Getting electronic components

**Ross77** · 10-08-2009

Help again please

Wheres the best place to get electronic components. Ive tried the bay but no one seems to sell everything. Is RS or maplin the best?

Ive used saffron electronics until now, but they have stopped trading

Cheers

**Sparks** · 10-08-2009

There is RS I like them but can be dear, then Farnell-CPC same sort of outfit again can be a bit dear on some things. I use these people quite a bit http://www.rapidonline.com/ good prices and good website, easy to use etc.
Can't comment on Maplin as I don't use them.

Rgds

Dave

**Lee Roberts** · 10-08-2009

I use http://www.rapidonline.com/ really good choice for most things and the service has been second to none so far.

Check out the Clearance Section first i'v allot of stock from that section, what was you looking for?

You could try http://www.farnell.com/ as well, however they seem to be upgrading the website. They use the same system as the RS website last time i used that site.

**HankMcSpank** · 10-08-2009

where farnell win vs rapid is every time I've placed an order...they've done free delivery (whereas Rapid charge 3 or 4 quid *unless* you order more than £30's worth of kit I think). Rapid are normally cheaper, but their range is much much less.

Maplin are (by & large) expensive, but useful if you've one nearby & only need one or two Bits & bobs.

Then there's the smaller outlets (handy for the more scarce stuff). i rather have a soft spot for cricklewood electronics.

Finally don't forget the states (especially if the pound holds its recent footing)....Digikey are often quite cheap & deliver free if you place an order more than £50 (thye pay the import duty, but you'll have to pick up the tab for the 15% VAT)

**irving2008** · 10-08-2009

farnell are by far and away the cheapest on most things and free delivery (which if you are like me you forget stuff is a major plus... I've had 4 orders delivered next day from them this last week, each of about 2 - 3 quid...). I have compared Rapid, Farnell, RS, Maplins, CPC and few others like Crickelwood Electronics and farnell have come out best onmost projects and have the biggest range.

**John S** · 10-08-2009

RS is free delivery if you order over the web but charged for if you order by phone.

One exception is if the site is down and you tell them they will waive the delivery charge.

.

**irving2008** · 10-08-2009

Originally Posted by John S

RS is free delivery if you order over the web but charged for if you order by phone.

One exception is if the site is down and you tell them they will waive the delivery charge.

.

Only if you have an account.... I beleive (but i could be wrong, not checked) if you don't its minimum £4.95.

**John S** · 10-08-2009

Originally Posted by irving2008

Only if you have an account.... I believe (but i could be wrong, not checked) if you don't its minimum £4.95.

OK that makes sense.

**tribbles** · 11-08-2009

If you're talking about Farnell, then they tend to have a habit of doing essential maintenance at about this time in the evening.

However, I think you should still have your shopping cart present when it's back up and running.

But I'm a little perplexed why you don't think you'll get them until after the weekend? They're normally next day, and you need to order by 8pm for any chance for that to happen (although I don't trust it on a Thursday, and I like to get my order in by 5:30 just in case [and 7pm on other days]).

**tribbles** · 13-08-2009

Sorry - forgot to mention they use UPS

(so delivery aspects would've been different).

Since I live about 0.7 miles away from my office, the UPS guy will take it to the office if he can't get me at home (although most of the time I get it delivered to the office anyway).

Mind you, my local postie also does this if it's a recorded delivery or something.