2. amps-preamps
  3. 1243656302

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
markwatkiss
508 posts
 
Polk432
Now there is a man who is a legend in his own mind.
andr
109 posts
 
Polk said :

Yes, I could have refused to ship the items, and he could have given me a neg. no big deal because I would just switch and sell thru agon. My problem is that if it says lower US. only, people should ask first not just bid. I will charge $500.00 extra for stupidity and handling if this happens again. I could have given away the tonearm with the 2 free carts. wiring harness and armboard for free to an American, so I guess that would have been a sign that indicates I'm rich, but also Patriotic. USA Rules! Like it or not! I will sell to Nigeria before canada.

That says it all, thank you ! At least, you are honest about it ! And courageous enough for everyone to read ! So you say it is better for you to trade with a Nigerian crook than a canadian idiot ? Now here's something to debate about !
infotrad's avatar
infotrad
29 posts
 
The problem here, Andr, is that Polk seems to think that because the chap disregard the "USA Only" constraint, while still completing the purchase, makes him an idioit or whatever qualifier he used. Polk just wants a scapegoat like everyone one else in the world... it;s just too bad that he still has not moved forward with his expressed views.
albertporter's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
albertporter
4,949 posts
 
06-05-09: Polk432
howgul, No auction today!

I trust you very well. I know you will send the package with your letterhead, banking information and free tonearm. God bless you and the little children.
infotrad's avatar
infotrad
29 posts
 
I called the Canada Border Services Agency, and they said that one has to apply for a Temporary Admission Permit (Form E29B). Along with this completed form you have to send a guarantee deposit/bond, which you get back once the item is back on U.S. soil. This is the private way, I would think. However, when the shipment is processed by FedEx, they told me to contact FedEx since (and I quote -from French- "they have their way of doing things" (the agent may have been hinting at something here, but refused to elaborate) are the ones who handle this. So the taxes, etc, may stem from the fact that the Canada Border Services Agency (i.e., Canada Customs) considers your audio unit as having been shipped from the U.S. one way into Canada, and decided to levy taxes as it would for any item (because FedEx did not do the paperwork correctly??). (Note that these are sales taxes; duty would apply to devices NOT manufactured in the U.S. and amounts to 8% I believe. The bottom line, I believe, is that FedEx should hold the solution to this. I'm sure you did a lot of legwork here, and I sure would like to know the current status of your audio unit, and, bases on this, what the next step should be. The Canada Border Services Agency's telephone number is 1-800-461-9999 (which may not work from the U.S.) or long distance 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064
Website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/general-generaux-eng.html
More to discover