $ is in the $45 - $55 range. Plus if ordering from the US I’m looking at $50 for shipping an average order plus customs fees ($40 paid at the door for my last US order).

So I push back a little when you say car modellers are cheapskates, unless you can confirm that the $100 kits that other genres are buying are similar to what we are paying “$30” for.

Another aspect I didn’t mention is how esoteric is the subject matter? If production numbers are low, then prices will be high. Car modellers regularly pay $100 for subject matter that isn’t available in any other form than resin cast or 3D print. Heck, last summer I paid $200 Cdn, once dollar exchange, shipping, and customs were figured in. For just a car body… but it will never be offered as a mass market kit, and I really wanted it.

So… I’m not sure that I agree with your assertion.