I noticed several years ago that FQ were an expensive luxury. My LQS was selling them for $2.25 when fabric was around $8/yd. Net profit was $1/yd. You won't find any of the fabric on the bolt, either, since they only cut off the ends of the bolt.
I really did myself a disservice a while ago and calculated the price per yard of charms, layer cakes, FQ bundles and strips. We do pay for convenience there too -- probably because they feel that folks won't calculate the price of yardage when there are all those little pieces. I have to REALLY like something to pay that price.