Maplin's AAARRRGGG!!!!

[MikeDunn]

Like a number of other places (Maplins included), Squires are OK if you want something standard ... but anything more than that, you're looking at the specialists.

[Bealman]

It all sounds very much the same as what has happened to the Dick Smith chain here in Australia.

Way back around about 1972, a young electronics enthusiast started a mail order business selling electronic components. It took off, and within 10 years had become a major concern selling components, kits and computers from many stores around the country.

I wouldn't put him quite in the same league as Richard Branson, but he is certainly one of Australia's more successful entrepreneurs. He's done similar stunts to Branson too, by the way, such as flying solo around the world in a helicopter.

Anyway, he sold his electronics chain (to Woolworths, I think, but could be wrong there), and since then, all kits and components have disappeared and the shops sell only consumer products like TVs and computers, etc. I haven't been in a shop for ages, although we do have one in my home town - but I'd be pretty confident that you won't even be able to get a multimeter in there.

Jaycar, on the other hand, seem to be going from strength to strength, as do Altronics. Both companies have strong bonds with our excellent electronics mag SILICON CHIP, and most new designs published are followed by a complete kit of parts from one firm or the other. Jaycar even sponsors a major rugby league team!!

Most of the designs published in the British magazine EVERYDAY ELECTRONICS are Australian designs first published here, and Jaycar run adverts in the British mag.

Both companies issue huge catalogues which are thicker with each year... the range of stuff contained therein is quite staggering. Even the catalogues go under the banner of "Engineering and Scientific Catalogue".... very professional. The Jaycar slogan is: "Jaycar Electronics, Better. More Technical." I think that is very cool.

An added bonus is that the publisher-in-chief of SILICON CHIP magazine is keen on model railways himself, and so there are often model railway projects featured, along with the appropriate kit becoming available shortly thereafter.

I guess it sounds like I'm pumping this a bit, but it all stems from reading this thread about Maplins. I know that I am very pleased that if I need a part- such as that 100uF 400V capacitor mentioned earlier in the thread, I can just pop out down the road for 5 mins and get hold of one.

They do stock "consumer" goods as well, and I know that Scotsoft will probably be interested to know that they have a huge range of helicopters and spare parts!!

[dndidnidn]

Mind you I did escape with my Heatshrink (at treble the price). how do they make money?       

People keep buying things for treble the price.

[njee20]

I don't find Maplin prices that bad for the sort of things I tend to be picking up - odds and ends. If it's a big order or it can wait I'll go online. Don't really see it any different as HMV versus Amazon - you pay a premium for the convenience and the high street presence.