Maplin - mains transformers

[Peter Lynch]

I've just been on their website, looking for a transformer to power my latest and greatest piece of futility (that's the DIY angle).

Looked up the mains transformer section and got a real surprise. All their toriodal transformer range is listed as "discontinued" :-( Just out of interest I looked up variants: Their total stock holding of PCB mounted mains transformers come to 7 (5 of one type, 2 of the other) So far as traditional mains transformers goes, most of the voltage ranges only have single-figure stock levels. the only range that has what I'd've thought of as practical stocks is the sub-miniature range.

OK, putting aside any views of "they're not a serious vendor anymore, they're only interested in selling toys" that people may have. Does this paltry offering reflect lack of demand or is it just another symptom of their decline?

Pete

[tony sayer]

In article , Peter Lynch writes

I tend to use Maplin these days like PC World i.e. for distress purchases when I need it this moment .. and now and no one else is open an available!.

Otherwise its RS components rswww.com or CPC Farnell

I don't know if RS now do small domestic orders, but Farnell do with a credit card over the phone....

[.]

it does seem like maplin are going the way tandy: quite useful, mediocre, HOW MUCH ?, pfft old and busted, maplin is closing down ?

[Ian White]

Another possible cause might be the disruptions caused by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) regulations which have been in force since 1 July. The re-engineering of production processes to eliminate the use of lead in solders, along with other banned substances, has caused major disruptions to the availability of electronic components in general.

Some manufacturers and distributors have handled the changeover efficiently and smoothly, while others are still catching up. The regulations don't actually apply to components, only to finished products "placed on the market in the EU", so maybe Maplin are simply running down their old stocks by flogging them to home constructors.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Lack of demand and their high overheads. Luckily, other suppliers are taking over the 'hobby' side of the business with low minimum orders and postage etc. Rapid appear to be one such.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Don't think Maplin have actually made anything for many years. They simply retail bought in goods.

[manatbandq]

I've had problems with Maplin in the past obsoleting one range before the new range is available. There is a rumour that they are going to stop stocking small components in the shops and that they will have top be ordered in. This has been denied by a Maplin representative in another forum.

Rapid

are the best of the bunch IMHO. No minimum order, good prices, post free over =A325, otherwise =A33.45+VAT. Orders usually arrive next day by Royal Mail (under =A360 in value and

1Kg in weight) or business post.

Farnell are post free but you have to spend =A320. Prices have become more competitive lately. Usually next day delivery (UPS IIRC).

RS have no minimum order but charge more for postage and (usually) for everything else. Usually next day delivery.

MBQ

[Peter Lynch]

Yes I normally use Rapid for run-o-the-mill stuff and Farnell for specialised stuff. As another poster says sometimes there's just stuff you want right now. In this case I've just finished a project and wanted to run it standalone off mains power - rather then bench PSU.

It's sad really. I've been using Maplin man and boy (still have one of their old orange catalogs with a concorde on the front) and sometimes I'm willing to pay high st. prices for the convenience. I suppose I'll have to start thinking ahead and planning to order in advance :-(

Pete

[Mathew Newton]

Rumour? I think it's gone beyond that...

I was in the Stockport branch a couple of months back wanting a few resistors, capacitors and various other sc's etc - they advised me they no longer stock these items and would have to be ordered.

They did however have a smoke machine, numeours PC cases full of fluoresecent tubes or a radio controlled boat should I have so desired.

Mathew

[Jonathan Schneider]

Ditto. They're frighteningly expensive too.

Jon

[Sylvain VAN DER WALDE]

They're opening a new store in Camden, London. What does that suggest to you? Don't ask me. I don't know.

Sylvain.

[Sylvain VAN DER WALDE]

[Ian White]

I did say "manufacturers and distributors", because the same comment applies to both; but Maplin are clearly the latter.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

You must have a better branch than the ones near here - Wimbledon and Forest Hill have little in the way of components.

Same here. In the mid '90s, Maplin expanded their component range and looked like they were going for the 'RS' market. Quantity discounts, etc. And what's more, some excellent own brand kits.

Then shortly afterwards changed into a glorified Tandy.

[tony sayer]

Noted their prices do look good!..

Yes tho sometimes the actual price for a one off thats holding up something bigger isn't of consequence .. but!..

Sometimes, their not as good as they once where unless you pay extra!..

[Sylvain VAN DER WALDE]

[Owain]

I think lack of demand is key - electronic construction as a hobby has deteriorated in popularity (evidenced by the limited range and thinness of magazines on the top shelf of WHSmiths); most of the projects in the mags seem to be microprocessors or other things powered by wall-warts; magazines may suggest ready-made wall-wart power supplies because of liability issues, international compatability, etc.

If toroidal transformers were as popular (or as profitable) as disco lights them Maplin would sell them.

Owain

[Harry Bloomfield]

Sylvain VAN DER WALDE has brought this to us :

They got into the electronics enthusiasts market and as that deteriorated, tried to move into commercial component supply, completing with the likes of Farnell and RS. They didn't compete very well and then moved into the 'toy' market, but retaining some relics of their component business. Now it seems they don't know quite what they are trying to be. Shame really, they were the first good national source for electronics parts -better than Tandy/Radio Shack.

[Ian White]

Now that CPC have made it much easier for the public to buy from them direct, Maplin are being very badly squeezed. However, it's hard to feel too sorry for them; they've had several chances over the years to create their own distinctive place in the market, and missed every one.

More worrying is the effect CPC is having on its own sister company Farnell. As the two companies gradually merge their inventories, the Farnell people will have to work hard to keep their company separate and distinct. I don't mind a few "engineer toys" in the Farnell monthly promos, but when I'm buying components from the Farnell catalogue, components are *all* I want to see.

By the way, there is a list of UK suppliers of electronic components and related items, at:

list gives particular emphasis to the way suppliers deal with individual hobbyists. Comments, corrections and recommendations are always welcome (bearing in mind that there is some DIY content, but it isn't meant to be a DIY list).

[Dave Plowman (News)]

I think it's a bit out of date as regards RS. At one time it was difficult for the individual to buy from them. This isn't the case anymore - provided you have a credit card.