BDSM on a budget... I can relate... If you look up this thread there are some ideas I posted before..
http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5469

Here is the thing... If this was strictly a rich person game, then what a small community this would be. The larger world cant go out and spend thousands to build thier own playroom.. Some companies charge large for great stuff that you can find elsewhere, like Dog said..

Why spend 65.99 for a great whip, that at a local tack shop is in the 20 to 30 dollar range.. Personally we priced riding crops, and got one for less than 10.00 thru Ebay

If it works for your play, Who cares what you paid for it..