US Camera Question

Take_1

Well-known member
Hey guys,

I hope you can all help me out.

As with most of us here, buying an HVX is a BIG purchase, and getting one makes my bank account more than empty. So, I am trying to figure out just where to buy one. I live in Canada. I often buy US because the deals can be better on certain things and the risk can be tolerable if the pricing was right.

The HVX:

I do understand that the warranty is a US warranty and is not valid in Canada. Worst case scenario I can pay the shipping to send it back to the States if it needs a warranty repair. I also have many relatives living in the US so... that may help.

Anyway, one of the questions I have is about where the camera is made. Is the US warrantied camera "Made In The USA" or is it Made in "XYZ" country?

Right now I'm trying to work out what Canada Customs is going to hit me with in fees at the boarder. Knowing the country of origin makes a big difference as to what they charge me in tax, and, may change my mind about buying from US if the cost is too high.


It should say right on the bottom of your camera where it was made.

Thanks for the help everyone, :dankk2:I wish we all had tons of cash so that we wouldn't have to pinch every penny so hard when buying new gear.
 
The camera is made in Japan. I do not know how that will affect customs/duties since I haven't lived in Canada in 10 years, but I can still remember the horrors of being hit for GST and brokerage fees when bringing in goods, not to mention the occasional duty assessment.

You are probably far better off buying from an authorized Canadian dealer, having your warranty service in Canada, and not risking the possibility of multiple cross-border shipments.

Ned Soltz
 
Thanks Ned. Yeah, thats exactly why I raising the question. You only need to get stung with boarder fees once to know you need to do your research. Now that I know where the camera was made, I can place a call to Canada Customs to find out what they will charge me. If its made in the right place it can be VERY benificial to buy from the US. If its made in the wrong place its better to keep the shopping here at home. I'll let you know what I find out.

Thanks.
 
:Drogar-BigGrin(DBG) SWEEEET!!!

OK... now that I have that out of my system...

I just spoke with Canada Customs. There is NO duty charged to bring in a "video camera" from the US regardless of where it was manufactured.

There is (as I expected) GST 6% and PST for those it applies to. I am in Alberta, so I only have to pay the GST.

Aside from this I will factor in the Exchange Rate, Shipping and Brokerage costs and make a choice!

Thanks Ned!
 
... and keep in mind that your credit card company will give you less than the official exchange rate and possibly even charge you a foreign currency fee. That's what's happening here in US with credit cards.

In my Toronto years the easiest way was to have something shipped to Buffalo and drive across the border with it.
 
Back
Top