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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
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I thought NAFTA was supposed to "open" the borders to the south and north and make shipping and movement of goods in general much easier and quicker, though not necessarily cheaper. Sorry to hear of the OP's frustrations.
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uru975
684 posts
 
Perhaps the simplest solution is to encourage our politicians on both sides of the border to plump for the FREE exchange of goods, services, and people across the borders. No customs fes no taxes. Letting the economic benefits of such activity make up for any losses in revenue by the present hasselling, taxing, and bureaucracy(bureau crazy?) on or over the citizens of either country.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,578 posts
 
Agreed-

Homeland Security Act has much to do w/ this issue...
windriver
22 posts
 
I have sent literally ton’s of audio gear across the border and have never encountered any problem at all whatsoever. Generally speaking border issues most often arise only if the proper paperwork has not been prepared and presented.

I go agree that cross border shipping is more time consuming than domestic however any informed shipper/receiver can seamlessly ship back and forth if things are done correctly.

I feel badly for the OP; however to be in that situation as the OP is would have required things to go very wrong at every level. To an extent one would think that any Canadian manufacturer would offer shipping advice and instructions to assist US customers with warranty returns and it is odd that did not occur here.
slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
I just purchased a piece of gear from the product NA distributor, who is in Alberta. Paid via PayPal, sent via CanadaPost. No problems at all.

I sold and shipped a pair of Magnepan MGIIIA from Philadelphia to Toronto a couple of years ago. No problems going in that direction either. I shipped using BAXGlobal.
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