buying components

Hi all,
Where is the best place for ordering components online, we have maplin here in galway but there stock is very poor and they never seem to have a iota about electronics or components

I don't know about 'best place', though these people are pretty good;
https://www.esr.co.uk/
ESR Electronic Components, Worldwide component distributors

you could try these, I've ordered many times from them without any problems. In my experience, they provide a fast, reliable service.

www.rapidonline.com

Based on previous experience, I certainly wouldn't bother ordering anything from MAPLIN's.
If you're after some non-specific stuff, like pots, resistors, caps etc, then this is a good ebay shop (though they are in china so it sometimes takes a while for delivery) I have always found them to be reliable, and they sometimes have some real bargains

https://stores.ebay.co.uk/Sure-Electronics_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm

any body ever buy from these guys? https://stores.ebay.com/Electronic-Components-Surplus_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm

they look to have a pretty decent selection. i'm looking for internet or catalog type suppliers in the US preferably west coast. any ideas?