Support a local chain store and be gouged.... or...?

[ozboomer]

I'm sick of this nonsense... but what about the ethical question? Do our philosophies go out the window when we're having this level of BS on the 'fun stuff' (for many.. and are 'essential' for some)... given every $$$ is becoming more important for the real essentials (like food, clothing, energy,...)...?



Any thoughts, folks?

[thetragichero]

it sucks and the only thing i can suggest is to have a suitable test circuit available because the internet is swarming with counterfeit semiconductors

[reTrEaD]

Jan 27, 2024 19:52:45 GMT -5 ozboomer said:

Support a local chain store . . .

My default is:
All other things being equal, buy local. But there are two things to consider. What do we actually mean by 'local'?   And it's rare that all other thing are equal, so then we weigh the pros and cons.

For hardware items, I tend to favor the little hardware store within walking distance of my home. Even though I pay a little more for the same items, it's a fair trade for the convenience. Plus I don't mind subsidizing the little guy over the big-box home-improvement store.

For music gear, I definitely favor the music store down the street. I can put my hands on the merchandise before I buy it. They also sell used merch and I've sold to them on some occasions and sold on consignment through them on other occasions. If there's a big difference in price, I'll tell them what I can pay for the same merch through an online source. If they can come close, I'll often pay a little more to help keep them in business. I've rented big equipment from them on more than one occasion. They're a boon to the local community.

For electronic parts, I no longer have a brick and mortar store nearby, so true local is not an option. I'll pay a little more to buy through a business located in my state or a nearby state, but not a lot. If there's a big difference in price, then price is usually the deciding factor as long as the low price is through a vendor I trust.

[kitwn]

I'm not sure exactly what it is you're complaining about. All of these devices are manufactured in their millions by a relatively small number of fabs in places like Taiwan and China. For chips like a 555 and many other basic devices most of the cost for a hobbyist is the delivery and handling costs for small quantities. If you want them by the tens of thousands then expect pay a few cents each for the genuine article from the large, reputable suppliers like DigiKey, Mouser or RS Components.

I have never known of a well-stocked shop existing within easy reach of anywhere I've ever lived in the UK or Australia. Keeping stock of a million possible components doesn't make economic sense on a local scale and the big players are more likely to have everything on your shopping list available in one order and sell you what you asked for rather than a dodgy counterfeit item that might look like a bargain on eBay.

Kit

[cynical1]

This seems like worrying about closing the barn door after all the horses have gotten out. The predominant choice now is online. The small guys have been getting stepped on for decades.

I prefer patronizing a smaller shop with a knowledgeable staff. Just wish there were more left.

HTC1

[kitwn]

Feb 16, 2024 17:37:35 GMT -5 cynical1 said:

This seems like worrying about closing the barn door after all the horses have gotten out. The predominant choice now is online. The small guys have been getting stepped on for decades.

I prefer patronizing a smaller shop with a knowledgeable staff. Just wish there were more left.

HTC1

As a general principle, when shopping for many things I'm in complete agreement with you. The problem is that the range of electronic components is now so enormous that that business model just won't work. And anyone who is so knowledgable about every type of component that every customer might want to buy is not going to settle for shop-assistant wages.

Kit