Yes there are only a few manufacturers, but quality control can be exercised by the retailer as Dan has demonstrated.
I have never had a failed kit from Turner's Retreat, Craft Supplies USA, Bear Tooth Woods or Penn State. From all the other cheapskates, Antipodean and British both on and off e-bay I have had crap of all shades so like Neil I no longer buy from cheapskates. Buy cheap, live to regret it.