High price doesn't always equate with rarity or availability. Many folks will gauge the unsuspecting buyer on the basis of demand only. "Since my neighbor's got one, I need one too" type of thinking. Look around at your big Box stores at what they stock; bizarre, high priced tropicals that have no business there in the first place,...but public demand...If a plant's price puts an extreme burden on your budget, that's totally your call. If I want something (rare or not) bad enough, I always do numerous searches with various growers to ensure I'm not jumping in with both feet at once at first chance. Patience is a killer but it can save a lot of regret later.

Photo's sell plants or anything for that matter and are deceiving. Broms are renamed to attract buyers. I dont worry about price. I buy broms all over the world but not based on pictures. Knowing the seller is very important if you are interested in the parentage and quality of your brom. An addiction is a terrible thing to waste :)

Hi neonut. E-Bay is a strange place at times,and bids can get out of hand between two bidders that really want the plant,or just won't be outdone for prides sake. I watch these duels,but won't get involved,and it usually happens the first time a hard to find plant is put up for sale. Occasionally,the seller will have many more to offer later on,and draw few bidders,at a low price,after the first plant sells for an outrageous price. The most I've ever paid for a hard to find species bromeliad was a four-head Cryptanthus warasii,that I was the only bidder on,and sold for $75.
But I looked at it as four plants,so that would be $18.75 per plant,a fair price,as single plants usually sell for $35 to $50 at good nurseries.That was my one and only 'splurge'.
Bob

hdd, I noticed that you "buy broms all over the world". I have purchased from Alvim Seidel, only. I have been very pleased. Will you please recommend others that you find satisfactory? It never hurts to look elsewhere! --Stitzelweller

#1 Michael's Bromeliads Venice Fl
The supplier depends on what you are wanting to collect,,each has a kinda of specialty