Funny NYPD wrote:
> A few other larger distributor (such as: Future Elec, Arrow, etc.)
> may get better price if your order are in the 100K range. But
> overall, Digikey, Mouser and Allied will meet our requirement.
> 
> What have you found?

Let's see....

1) RS. Rude, unhelpful, and hopeless. I opened an account with them, 
placed an order same-day, and it didn't turn up. Called the day after it 
was due to arrive, only to find that they had decided that my Switch 
card was "invalid", and all I could get out of the sales rep was "it's 
not my problem" and "it's not really my department." The clincher? They 
double-charged said Switch card without sending anything out. Took four 
weeks to get that mess sorted out.

2) DigiKey. Fantastic, not a single bad word to say about them... except 
when an order gets flagged for "additional screening". Then you get to 
answer to the Spanish Inquisition as to what you're building, why you're 
building it, and if you happen to be utilising nuclear materials as part 
of your project. Seriously?! I love the product range, but someone needs 
to take a machete to the endless reams of red tape.

3) Farnell. Have had an account (technically a CID number, not a full 
trade account) with them since about 1999. Problems have been minor -- 
usually a few parts missing here and there. Sales staff are friendly, 
and willing to take ownership of any problems that arise. Usually it's a 
case of "oh, the warehouse screwed up, we'll get a replacement UPS'd out 
for you today." More expensive than DK for some parts, but the 
convenience and customer service makes it worthwhile. Watch out for 
shortdated (near expiry) stock if you're buying solder paste or other 
products with expiry dates.

-- 
Phil.
piclist@philpem.me.uk
http://www.philpem.me.uk/
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist