it (always) pays to (do something)
It is (always) a wise or advantageous idea to do the thing specified; doing this specific thing will (always) yield a positive effect. You can have the best product in the world, but if no one knows about it, no one is going to buy it—that's why it always pays to advertise! In my experience, it pays to have a seasoned legal expert look over every deal you're making before you sign the paperwork.
it (always) pays to —
it produces good results to do a particular thing. 1994 Guns & Shooting A custom handgun can be a big investment so it always pays to choose the right pistolsmith.