Distributors aren't afraid to ship you small lots of components already rejected by others. "Hobby" stores often sell parts known to be useless by their sources, but the "hobby" stores don't care.

In small lots, e.g. handfuls, component procurement is always a crapshoot.

Distributors often simply resell rejected lots. They don't tell you they were rejected, nor do they care why. I've had to reject parts from a given lot number only to have them turn up at a different client with the same problem.

Not all "new from the manufacturer" parts are perfect, as they like to skip the outgoing inspection. If you don't have thorough incoming inspection, you get what you deserve.

RE