Re: Digikey - UK.

Ross Herbert wrote: 
On Fri, 13 May 2005 16:34:38 GMT, Geo <hy1k-hwia@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:


On 13 May 2005 03:11:20 -0700, "PeteS" <ps@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:


That's some of the best news I've had since I returned to the UK from
the states a year ago. Farnell and RS may be decent, but they've a long
way to go to match DigiKey.


Yeah but NBG for the odd special item - £10 handling charge plus £12 delivery...

Geo 


I am convinced these companies have a kick-back arrangement with the
freight forwarders. They are making a better profit on the freight
than on the items they are sending, especially for small qty sales.

For instance, last week I ordered a USD12 switch weighing less than
100gm packed from a US company and UPS wanted USD65 to ship it to
Australia. Luckily, the company supplying the switch bowed to my
request and sent it via USPS for USD5.30. When I have tried to buy
from Digikey (and others) in the US they absolutely refuse to send by
anyone other than either Fedex, DHL, UPS or whoever they have a
contract with and the freight costs are simply exorbitant.


Not only that, but you can be sure that they'll attempt delivery when you are out - and if you want to pick it up from their depot, it will be at least 50 miles away.
.