There is another difficulty which is not mentioned - if you buy a product from a US based distributor no matter which country the product is originally from, if the buyer in Canada needs warranty or non-warranty service, and has to send it back to the USA for servicing, this can be a real problem - both financially and a hassle of paperwork. Not to mention the Canadian buyer had to pay the US tariffs and that is Taxation without Representation (sound familiar to some of you?)
A Problem For U.S. Audio Manufacturers
After trying to send an expensive pair of Synergistic Research speaker cables back to its factory from Canada for modification (i.e. to have then bi-wired) via FedEx, I learned something that severally impacts the desirability and marketability of U.S. audio products for foreign purchasers: you can't send audio components (cables, amps, preamp, speakers, etc.) back into the States.
I have since learned that the problem extends beyond warranty issues. Some audio friends and associates here in Canada and Germany have shared that they were unable to deliver their used gear sold to purchasers in the United States.
The first regulatory road block imposed by CBP is a form that the shipper must provide to CBP after the goods have been shipped and are sitting in U.S. Customs. The form requires the consignor to certify the exact content by weight of aluminium, steel and copper. I was able to do that with the assistance of the manufacturer. However, the goods continue to sit in U.S. customs under a notation that "further information is required.
Here's the catch. You and the shipper aren't given details as to what additional information is required. The shipment just sits and sits in customs purgatory. Ultimately, you have to cancel the shipment instructions, get the shipment back and try and get a refund because the U.S. has closed its borders for business with countries it doesn't like whether you are a commercial entity, a retailer or simple audio enthusiast.
Sad!
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@gramophone_canada that applies to any country that has tariffs. |
@truebluephil +1 you have it correct, especially if the paperwork isn't right from the beginning. I have received a few audio components from a small manufacturer in Canada and shipped to the United States without any problems. This small manufacturer Emailed me about a discrepancy in my address before he shipped, I had forgotten that the secretary of state had always put the wrong city on my drivers license, I'm sure if he would have just sent it out we would have ran in to serious delays. |
Actually, most distributors have repair facilities in their distribution territory but often that is not the case with American distributors who cover the Canadian market as well. It used to be much easier to ship back goods to the USA for warranty service on non-USA made items before the tariffs started. And many US distributors do not offer warranty or non-warranty service in Canada. This is a headache and not good service for Canadian customers. |
@kennyc if it weighs less than 70lbs, put it in a garbage bag,put that in a box with at least 2" of foam peanuts on all sides, put a solid piece of 1/8th inch board over the top, and go to the Post Office. They can handle everything right then and there.
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