AHi, I'm sure this has been asked a millions times here. I can't seen to find any recent threads about it. I'm looking into bulk drums and boards. The ones I've found so far are like 2-3 bucks a piece. I can't imagine making a profit with those prices. Is that normal or is there a less expensive alternative? Anyone here make drums themselves? Thank you.

cake drums are expensive. I only use them on big/tall cakes, and the cost is definitely figured into my price. 

brpboxshop.com is a reliable supplier

I use cakedeco.com for my drums, I've never had a bad batch with them.

$2 to $3 each isn't a bad price, of course you can make a profit with that price. Just make sure to add it into the cost of materials. It's a lot more time-effective to buy them than to make them, too. Some people make them but that takes too long for me and doesn't save that much money when I factor in how much time I spent on it.

Foam core board at the dollar store is $1/ sheet and makes a few boards, and can be glued together to make stronger/ thicker. Or Masonite board from the Home Depot for heavier weight support.

But yes, factor in what your time is worth to mess with making them. 

AI mostly ordered from CK Products and Bakery Crafts.