Yes, I agree about checking Etsy or Ebay to see what's out there.
I've purchased potholders on Ebay in the $10 range but only because they had really cute squirrels on them. I've also spent over $10 for potholders at a craft show because were shaped like a heart in really cute modern fabric. I guess I'm saying a potholder has to be something special that makes someone think they "need" it. (Just my opinion)