My main store for hardwood (Crosscut Hardwood in Portland) writes the BF and an abbreviation of species on each piece in stock. It is stored in vertical racks making it easy to sort while still respecting the stack.

There are often pieces in one area sold by the pound. They usually have a mark on the end like # of LB. These are often cut offs or lesser quality pieces, usually four feet or less in length.

My favorite store for softwood is in Vancouver, WA and sells pieces priced per foot in length. The pine/white fire/facia is in stacks. Maybe they do not mind me sorting through the stacks since it isn't 'book matched stacks' and my habit is to leave it at least as neat as found and occasionally neater.

jtk