I live  and work in White Rock, BC, way out on the west coast of Canada, and
can reliably place a DigiKey order before about 6pm and receive it by
Purolator the next morning before about 9:30, for $8 shipping.  It's
revolutionized my design work being able to get most parts I need so
quickly.  Even to drive to Vancouver and back, only to have a very limited
choice of parts at someplace like Active, would take me over two hours round
trip and probably cost me more than $8.00 just in gas for my car, not to
mention the value of my time.  They even have a printed catalog in Canadian
currency.  (Which unfortunately have become less of a good deal since the
currency has been rising.)

I happened to be talking with DigiKey on the phone a few weeks ago and
complimented them on their service and asked them if they really sent
Canadian shipments from Minnesota, and they said yes.  They also said that
most orders can be packaged and ready for shipping within about 20 minutes
of when they are received.  They usually have orders from multiple customers
in a given day to any given major city so they can have a regular booking on
a Purolator overnight flight.   Why don't other big parts vendors do this?

Impressive planning and efficiency, and a well run business IMHO.

- Chris Graham

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