A Canadian version of B&H or Adorama?

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

07/20/2008 10:28:36 AM · #1

My fellow Canajuns...where to find the best deals on lenses? I look at B&H and Adorama and drool. I mean, our dollar is stronger and these mega-outlets are offering some ridiculous deals on glass...what's our alternative? I love my Henry's, but let's be serious...I can't find the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM for less than $800-ish after taxes, where B&H would basically give it to me for $300 less. Problem is, some Broker would charge me an arm & a leg to let it in to the country, and there goes my savings.

I guess another way of phrasing the question is: have any of us Canucks ever ordered from these American outlets, and if so, how badly did you get crushed by RevCan and the Broker mafiosos?

rwouthuis

Canon EOS-40D

07/20/2008 10:42:33 AM · #2

I have ordered from B&H before and I have it delivered to my US address. When I return from picking it up in Niagara Falls, NY, I am open and honest with Customs. For large items, I will be asked to go inside and pay PST and GST. I have imported flashes, umbrellas and light stands. I have not imported any lenses yet (I have bought during Canon Canada Rebates). It was worth it to buy these items with the price difference. If I bought in Canada, I would have to pay PST and GST anyway, so if the savings are worth it, I don't mind paying the taxes.

I have a US address through a company called CBI-USA. (www.cbiusa.com). They are located on Cudaback Ave just 5 minutes from the border. They are extremely professional and helpful. You can set up an address and they will charge you $5.00 per delivery or you can pay $75 annually.

Olympus 7-14mm f/4.0 Zuiko Digital Zoom

07/20/2008 11:37:48 AM · #3

Thanks for the reply, Richard, great link. $5 for a one-time delivery? Seems ideal, since I'm so close...this will do nicely.

one2one

Olympus E-5

07/20/2008 12:09:41 PM · #4

Tricks you can try to avoid GST, PST and Duties:

Get the seller to mark the package as a gift. No taxes on gifts. I have used this method and it works.

Get the seller to reduce the price on the box. You may not avoid paying the taxes but will pay much less.

Have the seller mark the package as broken, non usable. No taxes on broken items.

Use USPS. This is not an iron clad way to save taxes but it works 3 out of 4 times, for me. I usually do not pay anything when delivered through the USPS. Weird, I know.

UPS are the worst for duties, taxes, gst, pst.

Here's a question. What the hell is NAFTA? lol rofl

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

07/20/2008 12:58:10 PM · #5

USPS definitely. Fedex and UPS will charge fees out the ying yang to get it across the border.

With USPS you'll only be responsible for the PST, GST and the customs handling fee which is around $8.

Just watch out for the shipping charges from B&H or Adorama. Usually around $50 for really small items.

Message edited by author 2008-07-20 12:59:01.

paddles

Pentax K10D

Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 AF

07/21/2008 07:24:01 AM · #6

Originally posted by Jac:

Not sure about where you come from, but where I come from these activities would be considered tax fraud and be treated as a criminal offence. Personally, I'd rather pay the taxes.

Strikeslip

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

07/21/2008 09:02:07 AM · #7

Ah, the government. It's not hard to believe all those wimpy little nerds, always on the receiving-end of swirlies and atomic-wedgies throughout their youth, are now sticking it to everyone and laughing all the way to the bank.
:-D

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

07/21/2008 10:56:20 AM · #8

Originally posted by paddles:

Originally posted by Jac:
Tricks you can try to avoid GST, PST and Duties:

Get the seller to mark the package as a gift. No taxes on gifts. I have used this method and it works.

Get the seller to reduce the price on the box. You may not avoid paying the taxes but will pay much less.

Have the seller mark the package as broken, non usable. No taxes on broken items.

Not sure about where you come from, but where I come from these activities would be considered tax fraud and be treated as a criminal offence. Personally, I'd rather pay the taxes.

Also, if the value is reduced on the package then any insurance only covers up to that value. If it's marked broken then if is received broken you have no recourse.

... and it is considered fraud in Canada as well.

07/21/2008 01:16:07 PM · #9

Canon CA702004LEF
Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM
Autofocus Lens USA

hoo-boy, I'm in trouble now...