Why are these prints so expensive?

Over the years I have seen many great artists cheapen their work by deciding to print with sub par materials in the name of profits or keeping price points at an absolute minimum. I promised myself I would never do that to my prints or framing materials.  

The paper I commonly use:

Epson Hot Press Bright

Epson Signature Worthy Paper Collection

An acid free, 100% cotton rag paper with a bright white, smooth surface. Also, this paper has an extremely-high color gamut and black density perfect for artists and photographers looking for a bright white, smooth surface.

The ink is also exceptional and a large part of the cost.  While some other artists decide to have their prints done at Kinkos (having an average shelf life of 4 years) My prints are rated with an Archival Permanence of 70+ years so this is an investment that you can reasonably keep for the rest of your life.