SparkFun Forums

[CamSweet]

Hi all,
I'm a recently retired electronics professional that still likes to dabble at home. It kills me to order a couple bucks worth of parts from Digikey or Mouser and spend $8 in shipping. My local retailers don't have the selection I prefer. What's some of your resources for getting parts?

Thanks,
Cam

[Ross Robotics]

Same as you. For common parts, buy in bulk off Ebay. For the specific components, I buy Digikey but also buy a few extra for stock.

[lyndon]

All the resources will charge about the same or more for shipping. I keep a list of stuff I need. When the list gets long enough, I order everything all at once. Also, buy in bulk when you can. I'm still using resistors I bought in 1996.

[MichaelN]

I assume you're in USA? We're spoiled in Australia, where we get free next-day delivery from RS (no minimum order) and Element14 (minimum $AU45 for free shipping).

Their USA branch companies (Allied & Newark) don't offer free shipping it seems.

[CamSweet]

Thanks!! I did a little more thinking and ordered and few things I needed.. Made shipping a bit more palatable..