i have bought both ways from them. the only reason i used amazon was that the item was cheaper buying it through amazon than directly from the tooltopia web site. dont understand that at all.
otherwise they seem to ship quickly, and pack things well.
my only real complaint is the inability to check the order online. they dont have accounts set up, so i need to fill out the form every time (although the computer does auto complete and fills out the address and stuff, and now even fills out the cc information, although i still need to remember the cvv code). but being able to go online and check what i ordered, and what the tracking number is, rather than having to paw through an email box, would be nice. but, i will note, it is not enough of an issue that i stay away.