Hi,

I really need help... :o

I want to buy a Pionner Kuro or a new Panasonic Plasma.

Did someone know a store in US (online or not) that I can buy from and they actually ship to Canada ?

Thanks, ;)

Eric

You would lose your warranty, plus I'm sure customs would have something to say about the taxes

You would lose your warranty, plus I'm sure customs would have something to say about the taxes

Canadians and Europeans still do it as even with custom fees etc and the $$ being so strong it makes a difference.

There are no Customs Duties on video display equipment entering Canada. Dvd players, tv sets, ect. There is the matter of provincial/federal taxes. Here in Ontario, that translates to 13% being tacked on at the border. That's if you transport the tv yourself. If UPS or Fedex brings the set across the border, then the tv would likely have to go through a brokerage firm. You'd pay a brokerage fee, but no Customs duties, as such.
Theoretically, if a Canadian were to travel to the U.S. with a van and buy a plasma tv set, pay the taxes at the border and then keep all paper work, if he DID have a problem, why not cart it back across the border and get it serviced within the U.S.?
There'd be red tape at the border, but once the taxes have been fully paid on an item, it can thereafter go back and forth across the border for repairs and not be subject to double taxation.
The real cost is the nuisance factor. Is the money you save worth the hassles?
Chances are there'd be no problem, but imagine getting the set home and finding a half dozen dead pixels? Also, anything over 42" would be a pain to transport back and forth.
Also, manufacturers like making extra money on items sold within Canada. That's the big reason why warranties on U.S. purchased products aren't allowed here.

Also, manufacturers like making extra money on items sold within Canada. That's the big reason why warranties on U.S. purchased products aren't allowed here.

Not true. Most manufacturers have separate profit/cost centers for the US and Canada. The vastness of Canada related to it's population impacts warranty and parts distribution costs and the costs per incident are higher which is passed along to the customer. Many companies make more money on their US operations than their Canadian operations

The Canadian dollar is equal to the US dollar but they pay a lot more for electronics and Cars. Make that a hugh premium on cars. Makes no sense at all.

Not true. Most manufacturers have separate profit/cost centers for the US and Canada. The vastness of Canada related to it's population impacts warranty and parts distribution costs and the costs per incident are higher which is passed along to the customer. Many companies make more money on their US operations than their Canadian operations

It is true in the sense that manufacturers want Canadians to buy their products WITHIN Canada. Having Canadians skip across the border to buy cheaper American products must have an adverse affect on the profit/cost center WITHIN Canada, right?

It is true in the sense that manufacturers want Canadians to buy their products WITHIN Canada. Having Canadians skip across the border to buy cheaper American products must have an adverse affect on the profit/cost center WITHIN Canada, right?

Absolutely, the guys that buy across the border only make the Canadian problem worse which raises the price for all Canadians. It's like the people that complain our jobs are going overseas then buy at Wal-Mart.

I'm in the same situation and I really want to get a 60" Kuro but the best price I can get from a Canadian retailer is like $6500 Can. I wanted to buy from B&H Photo (they deliver to Canada for approx $460) and they confirmed me that Pioneer would honor the warranty. I also got the same confirmation from on of the forum's sponsor. I’m thinking more and more that I’m gonna rent a van, go to either B&H or Abes of Maine, buy the TV, test it there and bring it back.

I know that Panasonic would not honor their warranty though on a mini sound system I bought in the US years ago (and that broke within a the warranty period :rolleyes:), but the Sony camcorder I bought at B&H is covered by Sony Canada. It's very similar to cars: some manufacturer will honor their warranty, some won't and some, such as Subaru, will partly honor it (you have to pay for repairs and they reimburse you...).

It’s also interesting to note that many manufacturers have “adjusted” their price. I’m thinking about Triad speaker, which I can get cheaper here than in the US! :)

1. AFAIK, if a plasma or an LCD is assembled/manufactured outside NAFTA countries then it will taxed 6% duty in addition to federal and provincial taxes.

2. Again, AFAIK, Pioneer Canada will NOT honor items purchased in the USA.
They don't even honor Pioneer items from Walmart Canada because Walmart Canada is not an authorized retailer.
Contact Pioneer Canada to confirm this.

3. Do NOT forget about state taxes where you plan to buy.

In the end when you add all the hassle of travel, no Canadian warranty, US state tax (8.25% in NY?), possible 6% duty, 5% GST and PST (8% on ON) the deal might not be as sweet as it initially looked.

If you buy an Elite in Canada it comes with a 3 year warranty. Work with a local dealer they may be able to get the price close enough to make it
not worth the hassle.

What about cross border shipping? Isn't there ample chance for some UPS employee to flip the screen or toss it around? I'm thinking about getting one from the states myself but plasma's fragile nature makes me uncertain about it.

What about cross border shipping? Isn't there ample chance for some UPS employee to flip the screen or toss it around? I'm thinking about getting one from the states myself but plasma's fragile nature makes me uncertain about it.

As much of a chance as shipping anywhere in the world less than 1 %, but it does depend and I would probably not use UPS.

Following fooit comment about the warranty, I tried to contact Pioneer Canada directly yesterday to make sure that they would honor the warranty but they were closed. I will try again next week. Definitely something you want to be sure of before buying from the US, especially if you don't pick it up yourself. Again, two sources confirmed that there would be no problem with the warranty but I'd rather check with Pioneer and/or an authorized service center in Canada.

Cross-border shipping for such a big item is usually not handled by UPS or FedEx, but by a freight carrier such as Panalpina. That leaves the question "What about brokerage fees?". We all know about UPS ground service excessive charge rate for the brokerage fees so I would inquire about that with the freight carrier before buying in the US. Hence my motivation to go myself to a store, test the set there and bring it back.

I'm very motivated when comes the time to save 1500$ to 2000$! ;)

.......The vastness of Canada related to it's population impacts warranty and parts distribution costs and the costs per incident are higher which is passed along to the customer. Many companies make more money on their US operations than their Canadian operationsThis is BS that the retail council and manufacturers push. The fact is that when the dollar was 65 cents US the price differential was the same. Now that we are at parity who is getting the extra profit margin?

The fact is that prices are higher for the simple reason that we are willing to pay such prices (thanks in large part to a lack of options). Warranty issues are put in place to limit our options even further. Many Canadian made products are sold in Canada at 50-100% higher prices than the US and Canadian manufacturers have gone as far as telling US retailers to refuse sale to Canadian citizens.

A good option that I recently used was to purchase online and ship to the UPS store at the border. Then go down and pick it up and take it across yourself.

Undermount sink (799 CDN $)
Purchased online for 349$ US and had to pay only taxes at the border.

Being so close to the border we do this often. Samsung has the best warranty in this case as they have a North America warranty, meaning buy any where in North America and get it fixed any where in Noth America. So buy a US product and still get "in home" service in Canada. As far as Pionner and Panasonic you would have to bring the unit back into the US for warranty services.

Shipping a plasma to UPS store near the border is troublesome. You can't count on their employees to do a thorough test for you when it arrives.

I know of at least one forum sponsor who wouldn't ship to a UPS store due to obvious reasons.

Wow thanks everyone... :o

It seem that duty fee, taxes, shipping and warranty make me think twice before buying from US. :mad:

I guess a better move will be to wait for a deal here in Canada.

Thanks for your help. :)

Rick

People up here often feel that the best prices will be a Best Buy, Future Shop etc. But it has been my experience that the local specialty store often have very good pricing and excellent service.

I just bought an Elite 950 from a local dealer. I paid about $100 more than I was quoted for the 4280 from BB, and my purchase included same day delivery. This was a no haggle sell, no cables or extended warranty were ever discussed. I have a four year warranty (credit card purchase) and someone local who I believe will stand up for me if there are issues. I intend to buy a 9G HD 151 and expect to be treated very well again. (I am also hoping that this year Canadian pricing on this model will be closer to that of the US).

I gave thought to going to the US to buy but in the end for me it would not have been worth the savings.

Not true. Most manufacturers have separate profit/cost centers for the US and Canada. The vastness of Canada related to it's population impacts warranty and parts distribution costs and the costs per incident are higher which is passed along to the customer. Many companies make more money on their US operations than their Canadian operations

Do you have some data to back your statements?
Canada is vast indeed however most people live in big metropolitan areas not different from those in US.

Do you have some data to back your statements?
Canada is vast indeed however most people live in big metropolitan areas not different from those in US.

Data? What are you talking about? I have worked in manufacturing environments that faced the issue daily

Absolutely, the guys that buy across the border only make the Canadian problem worse which raises the price for all Canadians. It's like the people that complain our jobs are going overseas then buy at Wal-Mart.

On the contrary, I think that the more Canadians shop across the border the more pressure to the manufacturers/retailers to lower the prices.
If they cannot do it then in some cases it would be better if they stop operating in Canada. For example I'm pretty sure that it would be better for Canadians if Onkyo will cease operations in Canada and will let American retailers sell to Canadians (the are forbidden now) because their prices are much lower (including all expenses) then what can be found in Canadian stores.

Data? What are you talking about? I have worked in manufacturing environments that faced the issue daily

OK, so enlighten us. Give us some figures please.

On the contrary, I think that the more Canadians shop across the border the more pressure to the manufacturers/retailers to lower the prices.
If they cannot do it then in some cases it would be better if they stop operating in Canada. For example I'm pretty sure that it would be better for Canadians if Onkyo will cease operations in Canada and will let American retailers sell to Canadians (the are forbidden now) because their prices are much lower (including all expenses) then what can be found in Canadian stores.

You still don't get it. It's about these companies covering their costs in their Canadian operations, it's not about you saving money. The distribution and warranty costs are proportionately higher in Canada than in the USA. Also, their operations are separate, independent entities. When you go across the border to purchase you only make the situation worse in the future for you and other Canadians. If you don't understand what I just said then you need a savvy business person to explain it to you.

Im waiting for the Vizio 50' plasma to come out and then I'm heading down south the buy it.

I bought a 705 Onkyo from Amazon.com for $550 from WholesaleAV, same reciever at that time here in my town was $899-999. I asked if they would match price or come down to around 650 and they said that was below thier cost.

So why now that the dollars are equal and will be for about 1yr to come have we not seen prices become close to equal?

When your looking at 10,000 savings on vehicles that just shows someone is milking us Canadians.

You still don't get it. It's about these companies covering their costs in their Canadian operations, it's not about you saving money.

Of course it's all about about consumers saving money and nothing about companies covering their costs.

The distribution and warranty costs are proportionately higher in Canada than in the USA.

How much higher?
This is the question I asked you repeatedly and you failed to answer.

Of course it's all about about consumers saving money and nothing about companies covering their costs.



How much higher?
This is the question I asked you repeatedly and you failed to answer.

Then expect things to remain the same and stop complaining about the higher costs because you are part of the problem.

How much higher? It's business dependent. You need to ask better questions.

Then expect things to remain the same and stop complaining about the higher costs because you are part of the problem.

How much higher? It's business dependent. You need to ask better questions.

I wasn't complaining. You popped up in this thread claiming something and I asked you to prove with some figures. But it turns out you have no idea what are you talking about.
And, btw, we are talking about consumer electronic business because we are at AVSForum.

Then expect things to remain the same and stop complaining about the higher costs because you are part of the problem.

How much higher? It's business dependent. You need to ask better questions.

I don't think niche products will ever be sold in enough volume, in Canada, for the prices to come down. Non-niche products, like everyday household items, are nearly identical in cost in both Canada and the U.S. These non-niche products are volume products to be sure.
Now, I know many Canadians, who live close to the border, who rent a box at what I call a Forwarding Center in Niagara Falls, NY, and routinely purchase products off ebay, amazon, whatever.
These Canadians are paying their taxes at the border, to be sure, but are saving much money in the process, which helps them afford other purchases within Canada, which therefore does indirectly help the Canadian economy.
For example, I buy almost all of my HD DVDs and blu-ray dvds from ebay and amazon. If the amount I buy is relatively small, let's say under $60, I often don't even have to pay sales taxes at the border as it's not worth their while to collect.
Why should I pay $35 for a hi def movie in Ontario, when I can get the same film for half that much from an American vendor? What I save, I can spend in a Canadian restaurant, ect, which indirectly benefits the economy on my side of the line.
Now when I'm ready to upgrade from my 32" LG plasma to a larger Panny, I'll likely wait for a good deal within Canada, to take advantage of the better warranty and convenience of a local buy.

I wasn't complaining. You popped up in this thread claiming something and I asked you to prove with some figures. But it turns out you have no idea what are you talking about.
And, btw, we are talking about consumer electronic business because we are at AVSForum.

If you ever worked in a business environment and had business dealings in both countries then you might know what you are talking about. Until you have this business experience then stay out of things you have no knowledge.

When you go across the border to purchase you only make the situation worse in the future for you and other Canadians.Where are you getting this??? I've already had a savvy business expert explain it to me and it is no where near what you are saying. Please if you want to believe this drivel then go ahead but it is not reality.

If you ever worked in a business environment and had business dealings in both countries then you might know what you are talking about. Until you have this business experience then stay out of things you have no knowledge.In fact I do. Working with a Canadian distributer whose parent company is US based I have seen exactly how the weakening US dollar has done to profit margins in Canada.

If you ever worked in a business environment and had business dealings in both countries then you might know what you are talking about.Until you have this business experience then stay out of things you have no knowledge.

Just making some vague statments without providing a single figure doesn't make you more of a business expert.
And I won't stay out when people like you spread around the same FUD as the manufacturers and retailers.

Well, it seems that I stand corrected: fooit was right, Pioneer Canada will NOT honor the warranty. I contacted them twice this morning and spoke to two different people to make sure the information was correct.

It's a bit unprofessionnal from the people at B&H to claim that the warranty would be honored.

Too bad. The street price difference between an Elite and non-Elite being lesser in Canada than in the US, I might as well jump the Elite bandwagon. :rolleyes:

'must now confront the finance minister...

Following fooit comment about the warranty, I tried to contact Pioneer Canada directly yesterday to make sure that they would honor the warranty but they were closed. I will try again next week. Definitely something you want to be sure of before buying from the US, especially if you don't pick it up yourself. Again, two sources confirmed that there would be no problem with the warranty but I'd rather check with Pioneer and/or an authorized service center in Canada.

Cross-border shipping for such a big item is usually not handled by UPS or FedEx, but by a freight carrier such as Panalpina. That leaves the question "What about brokerage fees?". We all know about UPS ground service excessive charge rate for the brokerage fees so I would inquire about that with the freight carrier before buying in the US. Hence my motivation to go myself to a store, test the set there and bring it back.

I'm very motivated when comes the time to save 1500$ to 2000$! ;)

I did a lot of home work before buying my Pro-150FD. Finally bought from a local authorised dealer here in Edmonton.

I was planning to buy from UK so I would have both PAL and NTSC system, in the event I move back to Europe. But shipping, handling, taxes, costs alot. So to me it was an utter threat that I must buy from here or don't even think about it.

I was also thinking to buy Pioneer LX Series Home Cinema System with Omni-Directional Speakers from UK but I don't know if how much shipping cost would be including taxes, all other hidden costs until it reaches me.

How did you bring 4280 from FL?

Had the 4280 shipped to Michigan. Just bought the A30 in Fla... You do need a US contact or address... I have family over there... So - had the TV shipped there. Picked it up on the way home. Had to take it out of the box because it would not fit in the Envoy - it fit standing up after removing the packing material.

Shipping a plasma to UPS store near the border is troublesome. You can't count on their employees to do a thorough test for you when it arrives.

I know of at least one forum sponsor who wouldn't ship to a UPS store due to obvious reasons.
Is the only drawback that the unit might be DOA? I'm unable to find a pz700u for anything near a reasonable price in Canada, so one recourse would be to have Costco.com ship to a UPS Store. What other potential problems could I have with doing that?

Is the only drawback that the unit might be DOA? I'm unable to find a pz700u for anything near a reasonable price in Canada, so one recourse would be to have Costco.com ship to a UPS Store. What other potential problems could I have with doing that?

The problem is with it being damaged/cracked/etc... some companies require that you refuse to accept shipping on the spot to be able to get a new one - I doubt UPS Store employees will do it for you.
Call and ask about their policies and what to do when you come to a UPS Store, open your plasma and found it damaged/cracked/etc...

In case of Costco it's easier because in case of DOA you just drive it to a nearby Costco in Canada and return it for a full refund.

In case of Costco it's easier because in case of DOA you just drive it to a nearby Costco in Canada and return it for a full refund.
Really? costco Canada will take back a purchase made through Costco US?

I was thinking that I could ship to the UPS store and if there's damage then at least take it back to a nearby Costco US before coming back home. If it were damaged it would waste a trip but at least I wouldn't be out the cost of the TV that way.

Also, we went to Florida for the march break and after you are out of the country for more than 7 days, you can bring back up to $750 per person, tax free. I paid $0 taxes (not the 13% that I would have had to pay if I just went accross the border to shop).



Much like everything in life, the above depends heavily on the customs agent you get when crossing the border. From your link "The term duties can include excise taxes and GST/HST. It does not include provincial or territorial sales tax. However, the CBSA has working agreements with some provinces and territories that allow us to collect provincial and territorial taxes, levies and fees on goods that have a value higher than your personal exemption.". So where you came back not paying any duties or sales tax, some other guy trying the same thing you did, might end up paying full GST and provincial sales tax as their customs agent would interpret the rules differently.

I am still going to buy mine from the States and bring it back to Canada, despite those unfounded comments about this sort of practice perpetuating higher prices domestically.

The problem is with it being damaged/cracked/etc... some companies require that you refuse to accept shipping on the spot to be able to get a new one - I doubt UPS Store employees will do it for you.
Call and ask about their policies and what to do when you come to a UPS Store, open your plasma and found it damaged/cracked/etc...

In case of Costco it's easier because in case of DOA you just drive it to a nearby Costco in Canada and return it for a full refund.

You should time the delivery so you are there to check it out.

Just found the 4280 at my local Costco in Canada for $1699... and the 5080 for $2499... May be worth it to buy Canadian afterall!!

Much like everything in life, the above depends heavily on the customs agent you get when crossing the border. From your link "The term duties can include excise taxes and GST/HST. It does not include provincial or territorial sales tax. However, the CBSA has working agreements with some provinces and territories that allow us to collect provincial and territorial taxes, levies and fees on goods that have a value higher than your personal exemption.". So where you came back not paying any duties or sales tax, some other guy trying the same thing you did, might end up paying full GST and provincial sales tax as their customs agent would interpret the rules differently.

I am still going to buy mine from the States and bring it back to Canada, despite those unfounded comments about this sort of practice perpetuating higher prices domestically.

Talked to a Elite dealer today when I took back my Linn that went DOA for warranty work. He said that the Elite's sold in Canada have a 3yr warranty vs 1yr for US models. Americans want the cheapest price period, while Canadians supposedly care about warranty. He had no reason at all to BS me.

Considering how easy it was just to return my Linn to the dealer i'd be wary of getting of getting a US bought model. Unless you live really close to the border.

Talked to a Elite dealer today when I took back my Linn that went DOA for warranty work. He said that the Elite's sold in Canada have a 3yr warranty vs 1yr for US models. Americans want the cheapest price period, while Canadians supposedly care about warranty. He had no reason at all to BS me.

Considering how easy it was just to return my Linn to the dealer i'd be wary of getting of getting a US bought model. Unless you live really close to the border.

Well he did lie as ELite come with a 2 year onsite warranty from Pioneer in US :)

If I may chime in on this tread. Best Buy Magnolia in Buffalo New York @ Walden Galleria Mall has had a 2 week sale on the Pro1150 Elite Plasma. {% off deleted to conform to forum rules} off American MSRP. I feel this competes somewhat with internet pricing.

Warranty? I was offered for {$deleted} a 4 year BB warranty that also good in Canada. Yes that's what I said, in Canada.

Verdict. If I had the money and with today's exchange rate (even including taxes/duty) I would buy from Western NY and bring back to Toronto.

Please respond if anyone agrees that this is a good deal.

Edit: I Stand corrected re forum policy. Please see changes. I'm just trying to make the point that a lot of Canadians to not know that there is a BB/Magnolia store in Western NY that offers, occasionally, some really good deals and that yes I have seen a copy of their extended warranty and it is indeed good in Canada.

Can't talk about deals here :) Please make sure BB puts in writing that the warranty would be valid as you dont want to be stuck.

If I may chime in on this tread. Best Buy Magnolia in Buffalo New York @ Walden Galleria Mall has had a 2 week sale on the Pro1150 Elite Plasma. {% off deleted to conform to forum rules} off American MSRP. I feel this competes somewhat with internet pricing.

Warranty? I was offered for {$deleted} a 4 year BB warranty that also good in Canada. Yes that's what I said, in Canada.

Verdict. If I had the money and with today's exchange rate (even including taxes/duty) I would buy from Western NY and bring back to Toronto.

Please respond if anyone agrees that this a good deal.

Edit: I Stand corrected re forum policy. Please see changes. I'm just trying to make the point that a lot of Canadians to not know that there is a BB/Magnolia store in Western NY that offers, occasionally, some really good deals and that yes I have seen a copy of their extended warranty and it is indeed good in Canada.

Since you are in Toronto I would shop the dealers especially north of the city.
With the 3 year warranty that elites carry it may cost you $800
to $1000 more to buy in Canada.

Consider your time to go to the US the BS at the border... wait times etc.
If you have one problem with the unit is it really worth it?

Good luck