A question for the Canadians

[squeegykid]

Im sure theres lots of Canadians that use Online stores.How do you find the prices after you include exchange,duty,tax,etc.Ive been planning on buying equip. and test kits online but Im not sure it would be worth it.
Also I'd like to get some coral but Im worried about delays at customs,
has anyone had any expirience with this?

 

[littleprince]

I Dont use american online stores. But I know theres a few people who do. YOu have to make special arrangements for animals.

Theres also canadian online retailers.

Big als, mops, aquariumpros etc.

 

[Expos Forever]

The only company I've found willing to ship corals to Canada is www.roesmarineworld.com. I have yet to order from them though. Some have said they were willing only if I dealt with the necessary CITES permits etcera. All "Arrive Alive" guarantees would be voided. I wish I had a relative in the states (any americans want to adopt me? :wink: )who could send me "gifts" as they are duty exempt as are I believe, items manufactured in the U.S. (which isn't much). I would say with the exchange being what it is today (1$ CAD = .67 USD) it might be more likely americans could buy certain things from here cheaper than vice versa.

I ordered my lights from marine depot a long time ago so I don't remember specifics but with exchange,duties,taxes and brokerage fees (and the delay) it wasn't worth it at the time. J&L's,MOPS and Salt Water Connection's service,prices and most importantly selection have greatly improved in my 3 years in the hobby. J&L for example now carries tank raised fish, because I and others have demanded it. I personally will support these companies as long as they remain competitive because without them we will be forced to once again patronize our LFS's (nooooooooo! :wink: ). I got a 200 gallon bucket of salt delivered to my home by UPS from MOPS for half the price my LFS was asking. HTH. Always nice to see another Canadian on the board.

 

[D.W.L.]

Many moons ago I ordered most all my dry goods from US retailers. It usually cost double their list price, by the time I recieved it.

There are now many excellent Canadian stores, that are cheaper to purchase from than ordering across border.

www.jlaquatics.com
www.saltwaterconnection.com
www.mops.on.ca
www.aquariumpros.ca

Just to name a few I use. There are several others excellent ones.

 

[squeegykid]

Thanks for the info guys.Ive heard of most of these stores but Ive only used J&L.Big Als I wont go near,you'd understand if you ever went into the store here. Saltwater Connection is one i havent heard of,I checked them out,your right Eric good selection.Thanks again.

 

[Steven]

I've been buying from MOPS for several years. Only problem I've ever had was a defective Ice Cap ballast. Dan delivered the replacement to my house himself the next day. Can't beat that for customer service.

 

[squeegykid]

Dan delivered the replacement to my house himself the next day. Can't beat that for customer service.[/quote]

Theres a guy who knows how to keep a good customer.

 

[squeegykid]

Some day I'll learn how to work that quote thing

 

[squeegykid]

Some day I'll learn how to work that quote thing