Hi gang,
I've been involved with sublimation (ink jet and HP laser printer) since 1999.
While the price of ink has increased, there are lucrative areas of endeavor, (as Aaron and Keith point out), that take the sting out of ink prices.
Almost without exception, those areas involve getting away from the traditionally-thought-of products, like T-Shirts and other "novelty" items and onto the higher-end, custom-made products, that those of you who are involved with woodworking and laser engraving, are in a good position to capitalize on.
Cross-platform techniques (combining multiple disciplines, in a single product) will enable you to produce unique items, that those locked into a single process can't.
Imagine a custom-made, wooden plaque board, with a sublimated Corian inlay. Add some attractive laser engraving and "Boom" (the sound of a unique award or gift item hitting your market).
While Sawgrass Technologies (Sublijet) and Tropical Graphics (ArTainium) are more heavily-marketed, there is a third, lesser-known company, Texas Original Graphics (Sublibrite) that deserves mention.
www.texasoriginalgraphics.com
I have no affiliation with any sublimation supplier, including TOG.
If less is more, the price of TOG's sublimation ink, means more money stays at home.