it's not really an apples to apples comparison though. only now are some of these breeders doing things legally. most are still far from legal. you're paying for the risk they're assuming is how i see it. to a point of course, some breeders are fucking crazy with their prices and i won't support them.
The guys taking the risks are the guys offering the respectable prices...
Its the reseller mark up that is so far out of the realm of reality in a lot of cases. Most retail stores are happy with 30-40% margins.
I was just making the point that this strategy flies in the face of established business practices is all. Of course anyone can charge anything for a product, but when customers find out you are screwing them, they don't return.
Their is vastly more money to be made with a loyal long term customer versus fleecing that customer once and losing the returning business.