Greg-I think that there would most definitely be a market for them.I for one would love to have a supplier closer to me.I live in West Texas and have been getting mine off E-bay,usually from the Mid Western states,and shipping is out of sight.By the tme I pay the auction prices,which can go as high as $10.or more per gourd,depending on the type and size,then the postage,I can't make much money selling them.I think if you have reasonably priced,good quality gourds,they would sell.There is a lady in AZ that I buy from occcasionaly that might be able to tell you more about the commercial aspects of growing them.She is in Picture Rocks,AZ.If you will e-mail me I will tell you how to contact her.
As far as types of gourds,I think we all have our own preferences.For me,I use med.size snowmen gourds,med and large kettle gourds,pear,egg,all sizes of apples and bottlenecks.Sometimes the apple gourds are hard to come by.Don't know why.I have added the link to some of my gourds to give you an idea of what I have been using.
Lillie

Here is a link that might be useful: My Gourds

I've grown gourds from seeds of gourds I've painted. But it is easier for me to go to nearby gourd farm to purchase gourds. I have lots of painted southwest gourd art and to old to go to craft shows and set up. Anyone interested in purchasing any of my gourds? Lynne

Here is a link that might be useful: my southwest gourd art

Hi Greg,
One thing I would encourage is to get on all the gourd lists you can. I'm from MN and grow my own but I can't grow some of the ones I'd like. I've found growers from NC and Miss. and AZ because the growers were in the same gourd lists I was in. One grower actually told me how many gourds she could pack into the box for the same shipping costs. Yup, I ordered enough to fill that box! Shipping can kill ya! Good luck and I think that the round bushel type gourds and canteen are a big big sellers.
Sue

Another place to check for what's selling and what's popular is eBay. Just do a search for "gourd" and you'll come up with both ready to use and finished gourds. Just check the bidding to see what's hot. :)