Digi-Key provides such a consistently stellar performance that I simply don't bother checking anywhere else first. Unless it's something I don't mind buying on Amazon.
I live in Finland and it is consistently both cheaper and faster to order from DigiKey in the States than anywhere else I’ve tried in Europe (>$50 for free shipping). If I can’t get the part locally (and of course accept the markup for that) then I can have it in my hand in 48 hours from DigiKey. And yes they handle all the customs and tax and stuff for you at the checkout.
I've had a reasonable experience with Reichelt but their shipping charges were high, and it still took longer than 48 hours to arrive (even if they dispatch on the same day)
For some reason DigiKey seem to have absolutely perfect timing with UPS, you can track it going state-to-state in the US, and then seamlessly to Germany and on to the connecting early morning flight to Finland (via Sweden).
Now I've said this I'm prepared to have my heart broken on my next order as it goes the long way round by ship or something ;)
I agree entirely. Digi-key is my first stop because my experience with them has always been great. Although not common, sometimes Digi-key doesn't stock the part I want and I need to look elsewhere. Mouser was always my second stop before, but they won't be now.
I also always checked Digi-Key first and then Mouser second if Digi-Key is out of stock on something I need. (Unless it was a TI part; their direct online ordering process is quite nice). But going forward I'll reconsider Mouser.