Rude, not to the extent of some of the other comments. So excuse me for feeling a bit narked.
The general gist I'm getting is "shut up and get back in your hole". Or "warren" as others have quipped. Newbies aren't allowed an opinion, the established tribe have spoken?
My original post didn't say people can't charge what they like, but just questioned the rising cost and the extreme price of some ukes.
It is ok to ask but when presented with logic and reasoning that adds up, it is time to change opinion.. unless you want to base your expectations on faith..
A luthier working alone or with some assistance spends all their time making a finite set of instruments in a year. Those instruments have to fetch enough money for it to be worth the effort.
There are 2 ways.. make the instrument really quick and good enough and churn a greater number through the year or build something desirable in every way possible (which takes time) so that enough people want it so that you charge more to account for the fewer numbers.
Right from selection of wood, to choice of quality of bracing to building the whole instrument, can be time consuming if you want the right sound..
Also, a luthier is justified in charging more for their years of experience.. even if it takes him/her same or less time to make an instrument over the years.
Most luthiers I know are not really living large on the money they make, they do it cause it is their passion and they are happy to build something that they like. Financially they are probably better off doing some other kind of wood working.. (maybe that is why some furniture and cabinet makers become luthiers for their retirement?)
At some point in time, there is enough demand due to reputation built over years that it is better to charge more, than have a very very long queue.
You make it sound as if they are obligated to make ukes that you can afford.. they are not. If you look at their financial needs, they are not charging enough in my opinion..
Also, it takes roughly similar time to build a uke or a guitar.. luthier built guitars go for a lot more..