If you get these on instocktrades you only pay $13 per book. That is a good price for what they are. Only three bucks and some change per issue.
It’s a convenient way to just quickly read some old turtle books and not have to worry about keeping something in mint condition. Give it to your kid, take in on the bus or reading material in the bathroom.
If quality got improved price would go up. I’m not sure how many people would buy these at a $49.99 price point. Especially with over a dozen volumes to complete the set.