Life after digikey, where to go when your project has outgrown low volume. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2021, 10:12:28 am
content: The volume for one of my projects is getting a little big to keep ordering parts from digikey, or rather having the PCB house order from digikey. There's one part in particular that I need a couple of SMT reels of and digikey stock is often lower than that, even before covid happened.So, my question is... where does everyone order their parts from when you find digikey just isn't cutting it any more?I'm guessing 2 reels isn't enough to talk direct to the manufacture?Can anyone provide links to official resellers who sit in-between digikey and the manufacturer in terms of volume. The kind of companies i'm talking about are the ones that probably only deal in buying full reels etc..Thanks.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 21, 2021, 11:07:10 am
content: A few of the major component distributors off the top of my headhttps://www.arrow.com/https://www.avnet.com/https://www.braemac.com/https://www.futureelectronics.com/https://www.we-online.com/

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2021, 11:19:39 am
content: Quote from: Psi on September 21, 2021, 10:12:28 amDid you send RFQ to DK or at least asked them if they can supply components?Quote from: Psi on September 21, 2021, 10:12:28 amIt depends. Not always cheaper and faster order directly from manufacture compare to (in context) DK.Don't forget you will deal with customs / shipping etc if go directly, so more hassle to handle.Quote from: Psi on September 21, 2021, 10:12:28 amIt depends. What are value of these reels? Sometimes each reel can be easy 5 figuresQuote from: Psi on September 21, 2021, 10:12:28 amJust have a look your manufacturer's component and check who are distributors/resellers in your region.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2021, 11:50:12 am
content: Some good points. Thank youThe part in question is a $1.40 mosfet and I need 9000 of them.True, I had not considered price, and that the manufacturer might be happy to deal direct when the cost is high even if its only 2 reels. Good point!

author: 48X24X48X
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2021, 12:11:38 pm
content: Most manufacturer nowadays have their own online store like TI, Maxim, Microchip for example. But if you are looking for larger quantity, companies like Avnet are the big boys. Before the internet sales boom, they were the guys that you need to go to and they have swallowed up other smaller distributor over time.

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 21, 2021, 03:03:40 pm
content: Try looking for a local rep/Distributor. Smaller manufacturers usually have smaller local reps, which might be willing to help you more than the big players.

author: mjs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2021, 07:14:33 am
content: A few reels might still be doable from DK, just send them an RFQ.The next step are the distributors mentioned above they're typically happy to sell you the MOQ stated in the datasheet/packaging documentation from the manufacturer.Manufacturers prefer distributors dealing with the logistics, invoicing etc. until you reach significant volumes. My limited experience from low cost microcontrollers (remember the time when you were able to really buy them..) is 1-3 Mpcs/year from distributor, over 10 Mpcs from manufacturer.

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2021, 02:36:09 am
content: Quote from: Gribo on September 21, 2021, 03:03:40 pmYes. I have a local rep that carries On-Shore tech (euro-style 2-part headers and screw terminals).Their price is often HALF of the Digi-Key price, but typical lead times are 8-10 weeks. I get these prices on 50pieces.Jon

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2021, 05:06:11 pm
content: Yes, that is the expected saving compared to DK/Mouser. In the past, I dealt with one of TI's distributors and they quoted 60% off the Digikey price for single reel amounts (Chipcon transceivers, DC2DC & MSP430 parts), They were also willing to hold a buffer stock for certain parts.