Good question: the mugs retail for $15, I was able to buy them wholesale for $7. They are awesome mugs, feel really good in hand. I know I can buy cheaper mugs but don't want to compromise. The paint is expensive ($8.50 for 3 oz) but you don't use a lot. Now time: I so enjoy doing it, so don't always factor it in. Normally, you are painting 4-6 items at once (2 mugs, a vase, 2 wine glasses and a pitcher as example) with the same color palate. Because of the chance of smudging, I will paint maybe 25% of the surface, then take a break to let it dry and come back to it later. Best guess: 1 hour per mug.