I love batiks! I buy them from all over, and I was buying mainly the brand names because I like the designs better than some of the ones that look like blotches of wax all over (just my personal preference). I did recently discover Bali Batiks
http://www.balibatiks.com/ and think their everyday prices are good. Note - they do list yardage by the 1/2 yard and jelly rolls are 20, not 40 strips, so plan accordingly. I signed up for their email notices and took advantage of a 20% off sale a while back. Everyday free shipping with no minimum.
I also shop frequently at:
Thousands of Bolts
http://www.thousandsofbolts.com/index.cfm
Quilt Fabric Closeouts
http://www.quiltfabriccloseouts.com/...-style/batiks/
Stitch-n-Frame
http://www.stitch-n-frame.net/cgi-bi...menu-2100.html
Hancocks of Paducah
http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/SubC...Fabrics--m-722
Many online stores will have sales periodically...especially Stitch-n-Frame & Hancocks of Paducah. I have shopped tons of stores online and have been pleased with all. I think the smaller ones tend to be the quickest shipping.
With yardage, I always prewash and throw in a couple of color catchers. I don't prewash pre-cuts except FQs - I do tend to prewash those. I wash my finished quilts with a couple of color catchers also.
Happy shopping!