You have to look at Futurlec for the cheap parts - there are a few parts that are pretty cheap - header pins, I just ordered some 2N2222 transistors that were about 1/2 price over Digikey. They have a good price on relays - buck a piece for a decent PCB relay is a good bit less than other sources.
I wouldn't order anything from Futurlec I was needing for a project - only for the parts bin.
Ken H>