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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
 
Trelja wrote:

>>I think the percentage of foreign companies without a US repair facility is well over 50%. Based on the experiences I've had in the past few years, I've more or less come to the conclusion that a company not based in North America that is unable/unwilling to pay someone in the USA to support their margue and all that's involved in doing so is a company not worth patronizing.<<

I, for one, will never ever again buy a foreign product that does not have a US-based repair/support facility.
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
What a coincidence this thread is. I have a Blue Circle audio piece sitting in Ontario now with a clearance delay. I sent mine for an upgrade rather than a repair. My delay has only been 9 days unlike yours Springbok10. My fault however because I didn't fully understand the process or all the paperwork I completed. If there's ever a next time however, I will know all about the paperwork. I really feel for you Springbok10. Your frustration must be through the roof. I'm hoping my shipment will clear customs and be moving tomorrow.
benie
147 posts
 
With NAFTA there is no duty if the item is made in North America. Taxes are sales taxes that you would have to pay if you bought local.
UPS brokerage fees are a crime at times. If one has the time (and it might be only at border towns) they can do the brokerage themselves and clear it through Customs themselves. I'm in Vancouver and do my own brokerage.

Rodman is wrong, 2 of the links are based out of Quebec, they don't like anyone including Canadians.
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
06-02-09: Benie
Rodman is wrong, 2 of the links are based out of Quebec, they don't like anyone including Canadians.

True or not, that's the funniest line in the thread :^).
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
UPS brokerage fees are a crime at times.

That is my experience. Definitely avoid UPS if you ant to avoid the risk of paying usury brokerage fees up to TEN TIMES the actual duties you are charged by the Government (for Canadians who import this is usually just sales tax but can also include additional taxes for non-US origin items, which are subject to country of origin specific trade agreements)

Example: A UK origin speaker (used or new) sold by an American to a Canadian would be subject to the usual Sales Tax AND an additional tax (as UK is outside of NAFTA)
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