[nightski]

In my experience hobbies are typically far more expensive than paying someone else to do it purely due to economies of scale.

[random314]

Not for veblen goods

[Nextgrid]

But the value of Veblen goods is based on paying for the real thing. If you build yourself a Rolex equivalent as part of your hobby it still won't be valued as a "proper" Rolex even if it was just as good quality-wise.