How does the skilled custom maker secure a place in the market?

[Tim Benware]

While I still have building questions I can build a really nice guitar. I build to order i.e. my customer tells me what kind of wood they want, binding, style, etc. I have a demo guitar they can play which I guarantee plays better than 99.9% of any guitar they could pick up at Guitar Center because it's setup properly (like Ken said) AND I guess my prices are ridiculously low. I start at $750 (standard Mahogany and sitka) & $900 (EIR and sitka). From there I adjust the price according to what extras they want. For example - I'll install a K&K Pure Mini for $125 (cost me $91 to buy). I have 5 going right now and a couple on consideration.

[Woodyok]

Tim B has hit it right on the nose.
The average customer like me... for the last 45 years... wants a guitar with a shiny, hard, automobile finish, custom woods and a perfect set up for under $1000. That might find you a place in the custom guitar market, but not secure.