They charge for the number if you want to pick them in advance (I did); it is cheaper than what you have above though . . . by a good bit (assuming you have a good distributor that is just passing the Stern cost through to you without upselling it). My understanding is it is a three tier cost: 1-9 (highest); 10-25 (medium); 25+ (cheapest).

Numbers mean nothing to many, but are important to some. I wanted a specific number for a specific reason and it was worth it to me to pay the extra amount . . . plus, with Wolverine LE No. 003 ordered, I figured I may get my pin up to a couple weeks earlier than whoever has No. 300 ordered; that is worth a little extra money to me.