The cost of beekeeping

There's a nice piece in the Business Tribune of Portland, USA touching upon the economies of beekeeping. In a list of costs, comes this:

Gloves: $20
Veil: $30
Jacket: $80
Halting a dinner-party discussion on the charms of author Anthony Wynne by saying you’re a beekeeper: Priceless.

I think most beekeepers will relate to that.