Why are record cleaners so expensive?

Interesting discussion..

We each have different priorities in how we spend our disposable income, and none of the previously mentioned things are essential items, and of course any first-world consumer can vote with their wallet..

While I have to agree that Audio Desk and Klaudio ultrasonic record cleaning machines are overpriced at $3,000+ and would love to see more affordable equipment become available for half that, in the $1500 range, there are many other "expensive niche products" that are not likely to be found in every home in the developed world.

Music lovers who want the benefits of cleaning their records on Audio Desk and Klaudio machines can use an affordable record cleaning service like mine, Record Genie. Some of my customers just use my service to clean a few records before deciding which machine to buy, but I know others could never afford the expense of their own machine(s).

Both Audio Desk and Klaudio machines offer excellent results, and I’ve cleaned thousands of records for hundreds of happy customers all over the USA since 2013. It’s less than $3 per record for cleaning on one machine, and $5 for cleaning on both. Media Mail postage gets the records back and forth affordably, and I have special packaging to borrow for those who need it.

Those with large collections (if cleaning them all) will probably still want their own machine(s) for obvious cost and practical reasons, and others will object to sending records through the mail (even with special packaging), but if you live in the USA and want to experience the difference of playing records cleaned on the best ultrasonic machines available without breaking the bank, there really is no obstacle to doing so..

About $500 will get you a decent record cleaner (such as the VPI or an Okki Nokki). Beyond that you're mostly paying for either added convenience or extra build quality.

I think we enlightened the OP. 
I would never pay $3k for a fishing rod or for a power cord or for a record cleaning machine. $10K for a semi-custom Brioni suit? Maybe, if I thought I needed such a high class suit. And I agree that $3k Fiji vacation would be too modest, I would add at least couple of thousands more.

This winter I bought an Ultrasonic V8 from David Ratcliffe. With the dryer cube it was about $1800 shipped. It cleans and dries 8 records at a time and the improvement in sound from cleaning with my trusty VPI 16.5 is amazing. I sold the VPI to a guy that was just using a carbon fiber brush. He is amazed at the improvement the VPI brings to his listening.  I had to set the Ultrasonic V8 up in my laundry room because you have to drain the cleaning tank after every 100 records or so, and besides it's too bulky and industrial looking to reside in the listening room. The Klaudio and AudioDeske and the new $5000 Clearaudio machine are much more refined looking and can be seen in public. But if you want the benefits of ultrasonic cleaning for less than half the price of these other more beautiful machines, check out the Ultrasonic V8.

The same reason why divorce is expensive.  Its worth every dime...