As shipping from the UK was explained to me by Spridgebits (now Ron
Hopkinson), small stuff is sent air freight by weight, which is fine for
light weight items, but expensive for heavy stuff and subject to size
limitations. Heavy or oversize stuff is sent by freight (I think that
means surface). The charge is relatively weight insensitive but
the basic charge is high. It becomes economical, though, if you are
ordering enough stuff.
I have found it very helpful to get the FAX number of UK suppliers by
voice phone, then do everything to FAX. It can be maddening to go
through a long list to get current availability or price, with frequent,
"hold on mate, I'll run back and look on the shelf." I have faxed lists
of part numbers with requests for quotes, and gotten replies quickly.
Less chance of error too.
Ray Gibbons
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