The ebonite pens are available for less cost here. Each pen costs ~ $6-10 depending on the size. With these prices for blanks, i can hardly compete.
I am more into pen design than pen turner. I get the material, design, nibs and request a pen turner to make a pen as per my specs.
I found some ebonite rod suppliers who can supply the rods for competitive prices but they require a bulk order of 100 rods or above. This weekend, going to local market. Will update the prices.