Tangent’s Parts Shop
Normally there is an order form here, but since you’re seeing this, you must be using a browser that doesn’t have JavaScript, or has JavaScript disabled for some reason.
If you cannot turn on JavaScript, I can take your order via my email form. Let me know which items you want, the quantities of each, your Paypal email address, what shipping method you want me to use, and the postal code you want it shipped to. I don’t need your shipping address at this point: I get that from Paypal when you pay the bill.
Thanks for shopping!
By the way, if you’ve turned off JavaScript due to security concerns, you might want to try the Firefox browser plus the free NoScript extension. It lets you have JavaScript turned off by default, but turn it on selectively for specific sites that you trust. Like this one. :)
Procedures and Policies
Stock Status
All parts listed above are in stock unless stated otherwise.
Do You Also Have...?
The only items I have for general sale are listed above or advertised somewhere, so if you have to ask this, the answer is almost certainly “no.” Please don’t ask if I have random capacitors, resistors, wire, cases, etc. not listed above.
Can I Buy a Kit For...
The only kits I offer right now are listed above. If I don’t offer a kit, it’s usually because I cannot come up with a single set of parts that I think the majority of people will be happy with. The headphone amplifier circuits, in particular, are designed to be very flexible in regards to parts selection. The project pages for each of these has extensive guidance for selecting parts, so please read through that to help pick your parts.
Shipping Address
If you are paying via Paypal, most of the shipping address fields above are disabled because I only need a few of them to calculate the shipping cost. You will select your complete shipping address when paying the Paypal bill.
It’s no problem if you want me to send your package to an address other than your “confirmed” Paypal address. Before you pay the bill, log into your Paypal account, and go to the Profile section. There, you will be able to enter an alternate shipping address. When paying the bill, you will be able to select that address.
Shipping Methods, Costs, and Delivery Times
Within the US, I prefer to use USPS Priority Mail because it usually only takes 2-3 days, and I can send almost any package for just $5.50. For the patient and cost-conscious, I recommend First Class mail, which can cost less than half that for a light package.
The surface mail option above is intended only for orders to US destinations that include flux bottles. It is about the same price as Priority Mail but slower than First Class! I only offer it because I must, for flux bottles.
For international packages, Priority Mail costs US $11.50 to Canada and $13.50 to the rest of the world. Delivery time is typically a week or two. First Class is much cheaper, though highly variable in cost because it’s priced per ounce, rather than being flat-rate. It typically costs ¼ to ½ the Priority rate for the same package. In exchange for that, delivery time is a bit slower.
For those in a really big hurry or who must have decent tracking, I offer Express Mail. It’s usually at least twice the cost of the next cheaper service, and can be a lot more. It’s only a good value in comparison with the private courier services of UPS or FedEx.
You may request some other service by choosing the “custom” option above, and stating which service you’d like in the Comments field. Understand when you do this that you’re second-guessing my expert opinion on the best services to use. I have offered non-USPS services in the past, but came to realize that they’re a poor value, their superior service more than offset by multiple extra costs. Not only is the actual service charge higher compared to comparable service from USPS, I have to drive much farther to get to drop-off points that close at a reasonable hour and have to do much more paperwork to use these services. I have no qualms about passing these costs on to you.
Tracking Numbers
If you are in the US and use First Class or Priority Mail service, you will get a delivery confirmation number via email when I ship the package. This is not a “tracking number” because it’s only good for telling when the package has been delivered. (Thus the name.) You can’t even reliably use it to tell when the package has been shipped; however, in almost every case, a package does get mailed the same day the label for it is printed, and if not that day, then the next for sure. If you need actual point-by-point tracking, you need to step up to Express Mail. This will at least quadruple your shipping cost, though.
If you are outside the US, the situation is much the same, except that delivery confirmation doesn’t exist. You can get tracking via Express Mail, but it’s awfully expensive. This is why I recommend choosing First Class mail above. Tracking generally isn’t worth it for international shipments.
Import Taxes
Some people have asked if I will mark international packages as a “gift,” or underdeclare the contents’ value, so they are charged lower customs/duties for the package. Sorry, I will not do this. Please do not ask.
Quantity Discounts
There is a 5% discount for orders over $100, not including shipping. The discount rises to 10% at $250, and 15% at $500.
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