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 3 responses by shadorne

In my experience both Fedex and particularly UPS exploit customs situations to their advantage - whenever they are involved I have paid 90 % handling/brokerage fees to Fedex/UPS and 10% or less of the fee is actually in tax. (Yes a I have paid bills for over $100 for $5 in excise tax)

However, for a repair you should not pay ANY taxes.
UPS brokerage fees are a crime at times.

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)
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 ;-)