I spent $4.50 on a box of jerky seasoning at Wal-Mart and was able to make 5lbs of venison jerky. $6 for 3 oz or $4.50 for 64 oz? The decision isn't that hard.
Even making it from ground beef it's still cheaper $23+ per lb.
Hell its even cheaper buying a 16oz T-Bone at $5.00 per lb and turning it into jerky.
What about the cost of the stove running and the AC to cool the place? And is it as good homemade?