Trying to Source electronic parts

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Where are good reputable and affordable retailers to buy electronic parts like resisters, capacitors, transistors etc. These parts are being shipped to Canada so if anyone from my country knows of a retailer that actually has reasonable shipping that would be even better.

My current project is building a Dunlop/MXR Dyna-Comp(guitar effect) from scratch and Jameco wants $29 to ship $30 of parts, not happening, UPS is $22 plus they hit you with a $22 border charge every time. I figure there are enough people here into the electronics hobby to make a decent list of potential suppliers. Thanks.

I'd like to know too. Why is it so bloody expensive to ship things here from the US anyway? It should be the most effortless thing ever, yet somehow it's not.

This company has been one of the first I go with for audio stuff so they may be of help. Shipping is very reasonable but since I am located in the same state, that might not be a fair comparison. Try them at any rate and see.

MCM Electronics

Here is another company I like very well and I usually compare with the previous if I don't like their selection or price.

Mouser

I have a couple of others but let me look them up, I will edit as I find more.

Here is a Canadian company that is quite nice to deal with. Their shipping to the states is very reasonable. They mostly cater to radio restoration but they do carry parts. Might find what you need as you didn't specify exactly what you were looking for.

JustRadios

And lastly unless you are looking for specialty items, these folks are good however I have no idea about dealing with Canada.

DigiKey

you could also try eBay as well.

Another good source for basic components is to check the scrap piles behind electronic repair shops,

Mouser

Only Mouser

No minimum order charge and your order will be out of the door less than an hour after you hit the send button.

Thanks, I'll go through the list when I have time and energy.

Another interesting thing is its sometimes cheaper to ship to the USA then it is to ship domestic. I think there are a few issues working to rip off Canadians, #1-Canada Post is very inefficient, in some cases using a larger box more then half's the price to ship!. #2-Many retailers use fixed rate shipping schemes that are not remotely based on the size and weight of the items being shipped. #3 Curriers charge too many extra fees and always make you pay customs taxes on boxes that would have cleared in regular parcel post. Of course if typical Canadian retail prices were even close to reasonable we would not even have to bother with the cross border shopping.