Do people really only order 1 or two of such small things as caps? I usually go the 100 count on the common stuff because I know I will need more at some point. Maybe 10 count on some of the more obscure values.
Or do most people not keep any sort of parts bins?
BTW, Digikey is great and in Minnesota. Mouser is pretty good too, and in Dallas. Those are the two big one stop shops where you can find most anything, though not the best price.
Then there are a lot of little places that are good for finding random things at good prices. Electronic Goldmine, Jameco (got my first 300 baud modem from them 25 years ago ), Pololu, etc.
I've purchased from Futurlec. Shipping took a while, but the prices were good. I used to live right next to Jameco and have purchased from them as well.
For some parts at Digi (such as one that I was looking for recently) I only needed like 15, but the minimum order was 1000! Each part was $1.07, but I didn't need 1000 of them, and couldn't afford that. Found them elsewhere with no minimum.
Where have you had success with solder and flux and all of that jazz?
Depending on what you are looking for there are plenty of online sources.
Here is my list, I'm sure that I have left some out, feel free to let me know and I'll add to the list.
The one annoying thing about Digikey is they put the tape-n-reel stuff in with all the others. You have to select the right packaging to get the single part prices. Bulk, Tube, cut-tape should do it.
Unless it's a non-stock. They often have non-stock stuff that has minimums.