I have purchased several Raspberry Pi units as well as accessories, Gertboard, electronic equipment, etc. from Newark/Element 14 since they first came out.
Recently when I went to purchase a model B+ unit, I was directed to MCM for personal products. I can understand that they want to keep their customers separate. I created an account on MCM, purchased a Raspberry Pi, without knowing how much the shipping was going to be and placed my order. Shipping turned out to be $20. I found that to be a bit steep, but accepted it. When I got home tonight, there was a UPS note on the door saying that they tried to deliver my package during the day and that I owed $25 in brokerage fees, and that I must be home during the day to accept the package and pay for it. I had never needed to pay brokerage fees before, and the package was just dropped off at my house without the need for me being home.
So the switch from Newark to the sister site of MCM means:
- The package arrived slower than from Newark
- My end price has gone from $52 from Newark/Element 14 to $80 from MCM
- I now must be home during business hours to receive the parcel and pay the brokerage fees. I'm not sure how I'm going to work that one out.
The switch to ordering from MCM is definitely not in the best interest of Canadian customers, and will certainly make me look elsewhere for ordering electronic parts and supplies.
Greg
