[M.D. Holloway]

I think one thing is the level of people involved. When you take a look at all the various types of costs that contibute to the price of something it is really amazing how little stuff really does cost the average consumer. Of course there is the scale of economy to consider.

Those special wrenches and so forth that the gov and Mil buy are limited quantity. Many folks do not relize that things like bolts, screws, glue, paint and tools and even toilet seats have to meet certain specifications. You just can't (or shouldn't) use an Allen bolt from Home Depot on an F-18. The metallergy, tolerences and so forth are not tight enough.

Granted, there may be things that could work in many applications, but tall the hands involved have to be accounted for. In industry, much of the indirect costs are unknown or hidden.