Newark Electronics
Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)
Posts: 23,514
Once DigiKey and Mouser kind of took over the small-order electronics distribution biz, the "mainline" distributors, like Newark, Allied, etc., seemed not to notice, preferring to cater only to their large, established customers.
But I've taken a second look at Newark, since they kept coming up on findchips.com with good stock and pricing. In fact, I started an order with Mouser and ended up transferring everything on it to Newark, due to lower pricing. But, better still, I've yet to encounter such friendly, helpful people as I've worked with the past couple days in Newark's customer service department. It appears that they've learned a lesson from DigiKey and Mouser and are trying to best them at their own games.
Anyway, it's always nice to have alternatives, and this one came as a pleasant surprise.
-Phil
But I've taken a second look at Newark, since they kept coming up on findchips.com with good stock and pricing. In fact, I started an order with Mouser and ended up transferring everything on it to Newark, due to lower pricing. But, better still, I've yet to encounter such friendly, helpful people as I've worked with the past couple days in Newark's customer service department. It appears that they've learned a lesson from DigiKey and Mouser and are trying to best them at their own games.
Anyway, it's always nice to have alternatives, and this one came as a pleasant surprise.
-Phil
Comments
Glad to see both holding on.
https://www.arrow.com/
But Mouser is still my main supplier.
+1, excellent service and very low shipping costs on sample quantities if you inquire.
I order from Digikey and Mouser too as needed.
I usually get my Parallax order by the next day too. It is nice to be here in the North Bay of Northern California. Not as many people, but still close to a lot of Electronic suppliers/companies.
A couple years ago they seemingly couldn't help themselves for mucking up orders on a regular basis, which was always a shame as they are a perfect fit for next-day supplies of almost anything one might need for workshop, prototyping or emergency production supplies. They seemed to have gotten into a bit of a mess with some combination of IT, staff training and management issues.
Happily though Phil's observations strike a chord in Europe too! I've also noticed in the last half year or so that Farnell has most definitely got it's act together. Next-day deliveries of orders placed by 3pm and occasionally by 5 or 6pm seem to always arrive next day, and the admin system now just flows. Just how things should be- and I too find myself relying on them more and more.
Would be handy if they'd stock some Parallax stuff again. They used to carry SX's, but not a lot since. Farnell has a large distribution reach this side of the pond for sure; with distribution centers in the UK and Belgium, they are really well placed to supply customers in the Eurozone!
There's been a few members recently who've struggled to order direct from Parallax because of low volume or import shipping issues. I suppose I'm thinking especially of them!
I like Newark especially for tools and supplies, things like tweezers, solder and tips, and they do have friendly customer service. Occasionally better prices. Sometimes they will match a competitor's offer, which is something you would never get from Digikey or Mouser, but you might also get from Arrow or Future. Findchips.com is a great resource. It is amazing how much prices vary between distributers and from one time to the next. Exasperating ofttimes.