I am a relatively in-experienced uker with a healthy dose of UAS. I have a good ear, adequate disposable income and am value conscious. I generally rate Ukuleles on two criteria: Sound and Price. Construction is an additional criterion but that gets lumped into the first two categories. I base pricing on 60% of the manufacturer's list price, new! This means I consider an S1 Martin a $300 uke and an 1T IZ Martin a $1200 uke. And that's what I paid for them.
I differentiate between cheap ukuleles and low-end to midrange ukuleles. A
cheap ukulele is one I would not worry about getting a Hardshell Case for. A
low end ukulele sells for under $200, exclusive of case.
Midrange Ukuleles must have at least 14 Frets. They sell for under $900 inclusive of case.
High-end Ukuleles cost more than $900. You will notice there is a lot of case sensitivity here!
I buy ukuleles with deliberation. Tone woods, tonal qualities, scale length, tuner type, design and Sound Quality are all factors. With few exceptions I will not buy an Ukulele that my ears don't like the sound of. The limited exceptions are for ukuleles I want to try for a specific reason but can't obtain one to try-out.
My ear does not like the sound of the Flukes and Fleas I have played. I would not buy one unless that changed. I think they are fine instruments and I approve of their manufacturing techniques. Their price is iffy. I would however pay for an
Outdoor ukulele. It is a cheap plastic ukulele. It has only 12 frets. It has a hollow neck suitable, (I think), for conversion to a Jaegermeister flask. I do work campfires and play under rough conditions. It is a special case! BTW Its Darwin Day, Hey guys watch this! Hold my uke for a minute?