>>626
Animation is hell of a lot work and requires a lot of skill to do properly. The demand is miniscule since the price ends up being way above consumer levels. Prices also vary massively depending on what kind of animation you're looking for.
Also if you commissioned an animator/studio, they would be essentially out of order for weeks/months while they do your thing, which would make it not easily serviceable.
That's why if you want an animation, you call up an animation studio and discuss the details with them so they can let you know what they can/cannot do, and what it would end up costing.
There's plenty of artists that you can commission few seconds long animations from though, because it's much simpler to put into sales terms.