Why are button batteries so expensive?

[lasergal]

I have a couple o' cheapie pointers that take button batteries. Generally they use 3 batteries, and looking around at most stores those batteries sell individually for around $3.00. That would be approx. $9.00 to re-fill a pointer that cost only two or three bucks in the first place!

It's cheaper to just throw it away when the batteries run down and buy another one! (Not saying I'd do that, but...)

But why are those type of batteries so pricey? I couldn't find an answer, really, by searching Google.

 

[123splat]

Look into what they are made with and what is in an alkaline cell.

 

[Tech_Junkie]

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cell-batteries-lr41-ag3-100-pack-61?item=32

 

[lasergal]

Cell Batteries LR41 AG3 (100-Pack) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

Hmm. Well, maybe I should rephrase: Why are button batteries so expensive in the store?

 

[Tech_Junkie]

There are a lot of middle men from China to here. With DX you cut them all out.

If you are a frugal person you are in the wrong hobby. The laser hobby is very expensive.