Pros and Cons of Using a Mannequin/Dressmakers Form?

Let me start by saying I've never used or owned one. I'm weighing the wisdom of getting and using one. I don't currently make alot of my clothing, but I'd like to be doing more of it. I used to make a few items for my children. Shorts, wool lined long pants (those got passed along from eldest to youngest, boy and girls alike), a couple pull-over long-sleeves. I've made myself an oversized caftan-style zipper robe that I still use probably over 30 years later! I don't really know how this info contributes to the decision of purchasing a large, bulky piece of equipment that will further crowd my living space.

I don't even have a clue what they might cost, where I might find one if I do get one. I'm not sure I'd know what to look for? I'm pretty curvy all over. What if I want to use it for someone considerably small than I am. Or taller than myself?

I know there are plenty of great folks out here who have used one. How did using it change how you sew? Is there a magical secret to learn? I want to know.

You have the floor!

I used to sew for the permies. Lots of wedding dresses, bridesmaid dressses... The dress forms really don't adjust well for multiple people. Full breast measurements are rarely the same distance from the waistline, or the waistline from the hips on any two people. The forms are at set positions.

Mine was a poor representation of my own body. About the only thing the dress form was good for, was hanging a dress a couple days prior to hemming to get the bias potions settled so the finished hem would be level to the floor... but placement of the hem must be marked while on the person, not the form, as the customer may have a bigger but, or uneven hips, or many other irregularities. Hanging can be done just as well on a hanger.

One day I will be making one of those duct tape forms of myself like this. Now those are useful!

I've never seen a dress form that was shaped anything like me. I have a dear friend, whom I trust explicitly, and she and I plan to get together to make body double dress forms, with duct tape - much less expensive, much more accurate for fitting.

I have made several of the duct tape forms, as I am a non-standard shape, and so are a lot of people I know.
Personally, I would not buy a form unless I was the right shape for it. Doing a duct tape one, you can then take the stuffing out to store it flat, and if you need it to stand up put it on a fan stand, or coat rack or anything else that stands up (I have an old projector screen stand that is GREAT for tasks like that!)
My opinion is if I have to pay a lot of money, AND store something, it needs to be exactly what I need. A couple of rolls of duct tape lets me be more flexible for affordability, storage, and usefulness for the purpose.
:D  

Then duct tape it is! Thank you for the input!

Cheaper, more body-correct, easy to store, and can make multiples for next to nothing. Who could ask for better!!