[sdiy] Ordering parts - Pros and not-so-pros (was the Futurlec thing)

[Scott Stites]

I think John Blacet hit the nail on the head with his description of Futurlec.  I don't think they're a 'fishy' company, if fishy is meant in the sense they're overtly trying to be deceptive.  My experience:  hopelessly inept, uncommunicative and disjointed, yes, but dishonest, no.  Again YMMV.

One time, my credit card info was declined by the CC company.  Perfectly fine CC, just didn't work for Futurlec(??).  Then there was the instance where the US postal service could not find my address.  Of course they couldn't, Futurlec had put the wrong address on the package - fortunately the Sea of Tranquility currently is unoccupied, otherwise someone would have gotten my order.  Both of those problems were resolved by the mysterious amp at futurlec.  There are other instances, but the long and short of it is (more long than short) - I've always *eventually* received what I ordered.  I love their protoboards, so I guess I'll keep ordering those until I get burned, which is bound to happen.

Another amusing spin of the roulette wheel is HSC, also known as Halted.  An order from them can result in a sort of 'grab bag' distribution of the actual parts one ordered.  It's sort of like the person filling the order either has poor eyesight, is prone to three martini lunches, or both.  

Ian's experience with Jameco is surprising to me - I've usually gotten prompt resolution to any mistakes, on the few occasions there have been mistakes.  But, that's been a while ago, could be a different crew in there now.

Allied, Digikey, Mouser rock.  Newark doesn't seem to care anymore unless your name includes 'Inc.', 'GMBH', 'LTD', 'OY', or some other similiar appelation.  Their little sister, or whatever the heck it is, MCMinone is always a pleasure to deal with.

Anway, sometimes the pros just don't have that one thing you really want or need.  That's when you go fishing.

When the world is running down, you make the best of what's still around.....

Cheerio,
Scott



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