I've gotten some sale deals on precuts at places like Craftsy that I would consider close to a bargain (since I wanted all the members of the group). I've only once ordered smaller than fat quarters. However, in general full yardage is better priced, besides being more amenable to washing (I wash all fabrics because of the dye smell, since I figure something that smells so bad can't be that good to breathe in while cutting and sewing.).
If you need a super small amount of multiple fabrics, precuts are probably more economical. Otherwise, go with yardage.
Some sites offer full yards for a huge bargain.
https://www.thousandsofbolts.com/ and
https://www.whittlesfabrics.com/ come to mind