2. amps-preamps
  3. 1243656302

Made in Canada conundrum

We all know that some of the very best audio equipment is made in Canada. Some of these legendary companies don't have service facilities in the USA, so if it breaks,like mine did, you send it back to Canada. I just experienced this: Promised about 2 weeks turn-around time, but we're going on 2 months and it's still at Customs in Canada, who are waiting to clear it, having charged me tax, duty, broker fees (FedEx) and a fourth charge for some technicality that I've forgotten. What do US purchasers feel about paying tax, duty and broker fees when they buy Canadian and then pay the same fees again to have the original repaired? Annoyed, like I am, or did you know that? And would you have bought Canadian if you knew this before-hand - like I didn't, because nobody told me. Should I have known this? Opinions, please. (I will keep the Manufacturer's name confidential while I wait for resolution)
springbok10
tobias
1,534 posts
 
$5.50 a head is not much and it has already been applied to everyone else but Canadians anyway. Heck, everyone has a deficit to deal with these days. Glad I don't have to pay it every time I drive across to ship or receive gear, though.
docmark
21 posts
 
I'm a Canadian living in Vancouver. I own American made equipment, British and Swiss made products, and a Canadian made SACD/CD player (EMM XDS1) I have had to send some pieces back to the US for service, and as far as I know, there was no problem on either side.

When I've travelled to the States, I've been treated rudely at the border by pompous US border agents, Once, when asked re my occupation, I replied physician - the fellow at US Customs went out his way to berate me and informed me that I certainly wasn't a physician nor qualified to be one in the States. Asshole - I'm Board Certified in the US, and I'm a physician by trade wherever I go. He didn't like hearing that, but didn't stop me from entering the US.

There are jerks on both sides of the border. As for service, I'm very impressed with the work I've had done in the States. Finally, to those who think all Canadians dislike Americans, get a life. You can't paint an entire country with the same brush - sweeping generalizations like that only serve to demonstrate what small, zenophobic minds some of you must have. See? Some of you - not an entire nation.

Sorry for ranting....
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Rodman,

Unfriendly neighbors to the north?

In 1986, my wife and I honeymooned in Jamaica. A few days into our trip it came up in a conversation with the staff that we were Americans and they all were surprised by this. When we asked them why, they said we thought you were Canadiens because you're so friendly and polite. After talking to several other locals, this perception of Canadiens being friendlier and more polite than Americans was echoed. Not exactly a scientific poll but it got me thinking.
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