.....And another thing about Maplins

[Pbassred]

I wanted to build a 28V supply yesterday but they don't sell any transformers anymore! Than means that all those kits on the shelves? Ya can't build em! You can buy on line but what's the point? You might as well go to RS or Farnell.

Someone told me that if you buy on line with Farnell you don't pay posstage. Is that right? I must have been doing it wrong.

[poynton]

When I asked about the lack of components, I was told there was no demand..............

[Thomo]

I think you have to spend £20 with farnell for free postage.

I know I've never paid postage with them before.

Lee.

edit: and yes, Mappo's are pants now.

[richie00boy]

All Maplin care about these days is selling light up tat and stupid gadgets, it gives them bigger margins. The company is run by monkeys (know somebody that used to work in head office).

[Sonusthree]

Still, I do really appreciate being able to pop in for phono sockets, silver solder, computer fans and other things I don't want to wait for.

I'd be worse off if they shut down their local store but not financially. I appreciate the convenience but I always leave feeling as though I've been mugged.

[5th element]

Originally posted by Pbassred
I wanted to build a 28V supply yesterday but they don't sell any transformers anymore! Than means that all those kits on the shelves? Ya can't build em! You can buy on line but what's the point? You might as well go to RS or Farnell.

Someone told me that if you buy on line with Farnell you don't pay posstage. Is that right? I must have been doing it wrong.

Long gone is the day. They can be useful for the odd thing but that's about it.

Yes Farnell give free postage but you do have to, as mentioned by Thomo, spend £20 and this is BEFORE vat. So the total comes out more like £23. This isn't a minimum order before they give you the free postage, this is minimum order period, you cannot buy from them unless the order is £20 or greater.

It does make you wonder what other companies are doing, Farnell's postage isn't just free it's next day delivery too. I have ordered countless times with them and never have they failed to deliver on time. I even placed an order at around 5pm once and that got to me before midday next day!

[Nordic]

Lol, you guys are getting the short end of the stick, with RS we have no minimum order amounts (appart from how many components come in a bag ), and can pick up from the client sevice counter free of charge...

but yes, the prices are exorbitant...

[richie00boy]

Well we actually have that with RS (presume you mean Radio Spares not US Radio Shack) here as well. And RS also do mail order with no minimum order and postage is free (hidden in item cost).

[poynton]

Anyone recent experience with CPC?

I used to have an account with them years ago.

They were useful with next day delivery before 12:00 and free postage if the order was over L25 before vat.


andy

[jaycee]

I'd say Rapid Online is what Maplin used to be... yes it's online only pretty much but they have a decent selection of parts and the postage isn't much. They don't have a minimum order either.