Why are clay flowerpots so expensive?

Title says it all - I'd like to buy a few clay pots that are around 8 inches in diameter, yet these appear to generally cost more than a fiver each. I was hoping to spend a pound or two each (but I haven't bought a clay flowerpot for many years, hence my ignorance of the price).

Why on earth are they so expensive?

 

Homebase's prices are normally very good for smaller sizes of clay pots.

£3.20 for 230mm dia. at B&Q, or 3 for £7 (£2.33 each) http://www.diy.com/search/results?r...fromPromotionPage=true&rootCategory=DIY406823

If it was during mainstream growing season I would have suggested looking in Morrisons as they normally have some cheap clay pots instore then.

 

I hadn't thought of Homebase - many thanks folks.