Electronics parts for Canucks

[Mcgyver]

I'm wondering who the Canadians here use for source electronics parts. I've been looking at Digikey and Newark for example,

in order of priority, I'd like

- zero hassle regarding the border (ie no $30 customs brokerage charges on a $20 order)
- is happy to supply smaller, 'hobby' customers like myself
-web based

- beyond that, the usual price/selection/service requirements.

I know this is an open ended question - just looking for some suggestions as i have zero experience in this area

[Al_The_Man]

There is no brokerage or duties charges with either Newark and Digikey, it is covered by the company. I find DigiKey usually beats Newark in price and delivery. Otherwise in Canada Electrosonic is usually excellent for pricing.
Al.

[Geof]

Digikey gives excellent service, reasonable prices and wide range of items.
(Anyone would think I had shares in thre company - not so.)

[Mcgyver]

thanks guys

[davesaudio]

shhhh--
small packages under $20cdn have been known to arrive at your door without complications. shipping ~$2
glitchbuster.com

[H500]

I like digikey. My order usually arrive at my door the day after. There's no brokerage from the canadian site www.digikey.ca

[ElectronicsEng]

Originally Posted by H500 I like digikey. My order usually arrive at my door the day after. There's no brokerage from the canadian site www.digikey.ca

The reason for no brokerage is pretty simple, DigiKey maintains a distribution centre in Winnipeg and ships with Purolator from there. I use DigiKey a lot - sometimes as many as 4 shipments a week! I have been known to order as late as 4:30pm and have goods here inToronto around 8:30am the following day! Newark are good because they have a lot of lines that DigiKey doesn't.

In general look for suppliers who will use the Postal Service. UPS is a definite no-no in my book (which means Mouser is out!). Their brokerage charges are pretty bad at around $40 most times. FedEx isn't as bad as UPS but is still not cheap. Post is good because you often avoid paying ANYTHING - but the costs if you do have to pay are the most reasonable around.

Look on ebay, there are some good component sellers there who are happy to use post. I have been buying a lot fo 0603 size surface mount parts and crystal there for around 1/10th of the DigiKey price and most postal shipments have had very reasonable brokerage.

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by ElectronicsEng Newark are good because they have a lot of lines that DigiKey doesn't. In general look for suppliers who will use the Postal Service. UPS is a definite no-no in my book (which means Mouser is out!). Their brokerage charges are pretty bad at around $40 most times.

Newark has screwed up so many of my orders that I only use them if I have to.
I find Electrosonic prices good and next day shipping.
If you are lucky enough to have a UPS bonded wharehouse in your area, you can clear your own shipments for free.
Since the security thing, The USPS shipments I am getting take between 3 to 5 weeks. I was told by a Customs official, that the dept that processes imported goods via USPS has consolidated and shipments are being sent out of province and back just to get the taxes added.
Al.

[ElectronicsEng]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Man Newark has screwed up so many of my orders that I only use them if I have to.

I also only use Newark when I need to. Specifically, they have Allegro Microsystems who have lots of good Hall-Effect parts including some really nice solid-state current sensors. I haven't had a problem with them, but I just like DigiKey better.

I find Electrosonic prices good and next day shipping.

I have never purchased from ElectroSonic. Basically they don't have enough of what I need, I am generally only working in SMT, much of that is 0603 size and 0.5mm MLF package IC's!

If you are lucky enough to have a UPS bonded wharehouse in your area, you can clear your own shipments for free.

Fair enough. I wasn't aware of that!

Since the security thing, The USPS shipments I am getting take between 3 to 5 weeks. I was told by a Customs official, that the dept that processes imported goods via USPS has consolidated and shipments are being sent out of province and back just to get the taxes added.

I am finding (I am in downtown Toronto) that I get Express shipments (EMS is what USPS calls it) in about 3-4 days. Most others take 7-14 days.

Where abouts are you Al? I have only been here for 5 years (from Australia). I started using DigiKey because I used to get stuff from them when I was in Australia. In about 7 or 8 years and who knows how many shipments they have NEVER made a single error. The Australian equivalent of Newark, Farnell-In-One, is about as good as Newark I think!

...John

[Tig]

Hi, does anyone know of any suppliers in Canada, for Shielded Flexible Servo Power Cable.
Thanks
Tim

[Al_The_Man]

Texcan, Anixter, Electrosonic (Alpha & Beldon).
And all the others mentioned in previous posts.
For Local BC, Future Electronics (NOT Future Shop).
Tel: (604) 294-1166 (store) Active Electronics
3695 East 1st Ave
Vancouver,
Al.

[DSL PWR]

I should have some spare #18 9 conductor shielded cable after my plasma table is wired. I ordered 100m of it