Santa Barbara Electronics Supply formerly Marvac Electronics in Isla Vista | Best Phone, Laptop, and Computer Repair Services at Affordable Prices | Quick Fixes

I was so excited to see an electronics store in Santa Barbara. I hate buying from Amazon, and I want to support local business as much as possible.

I immediately noticed the mediocre quality of their products. The consumable parts (such as wire) and electronic components seem OK. But tools appear to be third-rate quality. The brands are not reputable at all — in fact, most of them do not show up on Google, which tells me that they’re cheap, unknown brands. They do have a cool “junk yard” of old equipment, which is actually pretty neat. If you’re simply looking for components or old replacement parts, then perhaps you’d enjoy this store.

Staff is not friendly. I was hoping that, as a small business, it’d be nice to talk to a real person. But after attempting to have a conversation with them, they didn’t seem to care at all. Maybe they were having a bad day, which is understandable.

Finally, they don’t accept refunds. “No refunds until further notice.” There’s a subtle little sign that tells you this, but I didn’t notice until it was too late. So I guess I’m irresponsible. Ultimately, it gives the impression that they don’t care about their customers — they just want money.

At the end of the day, I felt like I wasted my time and money. I don’t think I’ll be going back.

We always run short of basic electronic parts for produciton line mods or repairs. We are new to Goleata, (2018) and got tired of waiting 2 days for parts delivery from typical online vendors. We Google “Electronics” and Santa Barbara Electronics popped up. We drover over (1/2 mile away??), and found a VERY Nice E Parts Shop! Reminded me of the old Radio Shack’s! Full range of small electronic parts from IC chips, Resistors, LED’s, MOSFETs, Capacitors (both types), Transformers, Small DC Motors, Meters, Relays, test leeds, you name it the. I did not see PCB’s like Arduino or Raspberry Pie, National Control Devices. Not sure if they shop offers PCB prototype services or Programming Services,,,, but Im sure they can help locate it for you if needed. Nice team, the young man in the shop that day was very friendly. Clean, nice product displays, easy to find items, take cash and credit cards,,,Five Stars

Had forgotten to pack a charger with a barrel plug for one of my radios, The owner, Ken, took some time way after hours for me to find and dig out what I needed, even making sure to check with the local HAMs to ensure the proper voltage so as to not damage my equipment. This, folks, is a prime example of why you need to support your local businesses. Thanks again, Ken, 73’s from Udo!