You don't necessarily pay more getting figures from the HT direct shipments, the difference in price is minimal depending on where you go, which is why I get in on HT direct. With these figures, it also helps ordering through someone you're comfortable with supporting you if there's any issues. I've had some issues with HT wrist pegs and the guys at Toys2 always take care of me so I continue to throw them the business, came through when I broke the peg on my TDK bats.