Where to buy electronic components (hobbyist)

[LosOjos]

Just wondering where to buy electronic components from? Obviously there's Maplin if you like paying 5x the value for something (although they are handy in "emergencies" [read: impatient])

 

RS and Farnell have a huge range but you need to put in fairly large orders to make it worth the P&P (plus Farnell have a minimum £20 spend policy).

 

I get most things from bitsbox, very cheap, very quick and very helpful, but not the widest range available.

 

Anyone know any other good ones?

[Brpilot99]

Ebays worth a shot ...

[Oaktech]

and Rapid electronics.

 

Also, CPC have most of farnell's range and if you order online they don't charge a handling fee and the delivery is reasonable.

 

I've also had free delivery from RS for online orders, although this may be because I have a credit account with them.

[xenonive]

I always use Rapid but I'm lucky to live next door to it but they always seem to have everything I need .

[LosOjos]

Not seen Rapid before, they look worth a try - although I take it you mean this website and not Rapid Ray at this one lol

 

CPC looks good too, wasn't aware of that one.

 

There are more options than I realised!

 

Would like to recommend Bitsbox - UK Electronic Components Supplier for those that haven't seen it - prices are very good and the guy who runs it (I get the impression it's a very small business) is very helpful if you have any questions about components. As I said earlier though, he doesn't have the huge range of the likes of Farnell and RS, but what he does have is good and cheap

[xenonive]

Yeah its Electronic Components from Rapid - the Electronic Parts Specialist

[tech_guy]

I use CPC, Maplin and RS. I'm very lucky I've got a RS trade counter in the town I work in so I can go and pick me bits and bobs up after ordering online. Maplin are expensive and only for emergencies.

[Andrew_C]

Mouser - US company, but with a vast range for the "odder" things.