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like any other area, and industry for that matter, you have a variety of choices. sticking w/ the custom wood lures you have many manufacturers out there now and each has their own unique paint, type of lure, quality, etc., to them and of course the price. some market to different customers than others. many build a similar lure to another builders so you have choices. some are loyal to some builders due to their reputation or the angler's own success with that lure(s). if each manufacturer is selling out what they build then they must be doing something right. if they are selling out and making a profit, good for them.
as already mentioned costs associated with manufacturing these lures has increase. paints go up, oil prices for heating goes up, electricity goes up, etc., mainly due to oil prices. so, manufacturers prices sometimes go up as well. but, many times the price increase is due to supply and demand. if a manufacturer can sell a lure for $30/each and sell out, good for them. that doesnt mean you have to condemn that manufacterer. they have a choice of how to price their lures. you dont have to buy them. if a manufacturer can sell a lure at $13/ea and make a profit, good for them. as mentioned, there are other options. buy what fits into your budget or what you have success with. if the demand falls, prices will lower or it'll be survival of the fittest.
like pete, i have spent $18-25 for lures before. do i like it, no not really, but on most occasions i am buying a lure that i have had great success with. so, i am willing to spend more on it. not so much for collection purposes. on the same note, i dont like waiting or searching for lures that come out from time to time. i have streamlined my lure bag selection to lures that produce for me and i am usually find on walls when i am in a pinch due to a blitz or a fish's appetite of the day.
ultimately, it is a buyer's decision on what they need and what they want. buyer's control the market for the most part. manufactuer's control is limited.
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