I guess it depends on what kind of stand is being built. I have numerous hang- on stands well under the $100 range that will be up as long as the tree is standing. When it comes to building a stand, I can't see saving any money if it's done right. I'm going to build a platform stand this year that will hold at least two people. This stand is going to be 4' x 8'. That'll cost way more than a hang-on, and probably more than a decent two-man ladder stand. A few years ago I had the bright idea to build a deer cart. I didn't like what was on the market because they were too wide for my application. I spent well over $200 on this thing, and it didn't even work as well I hoped it would.