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We use mouser as one of a couple of electronics components suppliers for prototyping. They are reliable and I have not had any real issues with them after years of use.

Strengths: Large selection, reliable, decent pricing

Needs to improve: None

We use McMaster-Carr as a source for almost all of our engineering prototypes. While exploring what is out there, I sometimes just go and peruse their website to find more info.

Strengths: McMaster-Carr has an incredible selection of parts and raw materials and moves everything very quickly. We use them all the time for getting materials for engineering prototypes. The information they have on their site is very useful.

Needs to improve: They charge a premium, but have great turnaround, selection, customer service, and product information.

We use Fastenal for all of our fasteners--washers, nuts, bolts, etc. Their selection is very broad and includes some more specialized parts, but can be a little bit pricey at times.

Strengths: reliable, fast, large volume, large selection

Needs to improve: pricing, sometimes

We use Fastenal for all of our fasteners--washers, nuts, bolts, etc. Their selection is very broad and includes some more specialized parts, but can be a little bit pricey at times.

Strengths: reliable, fast, large volume, large selection

Needs to improve: pricing, sometimes

DV Die has provided excellent manufacturing and engineering support on a project I have worked on them with. I have a very small, high volume part that required a painting finish. The design of the parts would have made them cost prohibitive to sub-contracting the paint job, but DV Die was able to work out an in-house solution, despite it being out of their normal realm of expertise. Their flexibility and support with this has been very appreciated

Strengths: Die cutting, chemical etching, large volume, small parts, manufacturing support

Needs to improve: Not an expert at all finishes (painting in particular is not something they usually do, but this is not typically expected of die cutters, so should probably not really be considered a weakness).

I have used them for several projects for use in healthcare products. I have only had a single issue with them but their customer service was excellent in correcting the actions. On one of my orders, I had quite a number variations of several small inserts printed, and just one of them was missing from the package. They were able to overnight the missing piece to me and I didn't lose any time at all.

Strengths: C Ideas has a really fast turnaround time and were very flexible and helpful with available materials and different types of rapid prototyping options.

Needs to improve: Although they do have a pretty wide selection of materials available, I don't think they are able to print in Ultem which I needed for flammability reasons.