2. amps-preamps
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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

Showing 2 responses by blindjim

blindjim
3,092 posts
 
Huh.

The last time I had dealings with a Canadian firm for returns & or repairs, I was told to mark the container "return for repairs" "Damaged". I experienced no duties, fees, taxes, or the like.

I'd look into that were I you.

given my return across the border, I did get hit by a change in the dollar's value from point of purchase to the point of return time frame however.

The very notion of fees taxes, and duties is the primary reason why I seldom buy from our northern neighbors. Those additions subtract from the overall value, and timelyness of the products receipt... then there too is the possiblity of service related and hence shipping incidents. Not to mention added fees even while using Paypal for international transactions, and the restrictions inherent to those sorts of dealings..

As for the "we all know... best made" aspect, I'd say that's highly debateable.

I prefer as much as is possible to keep buying from the good old USA.... first... though not religiously, or without exception. Value and service are important items in my buying decisions.

Sonic Frontiers/Anthem and I believe some other Canadian makers offer a US address in upstate NY for their returns/service related items. So no border entanglements. Their service too is exemplary. Friendly, professional, and speedy.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
Martykl

...and that impression has been going on for decades. We don't get a very objective view of ourselves if we only subscribe to our hometown news.

Listen to the BBC for a less biased opinion now and then and you'll understand.

Dopwn here there's a lot of Canadians whom I call friends. I've never heard any negative discourse about us, from them... ever. Not even from strangers I have met from there.

A general rule of thumb in retail is to tax everything... maybe that's the ticket at the crossing... when in doubt "apply all fees".

Crossing over or not... just shipping bothers me... and i've had reasonably good experiences there.

ASk for a schematic or buy something else... actually, regardless, ask for a schematic... they may take a powder or have to just fold up shop at some point.
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