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.
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)
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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. |
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) |
Here is a recent video of Albert, Benie and the Dallas Audiophile Club visiting a Hi-Fi store in foreign land. Despite their finery they were unable to enter the store but they did take delivery of one Vache Monster Monoblock with four udderly fantastic tubes. - Just kidding ;-) |
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