One of, if not the main reason we buy from a small producer and not a chain. Does it cost more, yes. Can you taste, see notice a difference, absolutely. The ribeye we get are on par price wise (when not on sale) with KS & safeway. Yet the cut, marbling far surpass store cut. Not to mention when cooked (ok room temp) you don't have anywhere near the grease (if any) dripping of the pan and steak. The lamb we get beats any store by $2-3.50 lb.