Digi-Key and Mouser Orders

Provided by Don Jackson, AE5K

I just thought I'd pass along a couple hints for buying homebrew parts from two of the major suppliers: Digi-Key and Mouser. Both offer some neat on-line (web) ordering gimmicks -- Mouser especially is nice for different projects. Although both often offer the same items, they are often NOT the same price. Each have their strong and weak points in parts coverage. Digi-Key is especially strong and aggressive on depth and pricing on their IC and other semiconductor parts. Mouser is often the least expensive for such things as surface mount resistors.

DIGI-KEY: www.digikey.com

Did you know that you can get FREE shipping on your order? Yes, that's correct -- and as long as your order totals $25 or more you pay only for the parts and no other charges. The "secret" is that you must send them a check or money order by mail. Timewise, it will add a couple days to get your parts over ordering them via internet or phone -- the time it takes your letter to get to Minnesota.

Digi-Key also offers (with registration) online forms to compose your order. It's like a web shopping basket and tells you if item is in stock, extends the price, etc. If you mail you order in, you can just copy the online form.

MOUSER: www.mouser.com

Unfortunately Mouser does not offer the same deal, and in fact I have a "caution" to give out: If possible, let Mouser determine the shipping method (they usually use UPS). If that is done, then they do not charge you for any shipping on back ordered parts. If you specify, for instance USPS (U.S. Mail) shipping, they will charge you for EVERY backorder shipment, no matter how small!

With registration, Mouser also offers online storage of your bill of materials for different projects. Very convenient.

Don AE5K

November, 2005