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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 6 responses by andr

andr
109 posts
 
In my experience, no matter how perfectly the proper procedures are written down and how good is the training for people at their work, there is always incompetent people on the job.

If it works out fine for some and badly for others, for the same concern, it is my immediate opinion it was somebody not caring or making a mistake about his job somewhere in the line, period. I doesn't have anything to do with being Canadian, American nor Martian !

Hey,come on ! How do you really think a business can remain viable exporting to other countries and bringing in repairs if it has no knowledge of how to do so in the customer's best interest.
andr
109 posts
 
To Polk 32 :

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 ?
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 !
andr
109 posts
 
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 ?
andr
109 posts
 
I’m 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.
andr
109 posts
 
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.
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