I doubt they are getting new, rather burning out and repainting some used drums. I have been watching craigslist and that might be related to Bio Dawgs, which recycles drums. Some food grade, some not. I would like to know that the drum was a food grade. Not too bad at $200, as I have $150 in mine, but I started with a new drum.
Figure drums at 20 bucks plus time to burn
Grate 10 bucks at wal mart
15 for thermo
and I will go an additional 30 for Screws, sheet metal for basket, ect
so lets call it 75 bucks in materials. The profit is their time and the buyer can use it right away.
Not too bad