Alternatives to Musician's friend?

JessThrasher · #1 March 27th, 2007

Musicians friend has such good prices and selection. But they rip you off with the shipping. It's even more for me cause I'm in canada. Anyone know another site with just as good selection and price but with cheaper shipping? No Ebay plzz!

allthumbs · #2 March 27th, 2007

Steves' Music in Toronto, though their on line stuff is limited. There really isn't that kind of set up in Canada. The stores in Canada still have to pay for shipping and import duties which jacks the price. It is a real pain isn't it. I have a friend I sent my tele purchase to in the states. He is bringing it up with him in a week or two. Even getting a bargain on Ebay tends to die once you factor in the 20 foot high speed bump at the U.S. - Can. border.
That Epi, for 99 bucks, I just put up on the gear forum would probably cost anywhere from 50 to 75 bucks to ship to Can. Not a bargain anymore for me.

TwistedLefty · #3 March 27th, 2007

make friends with someone in the US near the border and visit them with an empty case.

mattz196 · #4 March 28th, 2007

Curious , If you ship a "New" item from the US to Canada are there import duties taxes ect that have to be paid ?

Nutty · #5 March 28th, 2007

There would not be any import duties if the guitars were made in the United States. I'm not sure off hand if there is still duties applicable from other countries, but I doubt there is (I'm off on disability right now). What you will be charged is the provincial tax and GST. Also, if they ship it by courier or broker, they may charge you a brokerage fee for clearing the goods (which could fall somewhere between $25 -$40). Goods shipped through the mail, delivered by Canada Post, attracts a fee of $5.00.

Nutty

allthumbs · #6 March 28th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nutty

There would not be any import duties if the guitars were made in the United States. I'm not sure off hand if there is still duties applicable from other countries, but I doubt there is (I'm off on disability right now). What you will be charged is the provincial tax and GST. Also, if they ship it by courier or broker, they may charge you a brokerage fee for clearing the goods (which could fall somewhere between $25 -$40). Goods shipped through the mail, delivered by Canada Post, attracts a fee of $5.00.

Nutty

If only Nutty. Customs, up to 30 bucks. UPS up to 75 bucks brokerage fees U.S.. The post office 40 or 50 and up depending on how it is shipped. Most on-line store use U.P.S. if they deliver to Canada at all. Then add our taxes on top of that.

Nutty · #7 March 28th, 2007

Ah, shipping costs have increased. If the guitars are made in North America or Mexico, they are duty free under the trade agreements. If you paid duties on such goods, I'd be applying for a refund. I just looked up the rate of duty for guitars from other countries (e.g. Eruope, Asia, etc) and it is 6%. In the case of Ontario residents, add another 14% in tax. So, it adds up quickly.

Of course, you could always go on vacation for a week or so in the US and bring one back under your personal exemptions!!!

Nutty

allthumbs · #8 March 28th, 2007

The custom boys charge you for them looking in the box to see if your smuggling stuff.

Nutty · #9 March 28th, 2007

Not on the Canadian side!

Nutty

cshude · #10 March 30th, 2007

Check with www.sweetwater.com . They are awesome with customer service and here in the US almost every order will have free shipping. Don't know about shipping to Canada, however. check them out, though.