A word of warning about PCB houses

[Grant Richter]

Recently I went to reorder some printed circuit boards.
I asked for quotes on various quantities with standard (not expedited)
delivery.

The quote looked something like this:

50 pieces  $9.00 ea.
100 pieces $4.50 ea.
200 pieces $2.25 ea.

As you can see, they all add up to the same $450, which turns out to be
their minimum order. The salesman only revealed the minimum order
information after some rather pointed questions from me.

Caveat Emptor, the first time I only had 100 pieces quoted and could have
had double the boards for the same price. This is legal, but I feel it is a
somewhat deceptive practice, since obviously a person wants the best value
for the money. The salespeople feel no obligation to volunteer this
information.

So, beware, commercial board houses have some "cute" pricing practices,
always get multiple quantities quoted, and don't get screwed by a hidden lot
charge.