always buy local when you can :)
best way to find deals on pre-cuts is to find a shop that offers free shipping at a reasonable (to you) amount; some shops offer free when you spend $35 and the range goes up from there...but lots of them also have sales and offer free shipping at different times so you just have to watch for the perfect chances. i shop on line alot; i NEVER pay shipping! if a shop has just what i need and i can't find it anywhere else i wait for free shipping, a sale, or meet their minimum. i figure that extra $10+ for shipping is 1-2 more yards of fabric i can't live without