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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
springbok10 OP
711 posts
 
Joe, in your experience, what percentage of foreign manufacturers do NOT have a US-based repair facility? Appropos the Repair & Return box, I certainly was unaware of it and Customer Service at the manufacturer in Canada certainly didn't mention it. All I got was a RA number. Period.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Well Yanks and Canucks, now is the time for us all to sit around on the rug and say just what it is we don't like about each other. Get it all off our chests, spit it out and see what we feel like when it's all over.

Springbok10, I'm really sorry for your experience. I have been soaked at my own border often enough by carriers and by Customs. I think I know now how to avoid it. The Canadian manufacturer of your product needs to know how to help their customers avoid it too, and I hope you will tell them very clearly.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Rod,

I peeked at your links. Interesting, but I would take this stuff with a grain of salt. When locals are polled, America gets bad marks from just about everywhere in the world (except maybe Israel).

We're the guys with the big stick and people resent the guy with the big stick (particularly liberals everywhere, who don't like big sticks, even in their own hands.) This IS NOT a statement about liberal vs conservative politics, merely an observation that Canadian attitutdes about the USA look a lot like, say, European attitudes.

I only mention this because I worked with a Canadian bank (in its New York office) for more than a decade and spent considerable time in the great white North. I came away with enormous affection for the place. No one ever gave me a hard time about being American, although lots of folks hated Bush. Even if you are a staunch Bush supporter, he didn't win many popularity contests abroad - Canada is no different than most places in that respect.

However, if you prefer to "Buy USA", I certainly won't argue with you.

Marty
bshapperd
84 posts
 
Whoa! Where did this thread go wrong! Down boys!

The same problems with duties, taxes, tariffs, delays can be had from both sides of the 49th. American made products are just as difficult to repair and return for Canadian owners, to the USA. This is not just a one way problem.

Yes, do make VERY clear on your import forms that your product is a Warranty/Return. This process seems to be hit and miss as sometimes I'm charged high fees, and sometimes not. I find FedEx, UPS et al are the least sympathetic when it comes to border fees. Surprisingly, USPS/Can Post are the best way to ship if your item is not over 60lbs.

I don't know if there is any clear answer to avoid paying moneys when your item crosses the border. I do however, think this is a two-way problem. Please don't make this thread political people. Put some Bob Marley on the platter and chill-out.

Happy listening.
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