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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
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.
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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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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
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 ;-)
pechtm
14 posts
 
Albert,that Quebec line for the most part, is completely true :>) and I agree, hilarious.

Rodman,sorry you feel that way.

OK back to audio.
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