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Lets face it, in order to be a successful do-it-yourself electronics technician, you’re going to have to be a packrat.  If you see something cool that nobody wants and it’s got an LCD display, maybe some knobs, stepper motors, belts/gears… the list is endless… grab it and hide it in your parents basement.  This is the only way to do cool stuff on a shoe-string budget.  However, sometimes you have no choice but to buy components from a STORE of some sorts.

Personally, I live in an area where the RadioShacks are plentiful, but larger suppliers are nowhere to be seen.  In fact, the closest respectable supply house is just outside of two hours away.  Two hours!  I’ve been known to be a tad extreme when it comes to my projects, but that’s just too far to travel for one lousy part.  And then there’s Chris, he lives in the western parts of Canada.  He’s always complaining that the majority of mail order electronics shops on the internet are located in USA and charge extreme fees to ship to Canada.  We won’t even go into the brokerage fees that some shippers like UPS tend to charge.  Being a nerd, and desperately in need of project-fulfillment, this fate just is not acceptable.

If you ever find yourself in such a predicament, you are only left with a few options.  Let’s take a look:

1. Find a different, more accessible hobby - This should never be an option.  If you want to get into something, by all means, have at it!
2. Move closer to your favorite supplier, or become a nomad and live behind said supplier – Think it out before doing this.  As great of an idea as it sounds, it could end quite bad– Wait, I’m lying.  This option is pretty appealing, plus you could get business cards saying you’re the “Nomadic Nerd”!  How sweet is that!?  This also opens up opportunities to dumpster-dive behind said electronics suppliers.
3. Spend all your money at RadioShack or other like retailers (The Source, in Canada), ending up not having enough to reach your project-y goal – If you’re in a hurry, and you’ve got the extra cash, this is occasionally acceptable.  Just don’t start to rely on these slightly over-priced retailers too heavily, or you’ll be out of cash with a half-finished project.  That only leads to loss of enthusiasm, which can doom your project immediately.
4. Find an online supply house to fulfil your needs – Unfortunately, other than option “2″, this seems to be the only appropriate choice.  Even though you’ll have to pay for shipping, generally speaking, you’ll get better deals, and more parts.  The only downside to this way of shopping (other than having to wait to receive your goods) is the ”Minimum Order.”  This means that you cannot order supplies from them unless you spend more than their stated minimum, or they’ll charge you extra.  It’s usually only $20, but that’s quite alot if your smaller project is stated to only cost, say, $5.

In order to combat these horrific minimums and shipping fees, my suggestion is to go into NADD, and start (or prepare for) several projects at once.  This way, you can order all your parts, and go over the Minimum Order, all without cause for justification.  And I hate having to justify a project.

To get you started, here are a few electronics supply houses that I’ve found to be reliable.

Electronics Express - This subsidiary of RSR Electronics is based in New Jersey, Shipping is usually $10 on orders up to $100.  Shipping speed tends to vary.  Low prices, plus discounts on bulk purchases.  Often hard to beat.

Digikey – Digikey has EVERYTHING!!! As well, they also have links to datasheets on most of their more complex components, and a really fast turn-around time.  The only downside is that they tend to be a bit more expensive then necessary, and only ship with UPS.  This means that Canadian customers get an extra little jab when UPS applies their arbitrary “brokerage” fee for the “service” of crossing the border with your package.  This has at times been up to 25% of your purchase price and is not advertised beforehand, so can be quite a nasty surprise.  If you live in Canada, stick with suppliers on your side of the border.

Electrosonic – Electrosonic has a pretty good inventory, and is located in Canada, so shipping to Canadians shouldn’t be too bad.

HVW Tech – I can’t say much more then “These guys ROCK”.  They don’t have as much variety and selection as the big boys, but what they do have is awesome.  Shipping was reasonable (they are within Canada) and fast.  They are affiliated with http://www.solarbotics.com

BG Micro – These guys are ultimate no question about it.  I think these guys understand that nerds with NADD are their clientel.  Their prices are pretty good, and their inventory seems to be just what we are looking for.

JameCo – Based in California, this company is comparable to RadioShack, with not quite the lowest prices, and a plethora of products other than parts.  Shipping isn’t the cheapest, although they seem to ship relatively quickly.

All Electronics – Specializing in the electronic and electro-mechanical, this company seems to have a decent range of products.  Not everything is available from this supplier, but what they do have is well-priced, and shipping isn’t terrible.

Circuit Specialists – Not the widest variety of parts, although this supply house seems to keep all prices at least fair.  Based in California, they’ve chosen to use UPS as their primary shipper.

eBay – I buy a large amount of my supplies from eBay sellers.  Some are reliable, with excellent products, and others are complete garbage.  It’s a risk sometimes, but for the price, it may be worth it.

Mouser – Kevin pointed this company out, I’ve used them for samples before, and I’m unsure of the Canadian shipping rates.  Otherwise, it’s a decent company.  Thanks!

I’m sure I’m missing tons of links to wonderful supply houses, so if you know of one, I will gladly add it to the list!

I hope this helps you get your own home lab well stocked, and within your budget.