why would you buy software from commercial portal, instead of buying direct?

[salem]

I've heard that some big software portal sites has removed all freeware because of worrying they will hurt the sales. Some big sites also removed the software from a particular programmer because of "mystique reasons".

So I'm wondering why people would like to buy software from these portal? Why don't you buy directly from the programmer?

[Jon Westfall]

Well, I normally buy directly from the programmer - however not all programmers sell directly. Not all have got the time or money to setup a shopping cart system, and not all can use Paypal (Or find PayPal economical). Also, the portal sites normally keep a history of my transactions, which can be helpful.

[Catman51]

When I can, I definitely do buy direct. Would rather do that than deal with the 3rd Party resellers anytime.

[Don Tolson]

I agree with Jon and Catman... buy from the programmer when that option is available. However, sometimes the programmer's website 'buy' link takes you directly to Handango or MobilePlanet or MobiHand.