Quote from ftl >>

Depends on the components and the general feel of the campaign.

But usually, if they're in a position to get all the components before going into the dungeon just by spending money, I just treat it as a GP cost. I prefer to assume that the spellcaster of the party has bought whatever spell components are needed for all their spells -  If they've got 2000 gold, no need to track that 200 of that is diamond dust, and one 100gp pearl, and so on. Same as how past first level or so I don't make people track nonmagical ammunition, because come on, everyone can buy as many arrows as they need, it's just boring accounting.

If the cost actually IS a significant cost (i.e. more money than the players have, or something they would not have been able to access in this campaign without a quest) then sure, track the components. In that case probably they don't have the component without a specific quest to get it.

 Same.  If the spell doesn't consume the item (for example, the diamond used for Chromatic Orb), I'll require them to have it, but if they're going to cast Stoneskin or Greater Restoration they just need to mark off the appropriate amount of money on their inventory.

I like to keep material costs as it makes using the spell seem more special in a way. If you can just cast it without having to gather the costly items the casting becomes more trivial.

Early levels probably have then "play" getting the materials from different source, and not every shop would stock some components, then as they get higher and in a "city" they could just say what they go out and buy.

But I would want them to name the components as I think it adds to the adventuring to plan ahead for what you might need... not sure im a fan of the idea of retroactively stating what the bought depending on what they need. 

Also gives them something to sink their gold into if they can't really wear that many items. 

Quote from GaspodeWD >>

I like to keep material costs as it makes using the spell seem more special in a way. If you can just cast it without having to gather the costly items the casting becomes more trivial.

 

This right here. To me, the "just mark off X gold in lieu of any planning or forethought" approach, a) loses any of the flavor, and b) smacks of "pay to win" mechanics.

It makes the whole experience taste more like a video game, and less of a heroic adventure. If that's what you want, then sure - go for that.

Not what I want at my table.

I dont use components. I just assume that the characters will have what they need on them for their spells and whatnot. Some things I do require the players to gather or purchase what they need.  

Quote from BrokenDM >>

I dont use components. I just assume that the characters will have what they need on them for their spells and whatnot. Some things I do require the players to gather or purchase what they need.  

  How do they know a head of time which gold cost components they have to buy and which ones you are ignoring the gold cost of?

Quote from GaspodeWD >>

I like to keep material costs as it makes using the spell seem more special in a way. If you can just cast it without having to gather the costly items the casting becomes more trivial.

Early levels probably have then "play" getting the materials from different source, and not every shop would stock some components, then as they get higher and in a "city" they could just say what they go out and buy.

But I would want them to name the components as I think it adds to the adventuring to plan ahead for what you might need... not sure im a fan of the idea of retroactively stating what the bought depending on what they need. 

Also gives them something to sink their gold into if they can't really wear that many items. 

 This.  I use components very strictly and the players love it - the spellcasters keep track of their diamond dust, they covet stuff found in loot and trade for it, in a long dungeon and their Familiar has died 6 times they actually worry about how much incense they have, trading other PCs for their trinkets... it’s actually a cool layer that they get to think about and it drives a cool little mechanic behind the scenes.

I recommend on DnD beyond to make the custom items called “spell component - diamond - revivify” so it’s easier to tag and increase/decrease on the eq list, and it gives you an immediate idea of what you need to stock up on in town. 

Quote from Brewksy >>

I recommend on DnD beyond to make the custom items called “spell component - diamond - revivify” so it’s easier to tag and increase/decrease on the eq list, and it gives you an immediate idea of what you need to stock up on in town. 

This is a really good idea.