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)
I'm a Canadian living in Vancouver. I own American made equipment, British and Swiss made products, and a Canadian made SACD/CD player (EMM XDS1) I have had to send some pieces back to the US for service, and as far as I know, there was no problem on either side.
When I've travelled to the States, I've been treated rudely at the border by pompous US border agents, Once, when asked re my occupation, I replied physician - the fellow at US Customs went out his way to berate me and informed me that I certainly wasn't a physician nor qualified to be one in the States. Asshole - I'm Board Certified in the US, and I'm a physician by trade wherever I go. He didn't like hearing that, but didn't stop me from entering the US.
There are jerks on both sides of the border. As for service, I'm very impressed with the work I've had done in the States. Finally, to those who think all Canadians dislike Americans, get a life. You can't paint an entire country with the same brush - sweeping generalizations like that only serve to demonstrate what small, zenophobic minds some of you must have. See? Some of you - not an entire nation.
In 1986, my wife and I honeymooned in Jamaica. A few days into our trip it came up in a conversation with the staff that we were Americans and they all were surprised by this. When we asked them why, they said we thought you were Canadiens because you're so friendly and polite. After talking to several other locals, this perception of Canadiens being friendlier and more polite than Americans was echoed. Not exactly a scientific poll but it got me thinking.
$5.50 a head is not much and it has already been applied to everyone else but Canadians anyway. Heck, everyone has a deficit to deal with these days. Glad I don't have to pay it every time I drive across to ship or receive gear, though.
Hey guys , what about the new tax on Canadians entering your country by air or sea?
We used to have an almost open border, until some "fed's" felt that Canada was an Al Quida training ground. Now anything in a box is suspect if it comes from Canada.
It's too bad the world is where it is today. Canada is a small country that needs to export it's goods, but it buys more from the US than it exports.
Oh yeah, we've got wheat and oil sands and most of the world's fresh water.
Maybe we should start to add a tax to all the water that is shipped south, and add on a tax to all the cool fresh air you get from us for free.
We've always been known as a kind and gentler version of the US,the more polite cousin. A country that takes care of it's sick and poor,but taxes it's citizens far more than than you would ever care to be taxed.
That such a small country has so many high end audio companies is amazing, but it wouldn't be if it were not for the acceptance from audiophiles south of the 49.
It's too bad that the fear that 9/11 instilled in the US has brought such fear and hatred to anything that isn't 100% made in the USA.
Where would you be today if Mr Nixon hadn't awakened the sleeping giant of China?
Where would WalMart find such cheap products? Certainly not from Canada.
Unfortunately my experience with cross-border shipping suggests that delays are associated with cheaper transport, i.e. Ground service.
I have had no delays--none--when using 2 Day Air or, from the Postal Service, Express. (Oh, sometimes the routing showed on the carrier's tracking page seems rather odd, but perhaps better not to ask, as long as the package makes it on time.)
And the absolute easiest, fastest, cheapest method, if you live within reasonable driving distance of the border, is to take the units unsealed through Customs yourself and ship from the other side. Make sure you have the paperwork with you.
I've not been in audio long enough to have several transactions made with the US in order a correct, full experience of the matter. I'll just say that the few times it happened, everything was perfect every time. So what gives ?
I've learned to value generalizations as what they are : generalizations ! I've heard comments such as : - Krell have stopped repairing units more than 10 yrs old - Levinson don't answer the phone anymore
To find out later on whole companies or institutions were put on the bench solely because one of their perfectly competent employees got up on the wrong foot a certain day. Even worse that the person who started the rumor was too limited to explain correctly his needs or concerns clearly.
Im Canadian but this as nothing to do with my opinion. We live in troubled times and I believe borders and customs people have a job to do. They have instructions and orders and most of them will act accordingly and others ..will have problems adapting. So what else is new.
Most of my audio units come from the U.S. I was privileged to find the best audio technicians in the next large city 200 miles from my place. When I have something that needs repair, I happily drive the distance because I know when I come back, the unit will be top shape. Less hassle, less risk and more efficient than shipping to the manufacturer across the border, even the local supposedly authorized repairman. Most especially when the warranty period is expired. And they always manage to get plans from the manufacturer if the repair needs understanding the design.
It's a shame this has happened but it does happen on both sides, customs can be a nightmare!
What I don't understand is why there is so much finger pointing, this has me at a loss and shame on the individules doing such, I believe it only demonstrates ignorence and in the end only speaks for the type on person you really are.
It's not the individual citizens of either country you should be up-set with but directing it to our governments, they are the ones causing the issues.
You can be assured that when you're a Canadian visiting the US, the border people working for the US treat you exactly the same -- doing you a favor letting you into the US.
This is just the way the border people are. Customs, border enforcement etc. is a pain both ways.
We travel to Canada every year to ride horses in the Rockies for a week. Last year, as every year, we shipped our jeans, hats, boots, western gear, etc, ahead of time by FedEx so we didnt have to pack it in our luggage. We marked the box to indicate that we were shipping our own personal clothes for horseback riding. Customs in Canada held our clothes up for days and it took an act of Congress to get our own VERY USED clothes released to us. All of the Customs agents I dealt with were either incompetent or rude. We spend about $10,000 a week there ever year for two or three weeks at a time. This year may be the last time simply because of the treatment from Customs.
Btw, the people have always been great. Weve always been welcomed and treated like friends by everyone in Canada except the government employees. They act like they are doing you a favor to allow you to come up and spend thousands of American dollars in their country..
I am a citizen of both countries and have shipped several items for warranty service, repairs, upgrades and mods across both borders without a single problem at US or Canada Customs. It is very easy to make a mistake filling up the simple custom forms for either country, never print the word 'phono'. It can be easily taken as Take your time and write properly so any fool can understand your hand writing, fill in all all all all the boxes. Typical declare is eg 'Defective pre-amplifier for repairs and will be returned to sender' Country of origin, where the thing was finally assembled. Make use of USPS and Canada Post. Declared value 100.00 You are asking for more problems and cost if UPS, FedExp and DHL. These boys ha long list of hidden charges especially UPS. You are liable to receive endless bills.
USPS/Canada Post, write properly and fill out the form properly. No experience needed.
I don't know how your situation got to where its at but I had no problems sending a piece of gear back for a mod. The folks who did this for me told me what to write and declare, word for word, and presto! Just a standard one day wait at the border. You would think that if the folks you dealt with sell here, stateside, they would have known that and set it up for you.
I'm AmeriKKKan born,living in Canada (as a Permanent Resident) married to a European from a former communist (gasp)! country, socialist/democratic / liberal-minded mixed race pinko, and ummmmm.... what was my point here guys? help me out here, i got lost there.... Oh yeah!! I'm never going back!!!!,( even though the prospect of buying an "MTV Crib" for <$100k is appealing) unless of course, Republican Tent-Cities start sprouting up. Canada's 'socialist' postal service, SUCKS bigtime, we can't UPS because of the BRUTAL "handling and brokerage' fees applied to anything coming across the border, our postage $$$, and Nazi-like customs service, not to mention Cable, internet, and cell phone providers are so overpriced compared to the rest of the developed world.... I don't see how shipping here could be seen as a problem, I'm jealous when I see how little it costs you guys to ship up here! Fr'instance: I get records shipped up from third man, they're paying about $5 bucks to ship from Nashville... that's a double LP, and a t-shirt. For me to ship one LP in a mailer... to Nashville? Ready for this?? $14 to $15!!! It'd ri-god-damned-diculous!!! What are we, Uzbekistan? I don't get it. Yes, I enjoy the overpriced but freely available Cuban cigars, the stellar health care, and public education system, the multitudes of myriad cultures and diversity, yadda yadda yadda, but the prices for basic modern-day services, our constricted content (HBO Canada, anyone)?, our Government's ridiculous insistence of pushing "Canadian Culture" on the rest of the world, only to turn around and loudly proclaim how ignorant those Americans are... thinking we live in igloos, love curling, have mounted police on every corner, and moose roaming the streets freely... (sheesh, wonder where they got THOSE crazy ideas... COrner Gas, anyone?, Due South,anyone)? Sigh.... what I'm trying to say here is.... We're ALL Americans, ok? North Americans.
Polk432, it's you who is trying to turn this forum into a joke by injecting unfounded comments... such as in your last post. Unfortunately for you, if you left the forum alone, you would no longer have the pleasure of making it your personal joke.
Stiltskin, it's nice to know that at least some people realize that this forum is a joke. I'm still laughing at some of the Irate e-mail I've received. I hope that my buyer enjoys the tonearm for years to come. I hate to see a person have to wait so long to receive an item they've paid for. I can't wait for hockey season to start. In Nigeria! Good luck to all. Go Red Wings
Ar this point, we don't know what actually happened. This being said, incompetency can be found everywhere, so it would be no surprise in the case of a courier company. But to stay on the sunny side, let's chalk it up to human error... and try to find where the error occured and fix it.
This guy would be the perfect candidate for a Rick Mercer interview. For those here that know who Rick Mercer is, just imagine.... Now that would be hilarious.
On a different note. Springbok, two month's sitting in customs, I would be asking FedEx for answers maybe they screwed up, there's no way you should of payed any other cost's other then shipping. U.S. and Canadian Customs are set up at these couriers facilities.The service you usually get from couriers is a few steps up from government postal workers.
Back in the mid 1980s through the 1990s I collected 1950's and earlier German table top radios, primarily Saba and Telefunken. I bought direct from sources in Germany and the Netherlands.
I had maybe 5 radios out of dozens that I purchased in all those years opened for inspection by Canadian Customs.
Shipped by air then delivered to my door step usually took under 10 day's. The radios that were flagged for inspection, all from the Netherlands BTW, this added 3 to 8 days to the overall time they took to reach me. Upon arrival a customs notice was included stating my parcel was opened for inspection.
Since then I have shipped components back to the U.S. for factory upgrades including purchases of dozens of other items from the U.S. and elsewhere that were delivered promptly with zero problems, most recent was a 40 pound Accuphase tuner from New Jersey.
I'm not suggesting this two month wait didn't happen to you, anything can happen, however it is extreme....
Infotrad, thanks for the info. In brief, should it not be the job of the shipment agency to inform people of what you just found out when sending an item in another country for repair? Should we all have college degrees simply to ask a clerk accross the counter at the local UPS store, USPS, DHL or FedEx what has to be done to get the thing at the repair shop and back with minimum hassles at the border ? Aren't we suppose to expect those people to know what they're doing and tell us even before we ask ?
How come the shipping agency didn't inform Springbok something was missing on the shipping box ? How could they miss it ? A large and heavy box sent to Canada ? Somebody has to take the box, how come they didn't react when they learned,saw or charged to be sent in Canada ?
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.
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
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.
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 !
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's an interesting point and it raises a question : could you have refused the winning bid since you stated lower US only ? And if so, why did you accept the transaction ? Does your pocket always win over your principles ? What does that make you ?
I just sold a Linn Basik tonearm, and gave a Linn K18 MM Cart, and a Nagaoka MP11 MM Cart, included the cable and an older armboard. It clearly stated Lower US only. So what happens? A Canadian that probably can't read AAAAAAAAAA puts in a bid and wins. Go figure. I spoke with him and shipped it anyway. Next time I'll add $500.00 shiping and handling fees. Rodman99999 is still right!
Fuck you, Benie. Your sweeping generalization is total bullshit.... Also, I put it to you that you are, at least partly, aware of this...You`re just clicead conformist who loves riding the Quebec-bashing bandwagon: it`s safe and politically correct.
My experience with shipping electronics across the U.S. border for factory upgrades or other for the most part has been completely hassle free there and back....
Shipping Canadian made electronics for repair or upgrade should be equally hassle free.
Key wording on Customs documents is {warranty repair} Anything other then that you will be subject to extra charges and taxes. Company's should know this when shipping your repaired / updated component to other countries.
As for the other, buying electronics ect.there is no other way around taxes and other fee's only if you have the seller low ball the actual price payed, or have it written up as warranty repair.....
Look at Fed Ex, UPS and other courier's including both Canadian and U.S. governments as pirates with these taxes and extra fee's, this including the trade between our countries the money involved is huge. Extra tax revenue for the government and extra gravy for the couriers.
I strongly suggest when in dought call U.S. Customs or if your anywhere else in the World call your countries customs office and ask a few questions.
As for customs flagging your parcel for inspection this can and will delay delivery, also there are over zealous customs agents that will find fault with anything they can, because they can.
Both our countries are fighting a war also both our countries have other unrelated problems with import and exported illegal goods.
On a differant note. Just like most countries there are regional difference's, bias, be it north and south or east and west of any given country ,one extreme example is north and south of Ireland. French speaking Quebec has and will always be a thorn in the side of the rest of English speaking Canada.
Rodman we both live in great countries, don't let a media source form your opinion of another nation.
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 ;-)
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)
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.
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.
>>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.
Alan, I can say exactly the same about Magnum Dynalab, a Canadian company that has a repair facility somewhere south of the border. 4 day turn-around, superb service.
Bryston, a Canadian company, has a repair facility in Vermont. When I stupidly blew up the output transistors on my old 4B-ST due to a speaker wiring short, I sent the amp out to them on a Monday and received it back on Thursday of the same week - no charge. Bryston has the best customer service of any audio manufacture I've experienced, so prospective buyers should not avoid them because of their Canadian location.
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