I opened a load of trade accounts with several wholesale suppliers some time ago, and buy pretty much everything that way. It varies from a bit cheaper to a LOT cheaper, and the supplier I mostly use is excellent at sorting out stuff-ups, theirs or mine. Admittedly there are few of the first and fewer of the latter, but they really are very good. It may be because for the last two years I've managed to go through about £35k a year with them, buying for several customers who talked me into supplying bits.

They're not the absolute cheapest across the board, but they are competitive and the level of service makes it more than worthwhile sticking with them. I've had so many problems with computer dealers over the years that when I find a trustworthy and competent one I stick to them like glue. They're pretty rare, after all.

pca