Is Farnell lying about their "Free next day shipping!!!" ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: SolarSunrise
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 05:28:15 pm
content: I'm currently living in Europe so Farnell is my only "close" source of Electronic supplies/materials. With the claimed "free" shipping for orders over 35 euros, I thought Farnell was a godsend for my needs. However, when I was about to pay my 50 euro worth of parts, I was greeted with a jolly message of "+5 euros for shipping"! What??? Is this because I am using a credit card for my transactions???What is going on Farnell? Does anybody have the same issues?Thank you for listening to my short burst of frustration...

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 05:49:54 pm
content: Where in Europe are you? Are you using the Farnell for your country?Europe is a big place!Possibly if you try and order to France from the German website for example you will find delivery fees aren't free, or something like that.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 05:52:02 pm
content: Farnell does different things in different countries. E.g. in some countries they don't even sell to individuals. So you should check if this "free shipping" promise applies to the local Farnell subsidiary.

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 06:03:22 pm
content: It was free in the UK this morning.

author: SolarSunrise
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 06:11:31 pm
content: Quote from: 8086 on December 23, 2013, 05:49:54 pmI'm currently "stationed" in France. I'm really confused because, according to Google Translate, the french website says that the shipping fees are free. Hmmm.... Maybe I should email their customer service. Thanks for your reply!

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 08:39:18 pm
content: If you are in France, try the French RadioSpares (RS Components):http://radiospares-fr.rs-online.com/web/(for companies)http://www.rs-particuliers.com/(individuals - the search sucks, use the "pro" site and copy the part numbers)They charge only 10EUR shipping for TNT service.I haven't found any cheaper distributor for small orders among the large ones like Digikey, Farnell, Mouser, etc. Every single one charges around 20-25 EUR S&H unless you order at least 60EUR worth of parts or open a business account with a VAT ID. Digikey even refused my French credit card and was asking me to sign some ridiculous DoD export forms - for two 18F14k50 PICs (!!!) - because they ship some of the stuff from the US, despite the French website. RS had no issues neither with my card nor any stupid forms and I told that to the Digikey customer rep in no uncertain terms too.Getting electronic parts in continental Europe sucks big time, unfortunately. That's why many hobbyists shop on eBay, Tayda, Futurlec and similar places that often sell dodgy parts - the legit vendors have completely ridiculous S&H prices and sale policies towards individuals.

author: Frost
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 09:39:49 pm
content: Quote from: janoc on December 23, 2013, 08:39:18 pmFor such common parts you can also have a look atwww.reichelt.frThey sell to individuals and often their parts are cheaper for smallquantities compared with RS or Farnell.

author: mcinque
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 09:48:23 pm
content: Try RS Components or Distrelec. Better websites, better filter search and next day delivery.

author: mikgntl-2013
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 10:01:23 pm
content: I suggest you to try tme.euThey usually have the best prices and ship with UPS Express Saver for 7.90EUR (+VAT).

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 10:03:47 pm
content: I like how everyone is suggesting he abandon a company with a €5 shipping charge for companies with notably higher charges.

author: mikgntl-2013
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 10:08:47 pm
content: Maybe because their prices are nothing but ridiculous, way higher than mouser, digikey and tme of course.But if shipping charge is your main concern...

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 10:20:09 pm
content: Shipping was fee in oz for a few years, but now you pay

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 10:25:10 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on December 23, 2013, 10:20:09 pmand it use to be that if you ordered before 10am (or was it 11) you'd get it that afternoon

author: Frost
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 10:42:37 pm
content: Quote from: mikgntl-2013 on December 23, 2013, 10:08:47 pmThat's the point, here in germany we call shops with these prices a pharmacy.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 10:55:56 pm
content: Quote from: mikgntl-2013 on December 23, 2013, 10:01:23 pmThanks for the tip, looks very interesting.Does this firm also deliver to private users? How is your experience with this company?

author: Leuven
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 11:03:50 pm
content: For the UK folks, cpc farnell does free next day withno minimum order! I hope they won't pull the plug after Christmas, it's nice to order a £3 component without paying £5 extra for posting.http://cpc.farnell.com

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 11:04:23 pm
content: Quote from: Leuven on December 23, 2013, 11:03:50 pmReally limited range, though.

author: Leuven
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 11:10:48 pm
content: Quote from: Monkeh on December 23, 2013, 11:04:23 pmTrue, depends what you're after. I find them ok for most 'mundane' stuff.

author: mikgntl-2013
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 11:12:10 pm
content: Quote from: Kjelt on December 23, 2013, 10:55:56 pmGot my last order a couple of weeks ago. Excellent service and communication! Everything was extremely well packed.I think they are the biggest distributor here in Europe (warehouse is in Poland).The only issue is that their catalog is not as rich as mouser or digikey, but for common parts they are simply the best source.And if you need something not listed you can always ask for a custom quote.As an example, they sold me the Agilent U1782B tweezers for 16,80EUR + VAT.Check how they are priced onfarnellAnd yes, they sell to privates.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2013, 11:37:30 pm
content: Quote from: mikgntl-2013 on December 23, 2013, 11:12:10 pmhttp://www.tme.eu/en/details/ntr-nc3mxxb/xlr-connectors/neutrik/nc3mxx-b/#http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/search/productdetail.jsp?sku=9991808We can all pick and choose items to make one seller seem better than another.I assure you, my next Farnell order would cost me more at TME. Except TME don't keep critical components of it, so I wouldn't place the order with them even if they were cheaper on the rest..

author: mikgntl-2013
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 12:25:39 am
content: Quote from: Monkeh on December 23, 2013, 11:37:30 pmThere are better example if that cares...I only said that for the parts I usually buy (passives and semiconductors) they are the best source.On the other hand, each time I look at farnell, I have the impression to be ripped off.Anyway I have to agree, there is nothing like the best source for everything.

author: tld
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 12:35:56 am
content: Quote from: SolarSunrise on December 23, 2013, 05:28:15 pmWhat does "close" mean to you?Close, so you can visit them?Close in terms of short transportation distances, for environmental reasons?I'm thinking the key probably is "close" in terms of shipping-distance, but measured in time, not kilometers.I live in Norway (and not even the capitol of Norway), and it's not uncommon for me to get deliveries from Digi-Key delivered (as in "in my hand") less than 48 hours after pressing the "order"-button. For me at least, that's close enough.And I rarely get things that fast if I order from companies that are actually *in* Norway.(Shipping from Digi-Key is free for me on orders above a limit, I do however pay VAT, but that'd apply from everyone else as well)tld

author: all_repair
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 12:56:05 am
content: Quote from: AlfBaz on December 23, 2013, 10:25:10 pmThat was the most important factor of buying from E14 for me. It save precious time. I would want to see them making profit and so I can stock less and yet enjoy the Just In Time inventories for the low volume needs. But sometime a minimum order takes 5 deliveries, I would noy mind if they group into 2, but their system does not seem to be able to do that. Instead they squeeze the delivery contractor and end up the recent deliveries have been not up to standard, but after many emails, a new delivery contractor has been installed.

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 02:26:47 am
content: I use Farnell/element14 and get free shipping for orders over $A45.If I place the order by 18:00, it gets delivered to me by 15:30 the next day, not bad seeing I'm about 1500 kms away from the warehouse and well outside the metropolitan delivery area.

author: SolarSunrise
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 09:02:16 am
content: Quote from: tld on December 24, 2013, 12:35:56 amThat I mean the distance, sorry about the confusion.I have used Digi-Key previously but the VAT was absolutely preposterous. I paid 70 dollars for my parts and the VAT was like 50 dollars (I don't remember exactly). Since then, I steered well clear of Digi-key, although their cheap prices were and still are really tempting...My main source was mouser, with its free shipping over $100. But recently I got super tired of Hand-Soldering SMD components so I got in the hunt of finding some solder paste. The main reason I was complaining about Farnell was that only Farnell had good quality solder paste! Mouser had a lead time of like 2 months, Digi-key has it but I avoid them like a plague.Anyways, thank you everyone for replying to my thread! I learned a lot of new suppliers (and confirmed that Farnell was indeed, lying, for individuals).

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 01:56:00 pm
content: Quote from: Monkeh on December 23, 2013, 10:03:47 pmI have just re-checked shipping on Farnell's website - the 5eur is a credit card charge, not really shipping. You can avoid that if you have a business account open (hobbyists need not apply). Furthermore, they charge 6.90EUR before VAT handling fee (so some 8EUR with VAT) if your order is for less than 30EUR. I don't see how all those fees are less than the 10EUR (tax included) RS charges.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 01:57:33 pm
content: Quote from: janoc on December 24, 2013, 01:56:00 pmThey don't charge for using debit cards in the UK. As for the handling charge, that's as advertised. Learn to place orders to avoid them.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 01:58:43 pm
content: Quote from: Kjelt on December 23, 2013, 10:55:56 pmI have bought one of the Brymen meters from TME and no problem whatsoever. I am an individual and they were happy to UPS the meter to me in 3 days. I can only recommend them, however, they don't carry a huge selection of components. It is certainly no Digikey.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 02:05:53 pm
content: Quote from: Monkeh on December 24, 2013, 01:57:33 pmJeeze, you do realize that Farnell has different conditions of sale for different countries, don't you? Both me and the original poster live in France, so what Farnell does in UK really does not apply. For me there simply isn't an option to use a debit card available at checkout, only CB ("carte bleue" - French credit card system) or a business account. So thank you for your patronizing, mate, but I certainly do know how to place an online order.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 02:09:32 pm
content: Quote from: SolarSunrise on December 24, 2013, 09:02:16 amI wouldn't call that lying, they just don't tell you the whole story - e.g. the 6.90 handling charge is hidden in the general conditions of sale and the 5EUR credit card charge is not S&H. So while shipping is "free", they milk you on other fees.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 02:21:54 pm
content: Quote from: janoc on December 24, 2013, 02:05:53 pmI do, that's actually my point.QuoteWell, I don't know that, do I? You never bothered to set that in your profile.QuoteI can know this how?

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 03:03:48 pm
content: Quote from: SolarSunrise on December 24, 2013, 09:02:16 amDid you order from the Digikey US site or from their French site? If you order from the US site all duties, VAT and customs handling charges will be charged to you, since you're the one importing the goods. If you order from their French site the prices will be in Euro and they will pay all duty charges for you and handle the paperwork. You only have to pay VAT to the courier, with no handling charges last time I checked.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 03:23:13 pm
content: Quote from: Monkeh on December 24, 2013, 02:21:54 pmI think it was fairly explicitly said in both my post and by the original poster earlier in the thread.Quote from: Monkeh on December 24, 2013, 02:21:54 pmThen refrain from lecturing others on how to place orders to avoid the fees, please.Regards and Merry Christmas,Jan

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 03:28:41 pm
content: Quote from: alm on December 24, 2013, 03:03:48 pmwhen i last time checked their system, from their hungarian site redirects to the global usa website (digikey.com) so i dont really know how this works.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 03:34:31 pm
content: Quote from: alm on December 24, 2013, 03:03:48 pmAre you sure about this?When I tried ordering the PICs mentioned earlier, I did order them from the French website. However, the shipping seems to be always from the US (same with Mouser, for ex.), they don't have warehouses in Europe, AFAIK. So I have got always hit by the import duties and VAT, typically UPS or whoever they use asking me to pay that on delivery - it is actually UPS handling the customs for you and charging that, not really Digikey.The import duties may be waived, depends on the value of the goods - if it is bellow certain limit, they won't be charged, but it likely depends on country. When I lived in Denmark, I used Digikey a few times and they were only asking for VAT on delivery - probably Denmark doesn't charge import duties on low value items. I have got my Rigol scope from China to Denmark without having to pay any customs neither. I am sure that in France I would have had to pay through the nose for it.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 03:50:09 pm
content: It appears to differ by country. Digikey.dk states:Quote from: digikey.dkI would expect this to apply to all EU countries, but their French site states:Quote from: digikey.fr(i.e. VAT and any other taxes are to be paid on delivery)I wonder if this is a translation issue or whether Digikey treats some EU countries differently. Mouser does offer DDP (duty paid) incoterms to France.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2013, 04:09:18 pm
content: Quote from: alm on December 24, 2013, 03:50:09 pmIt could very well be due to a difference in laws between EU countries. EU is a customs union, however when it comes to imports from non-EU countries, every EU country is different in that regard ...

author: daveshah
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 08:06:51 am
content: When I ordered from Digikey from the UK I had to pay VAT at time of delivery, but with no handling fees (obviously Digikey has special terms with UPS).

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 10:17:29 am
content: Quote from: janoc on December 23, 2013, 08:39:18 pmif you mean their parts usage questions and questions about the countries where the components will end up.. everyone outside usa has to answer those questions on every order.Its normal for digikey. I suspect it was a condition of their contracts to stock some milspec stuff.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 10:40:24 am
content: Quote from: Psi on December 25, 2013, 10:17:29 amReally? OK, that has to be new then. I used Digikey from Denmark and apart from the $20 shipping/handling fee for orders below $60 and the customs/VAT they never wanted anything extra. From France they were asking for those silly forms, but that was about two years later.The card issue is probably unrelated - just their retarded online store system that cannot deal with the secondary authentication by SMS code (the Verified by VISA-like system, my bank has it on my Mastercard too), so they couldn't process it.I guess they don't care about international customers then. As I said before RS had no qualms about sending me the same part for less and without any stupid forms ...Jan

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 11:20:35 am
content: digikey has a massive international customer base.

author: SolarSunrise
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 04:36:26 pm
content: Merry Christmas Everyone!After reading all of your posts (big thanks to all the people who contributed!), I realized that maybe the 5 euro thing was just handling fees.I think I was just confused because Mouser and Digikey does not have this unknown extra "fee".I decided to buy stuff from both Mouser and Farnell - Farnell's SMD chips are twice the price of Mousers... Wow...

author: logictom
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 25, 2013, 07:59:49 pm
content: The recent change to minimum £20 order for free P&P is a bit of a pain and pretty daft. I was ordering an item costing £19.64 so they wanted £3.95 for shipping so I added a couple of resistors to knock it up to £20 to save the shipping - they then post the two items separately

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2013, 02:52:13 am
content: Quote from: logictom on December 25, 2013, 07:59:49 pmThought that only applied to sundry accounts anyway? (which previously weren't allowed to order at all unless they spent £20)

author: logictom
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 26, 2013, 12:11:11 pm
content: It's applied to trade accounts now, I thought it was just my personal account but we're always adding on odd-sods to orders to knock it up to £20 at work.It's even more of a pain because we use their ibuy system but even when two of us place an order they don't combine or have the option to combine orders - they must be denied by our admin who then manually combines all the orders.