Of course pouring is cheaper than buying! As long as your an avid plastics fisherman that is. I run through about 50 to 60 worms on an average week of fishing. I keep all of the torn up worms and take them back to the shop and re-heat and re-pour. So virtually, as long as I don't lose worms, they last forever. That is WAY cheaper. Of course the set-up cost to get started will dig you in a hole, especially if your pouring for your own personal use. Give some to your friends and fishin' buddies and before long, if ya get good, you will be selling some by word of mouth. This will compensate a little for your start-up costs.