just do the math and you will see that there usually is a premium in buying pre-cuts. Let use, for example, a 40 count jelly roll strip. That is 2 yards and 28". So lets just compare between what 2.75" of fabric cost compared to the jelly roll strip. At my favorite online store, they sell a jelly roll of Kona cotton white for $30.50 (40 strips). The same fabric bought at the same store is $5.49 a yard. 2.75 yards of Kona cotton white would cost $15.10. But some quilters would rather pay the extra charge so they wouldn't have to bother with cutting the strips. Just depends on your budget and what you can afford.