Costumes and Props

[TempestatemX]

I have been recently upgrading my various props and costume for my LARP. I am shocked that the quality of props and materials have significantly reduced and the prices have skyrocketed.
Is there no balance any more! I would be interested in hearing your thoughts about this and If you know any websites or places where good quality props for a reasonable price can be obtained.
Personally, it feels that it is becoming harder to find that good quality, without having to resort to scandalous prices.

An example, I purchased my first Holo-communicator for £125.00, It is made of metals and actually lights up and has sound effects. But sadly has sustained damage over the years.
I went looking for a new one and finally found one being sold, it is plastic and does not even have effects and does not look that great and it's going for £618.00 and that is without the shipping.

[Infinit01]

Check the Costume Buying Guide.

http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=11068.0

[Darthpasquin]

I think sites like Etsy have been both a blessing and a curse, blessing for obvious reason, more artists out there making some $ but also more people saying they can provide certain quality just to make sales where they are not as skilled or not using the quality materials they should be.  I always look at reviews and make sure there is a good return policy so at least I can get my $ back if the item is crap.
As for costs... keep searching I suppose 😓 or make a friend who is handy and making stuff and figure out how your old one was made