Résumé dans la langue de publication A method and device for feeding an electronic component are provided by which extensive shutdown of the electronic component mounting device due to lack of components is prevented, thereby enhancing the operation rate. The device has a feeder section designating unit (32) for designating a desired one of feeder sections (22), and a feeder section controller (31) for forcibly moving the feeder section which is currently feeding electronic components to a prescribed retracted position when the other feeder section has been designated by the feeder section designating unit (32) and for moving the designated feeder section which has been in a standby state to a predetermined component feeding position, by which a long-time pause of the electronic component mounting device caused by exhaustion of components is prevented and the operation rate is enhanced.