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 1 response by magfan

How many of the PARTS involved in any electronic device do either Canada or the US actually make? Probably not many. I work for a company that makes power devices...power supply or power output. We even make our own class 'd' amplifier module. But, we make (mainly) 1 part, the power transistors / FREDs (Fast Recovery Epitaxial Diode) and some other minor stuff. The boards have dozens of components, most Asian and some European.
For that matter, how much of ANYthing is made in only 1 country. I'll bet that even the glass needed for a vacuum tube's envelope is imported by most of the countries that still make tubes, let alone the specialty wire/ feedthru.

No single country actually makes or fabricates anything, but rather ASSEMBLES others parts.

I agree with Peterayer.........what ever happened to NAFTA??? Yet another bill of political goods?