I need some cpus for a self made card. It has an ISP programming pins but with bootloader we could get started faster.
Pre-Programming of SMD parts can be done. Probably not cheap in small qtys tho.
Much cheaper to get an Atmel AVR ISP MKii (~$35 in the US) and program yourself once installed.
Done in tens of seconds, even at first-time bootload install speed of 125 KHz.
And then you have a tool for future use too.