american vs canadian pricing

This stuff makes my blood boil. I was going to head to Bass pro on last Friday morning to pick up a stand or two that were on sale. Specifically the Big Game two man on for 159.99. Thursday afternoon I'm flipping around the web and I check the prices at Cabalas Canada. Same stand is regular price at 219.00. I was like oh cool, pretty good saving by going to bass pro. I bounce to the American Cabelas website to discover the same Big Game two man stand is 99.00. I also compared the Big Game deluxe single ladder stand is 119.00 American where its on sale in Canada for 150. The Big Game deluxe stand was 150 in the US and on sale for 250 in Canada.

Conveniently I had plans to go to buffalo to pick up my brother in law at the airport Friday night so I went shopping. Even with the exchange I am ahead like 200 bucks all said and done.

Look at shotgun shell prices as well this year, they've shot way up (no pun intended:))

Just ridiculous on the differences in pricing...gotta love it

So pricesshould be the same after the dollar exchange? Higher operating costs,smaller market X 10 all equate to a higher sticker price for you and I inCanada.

A retailer also sets its prices at what the market will accept.

Many factors add to Canadian upcharges.

New York state minimum wage is $8.75 per hour, government taxes are higher here, plus added transportation to Canada , possible duties, they all add to a high retail price in Canada.

Dick

... and here's a good question.

Do you think whenever the canadian dollar strengthens again (if it ever does) that the Canadian prices will come back down?

LOL. Bend over and take it rover.

Yrs ago I wanted a zinger winger made right here in Ontario, it was cheaper to have it ordered and shipped to a friends place in Michigan than to buy it in Ontario. Just couldn't understand the logistics of it?.

90% of all the stuff I buy retail, I buy on line; most of it from down south. Saves me a huge amount of money. Most places thru Amazon and eBay have FREE shipping to Ogdensburg and driving to the US is cheaper than driving into Ottawa.

Lots of reason we pay more, I guess from a marketing business point of view, but from a consumers view, I should get the best deal I can for my money.

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Originally Posted by MikePal

90% of all the stuff I buy retail, I buy on line; most of it from down south. Saves me a huge amount of money. Most places thru Amazon and eBay have FREE shipping to Ogdensburg and driving to the US is cheaper than driving into Ottawa.

Lots of reason we pay more, I guess from a marketing business point of view, but from a consumers view, I should get the best deal I can for my money.

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I think this is just a case of supply and demand, not enough of a supply of people demanding not to be screwed over by businesses.

I saw a video on TV once of imported goods going thru processing at a warehouse in the GTA, The product was unpacked, opened, a French manual/label was added and then resealed. Apparently the cost of 'Official Bilingualism' was then added to the retail price in Canada.

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Originally Posted by Fox

I think this is just a case of supply and demand, not enough of a supply of people demanding not to be screwed over by businesses.

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No one is "screwing you" your comparing apples to oranges.

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Originally Posted by Bandwagon

No one is "screwing you" your comparing apples to oranges.

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So if you can bring it in from the states and sell it for twice the price you are not screwing anyone?

Look at NAFTA products, no duty on them and they still double in price coming to Canada.

Duty is a big cost, I can order stuff from the States, so long as it is made in North America and depending upon the courier I can have it delivered at a decent price... down with Brown. You have to ask where the stuff is made, not assembled or sold; but manufactured. Most tree stands are from overseas, most decoys as well. All that Free Trade/Tariffs stuff, you know... trying to keep jobs in Canada, people employed an/North Americad paying taxes, etc.

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Originally Posted by Fox

So if you can bring it in from the states and sell it for twice the price you are not screwing anyone?

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Despite what people think, that's not all profit. Distributors and retailers have costs. One of those costs is a carrying cost -- the cost of keeping stuff in inventory for you to buy. Canada is a small market, which means stuff doesn't turn over as quickly. This is one reason prices here are higher.

Nobody is laughing their way to the bank here.

A few years ago (when our $ was at the ~ same level as the US-$) I purchased Alliant-powder (Unique and Reloder 22) for $18 a pound (in Conroe / Texas) . Here , in Ontario , it retailed for $42/lb. (at Accurate Plus on #7 near Peterborough) . --- I realize that our Canadian prices are (for various reasons) a BIT higher ; BUT that much ??? --- Come on !!!

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Originally Posted by Doug

Duty is a big cost, I can order stuff from the States, so long as it is made in North America and depending upon the courier I can have it delivered at a decent price...

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I haven't been asked or charged for 'duty' in many, many years....since almost everything is made 'off shore', it's a given and I think trade agreements may have nullified it as an cross border issue.

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Originally Posted by welsh

-- the cost of keeping stuff in inventory for you to buy. Canada is a small market, which means stuff doesn't turn over as quickly. This is one reason prices here are higher.

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That is why Amazon is doing so well, proving out it is the future of retail....they centralize storage and distribution points to fill on-line sales orders, much like Walmart does with bricks and mortar.

Interesting when you look up items and compare the difference between Amazon.com and Amazon.ca

example:

http://www.amazon.ca/Ameristep-Grizz...rds=tree+stand

http://www.amazon.com/Ameristep-Griz...rds=tree+stand


Virtually the same price (free shipping on .com) ...online sales have largely equalized the prices across the border.

Exchange rates, economy of scale, blah blah, most Canadians willingly pay the higher prices and the Business' know it.

Deals are still to be had here in Canada as 2 months ago I picked up 4 Ameristep 2 man ladderstands for 69 Dollars each at Walmart ...
Glen

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Interesting when you look up items and compare the difference between Amazon.com and Amazon.ca

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Not a good example. Neither item is shipped by Amazon. Both are from third-party sellers where Amazon's sole involvement is to list the item on their storefront. Amazon's distribution practices don't really have anything to do wtih those prices.

Low dollar, smaller buying power and when it comes to guns, ammo and many other hunting related products it gets into the country through distributors which need to make a profit. cant see the loonie hitting parity with the US dollar anytime soon so don't expect sporting goods to drop.

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Originally Posted by Fox

So if you can bring it in from the states and sell it for twice the price you are not screwing anyone?

Look at NAFTA products, no duty on them and they still double in price coming to Canada.

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I agree there isno duty but your operating costs are significantly more in Canada,this includes taxes, real estate, distribution, salaries etc...
Your also working with a much smaller market, your buying power is diminished.

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Originally Posted by welsh

-- the cost of keeping stuff in inventory for you to buy. Canada is a small market, which means stuff doesn't turn over as quickly. This is one reason prices here are higher.

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Originally Posted by welsh

Not a good example. Neither item is shipped by Amazon. Both are from third-party sellers where Amazon's sole involvement is to list the item on their storefront.

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Actually, it's a good example. Amazon establishes the price point (in this case same across borders) and they have 3rd party 'partners' supply the product. They don't store the product, they don't' ship it, but they still make a profit from it and mange to sell it cheaper to us than the open retail market can supply it. I don't care where it's coming from, I deal with Amazon and they are providing me an item cheaper than I can get at the Local box store.

Much like Walmart with their bricks and mortar operations, they rent out shelf space to 3rd party suppliers that maintain and stock that space. Walmart does not warehouse all the products they sell.

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Actually, it's a good example. Amazon establishes the price point (in this case same across borders) and they have 3rd party 'partners' supply the product. They don't store the product, they don't' ship it, but they still make a profit from it and mange to sell it cheaper to us than the open retail market can supply it.

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You might want to look at the items you linked to again. At present, if you click through to the list of sellers for the item on amazon.ca, you'll see prices ranging from the low of $182.xx up to $1052. It would seem that Amazon is not establishing a price point here.

All Amazon is really doing with items like this is making its electronic storefront available to third-party sellers. Those sellers establish their own pricing. So while this definitely represents a convenience to the consumer, and will often allow people to get stuff cheaper, nothing in Amazon's own distribution model has anything to do with those advantages. Before you object, let's remember the original point I am disputing here:

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Originally Posted by MikePal

... they centralize storage and distribution points to fill on-line sales orders, much like Walmart does with bricks and mortar.

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There is no centralized storage or distribution here. Amazon's business model is the future of online retail, but let's be clear on the distinction between Amazon distribution and third-party sales through Amazon and just where prices come from.

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Much like Walmart with their bricks and mortar operations, they rent out shelf space to 3rd party suppliers that maintain and stock that space. Walmart does not warehouse all the products they sell.

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Wal-Mart partners with third-party sellers for online sales. I don't believe they do that in their retail stores.

In any case, hub-and-spoke distribution is not a Wal-Mart innovation, nor does it explain Wal-Mart's price advantage, as you suggested. Wal-Mart's price advantage comes from its aggressive treatment of its vendors.

One point rises above all this: online retailing is significantly disrupting everything. When I can order from a US vendor online, unless hidden costs like brokerage fees are involved, I am going to come out ahead as a consumer. This compounds the cost problems faced by Canadian retailers.

Welcome to Canada land of being screwed. There is no reason at all why our prices are so high here for so many items. Especially vehicals. Corvette new here around 80,000.00, that exact car south of the border is around 48,000.00. Our governments won't allow u to go down south a purchase a new vehical and bring it back here, even if it is paid in full....sad how bad we get screwed here

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Originally Posted by canadaman30

Welcome to Canada land of being screwed. There is no reason at all why our prices are so high here for so many items. Especially vehicals. Corvette new here around 80,000.00, that exact car south of the border is around 48,000.00. Our governments won't allow u to go down south a purchase a new vehical and bring it back here, even if it is paid in full....sad how bad we get screwed here

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I purchased my last boat and last two vehicles from the US ? What is stopping anyone from buying south of the boarder?

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Originally Posted by Bandwagon

I purchased my last boat and last two vehicles from the US ? What is stopping anyone from buying south of the boarder?

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He said "new". Most dealers won't sell new to Canadians unless the vehicle has been previoisly registered for at least 6 months, or it's used, although I understand if you find the right dealer you can get away with it sometimes.

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Originally Posted by last5oh_302

He said "new". Most dealers won't sell new to Canadians unless the vehicle has been previoisly registered for at least 6 months, or it's used, although I understand if you find the right dealer you can get away with it sometimes.

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You can blame the car companies for that, not the various levels of Canadian government.
That being said, I do agree that the prices in Canada are higher than they should be, and we are getting screwed. This is supported by the fact that it is relatively easy to buy something from down south and save a bundle.

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Originally Posted by last5oh_302

He said "new". Most dealers won't sell new to Canadians unless the vehicle has been previoisly registered for at least 6 months, or it's used, although I understand if you find the right dealer you can get away with it sometimes.

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Originally Posted by rf2

You can blame the car companies for that, not the various levels of Canadian government.
That being said, I do agree that the prices in Canada are higher than they should be, and we are getting screwed. This is supported by the fact that it is relatively easy to buy something from down south and save a bundle.

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I heard from a Toyota dealer that is a fact and is applicable for those dealers closer to the border....drive a few hrs south and it goes away.

Polaris dealer in Ogdensburg sells new ATVs for almost a 1/3 cheaper than in Ottawa...45 minute drive can save you $3K !!

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Polaris dealer in Ogdensburg sells new ATVs for almost a 1/3 cheaper than in Ottawa...45 minute drive can save you $3K !!

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Too bad you get screwed on the exchange at the moment which would almost equate to an equal wash whether you get it here or there.

On cars you also don't get the warranty (at least not here), and it would be the same for ATV's etc.

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Originally Posted by last5oh_302

Too bad you get screwed on the exchange at the moment which would almost equate to an equal wash whether you get it here or there..

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Holy Crap, your right....I hadn't checked the website since the dollar dropped....with conversion it is a wash !!! What a difference from when we were at par :scream:

Same model and year;

US..$7,500

http://www.parkwayfordandpolaris.com...=14&DispType=0

Canada: $9,800

http://www.wheelsportottawa.net/atv-...88a26fdfd5.htm

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Originally Posted by Gunner 38

A few years ago (when our $ was at the ~ same level as the US-$) I purchased Alliant-powder (Unique and Reloder 22) for $18 a pound (in Conroe / Texas) . Here , in Ontario , it retailed for $42/lb. (at Accurate Plus on #7 near Peterborough) . --- I realize that our Canadian prices are (for various reasons) a BIT higher ; BUT that much ??? --- Come on !!!

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Another bonus for you, some Alliant powder is manufactured in Quebec and shipped to the US for packaging.

Well, the real losers will be the retailers who will not make any sales if they raise the price too far.

The way I see it, if its something I really want, I compare the total US cost with the Canadian one, and if the Canadian one is more, I order it from the states. Right now Canadian landed cost =US cost (including shipping) + 35% (ouch!!) + 13% HST + can't forget the $10 Canada Post handling fee for collecting the customs fees (LOL).

Its funny how when the Canadian dollar was at par or above par with the US dollar, retailers and distributors said they could not drop prices to smooth out for times when the Canadian dollar was low.

However, in my experience, they have always been quick to raise the prices (like now) and then never lowering them again, using the above excuse.

Well not everything is cheaper in the US.... To my surprise the Excalibur micro crossbow, down here in the US (Myrtle Beach) :) is on sale for $899 US... that's the same price for the Micro in Canada, so buying some items in Canada can be cheaper...
With the exchange rate there is no real saving on anything I looked at...including ammo

I got lucky and purchased from Cabela's Canada 3 Big GameWarrior DX Ladder stands for (including taxes and delivery to my home) a grand total of $255.85, now that was a deal and a half.....sometimes the deals are there when you aren't looking...
PS I picked these up late January this year....

I have been looking at farm supplies. I can either drive into Ottawa or up state new york, driving to new york and paying the exchange still saves on almost everything, not lumber but almost everything else.

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Originally Posted by fratri

Well not everything is cheaper in the US.... To my surprise the Excalibur micro crossbow, down here in the US (Myrtle Beach) :) is on sale for $899 US... that's the same price for the Micro in Canada, so buying some items in Canada can be cheaper...
With the exchange rate there is no real saving on anything I looked at...including ammo

I got lucky and purchased from Cabela's Canada 3 Big GameWarrior DX Ladder stands for (including taxes and delivery to my home) a grand total of $255.85, now that was a deal and a half.....sometimes the deals are there when you aren't looking...
PS I picked these up late January this year....

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It does pay to compare; I've found some definite price advantages here in Canada.

While not always less expensive, the main reason I look to the US now is selection and shipping. Free shipping to the border can make that currency conversion less of an issue. If the Canadian price is 30% higher, but also comes with with a hefty shipping fee, then checking the US supply can pay off.

Supply and selection is another biggie, I sometimes just can't find the item I want from a Canadian business. There might be one that supplies it, but it can be hard to find one that does, or find one that will sell you one online. Canadian business websites are getting better, but at a very slow pace. Dead links, and geocities backgrounds with neon pink font is not usually a good sign.

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Originally Posted by welsh

One point rises above all this: online retailing is significantly disrupting everything. When I can order from a US vendor online, unless hidden costs like brokerage fees are involved, I am going to come out ahead as a consumer. This compounds the cost problems faced by Canadian retailers.

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Plus the growing number of businesses selling direct from China, or other less expensive nations. Who can beat $12 shipped across the world to your door in 5 days for some electronics that may retail for $45 in Canada or $30 in the US? I have yet to make those purchases, but my niece does.

Even with the exchange, tax rates may put you ahead buying in the US. I pick up a lot of hunting stuff while travelling for work, which means I save the tax and have zero shipping.

For some items, strangely, prices are actually lower in Canada.

State taxes are also an irritant when buying online in the US. It's hit and miss for who charges you the state tax, and who doesn't. Paying an extra 6% for MN state taxes - where I get the goods delivered to - can definitely make the deal less sweet. Of course, the paid state taxes are included in the declared value at the border, so we also get to pay 13% on the 6% tax, after exchange.

One thing I found is you have to be very explicit at the border with your receipts and the currency used. CBSA keeps trying to exchange my CDN paid as USD, despite the fact that the invoice clearly states that the value paid was in CDN. The officers usually do not want to look at the invoice for more than a couple of seconds, so get the highlighter out and make sure it's done right.

I don't like paying 30% on top of 30%!

We paid the double exchange once because the invoice was already done up, and the officer refused to look at the invoice or change anything. Luckily we were at $0.92 USD at the time, but still.

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Originally Posted by Bandwagon

I purchased my last boat and last two vehicles from the US ? What is stopping anyone from buying south of the boarder?

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New vehicals cannot be tranfered over to a Canadian resident from the USA until it is so moany months older and or so many kilometers. That is how the governments are screwing us otherwise everyone would buy their vehicals south of the border. Used vehicals are not a problem, thats why so many dealerships buy used vehicals from the states and ship them up here to sell to us

When the $ was at 1.0 or even 1.10, it was cheaper buying in the US.
Now that it's $1.33, it's cheaper buying here (at least for now, until the prices get adjusted).
I often go to Florida, and actually came back two weeks ago from there. This last time, I can tell
you, by the time you factored in the exchange rate, the US prices were not that attractive.

I don't think there's any steadfast rules, you just need to compare and make a decision.
If you get nailed for duties, then it's almost always cheaper to buy in Canada.

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Originally Posted by fratri

Well not everything is cheaper in the US.... To my surprise the Excalibur micro crossbow, down here in the US (Myrtle Beach) :) is on sale for $899 US... that's the same price for the Micro in Canada, so buying some items in Canada can be cheaper...
With the exchange rate there is no real saving on anything I looked at...including ammo

I got lucky and purchased from Cabela's Canada 3 Big GameWarrior DX Ladder stands for (including taxes and delivery to my home) a grand total of $255.85, now that was a deal and a half.....sometimes the deals are there when you aren't looking...
PS I picked these up late January this year....

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I've been following this, and wanted to add this little tidbit. I bought an Excalibur crossbow a couple of years ago from Bass Pro, the price was around $750 CDN + Tax. Two weeks later, I was in the U.S., at a Bass Pro in Kansas City area, and saw the exact same X-Bow for $499 USD.

What really boiled me was (a) the Canadian dollar, at the time, was really close to par, so the exchange was not a huge factor (b) All of the Excalibur bows were made in Canada - about 75 Km down the road from my home, this means under NAFTA they're duty free as Excalibur took pride in proclaiming "all Canadian" products. And, even with no duty, there would have been additional transport charges to cross the border, plus Customs Clearance fees.

As a Canadian, I'm oriented, and pleased, to support Canadian retailers where possible (and I know Bass Pro is U.S. based, but they operate as a Canadian retailer here, with pricing supposedly within a reasonable place from other Canadian retailers - not cheaper, usually more expensive, but not a huge differential, and all their employees are Canadian). I am more than willing to pay a reasonable amount on top of pricing in the U.S., figuring AFTER currency conversion - usually I figure I can stand being hosed for 20% or so more after currency is taken into account. In the case of the Excalibur, the 50% premium is far from that.

But it really fried me to pay more for a Canadian-designed/Canadian-made product in Canada than outside the country, given the above factors.

More galling was that I mentioned this to an Excalibur rep at a hunting show a couple of months later. His response - a sheepish look, and "yes, I know, it's Country Pricing". In other words, a Canuck will get hosed the same whether it is domestic sourced or out of country sourcing.

Sorry - rant over.

Old New Guy

Welcome to the forum..good first post.

Yes there is Canadian pricing..all you have to do is look at a paper back book and see the two prices clearly marked and clearly different.... and it doesn't mater what the exchange rate is/was from the time it was published till you bought it.

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Originally Posted by canadaman30

New vehicals cannot be tranfered over to a Canadian resident from the USA until it is so moany months older and or so many kilometers. That is how the governments are screwing us otherwise everyone would buy their vehicals south of the border. Used vehicals are not a problem, thats why so many dealerships buy used vehicals from the states and ship them up here to sell to us

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I would like to see any information supporting this. I am almost certain that this is not accurate.

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Originally Posted by rf2

I would like to see any information supporting this. I am almost certain that this is not accurate.

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Me too..I seem to remember when I asked about it at the CBSA all I had to show was that the vehicle was cleared to leave the US (dealers responsibility), bill of sale and then you had to have a safety done within a set time frame here to get it plated.

When the $ was at par there was a stream of new cars coming across the border.

Info from the CBSA site:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publicati...48-eng.html#s3

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Originally Posted by canadaman30

New vehicals cannot be tranfered over to a Canadian resident from the USA until it is so moany months older and or so many kilometers. That is how the governments are screwing us otherwise everyone would buy their vehicals south of the border. Used vehicals are not a problem, thats why so many dealerships buy used vehicals from the states and ship them up here to sell to us

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I purchased a BMW and Silverado back when the dollar was at par, no issues and imported both vehicles myself. Sorry I think your information is incorrect.

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Me too..I seem to remember when I asked about it at the CBSA all I had to show was that the vehicle was cleared to leave the US (dealers responsibility), bill of sale and then you had to have a safety done within a set time frame here to get it plated.

When the $ was at par there was a stream of new cars coming across the border.

Info from the CBSA site:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publicati...48-eng.html#s3

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Thats pretty much it in a nutshell ( btw the inspection can only be done at Canadian Tire - they're the only one's with federal inspectors, hmm) but you also need clearance from the manufacturer ( a letter) that there are no recalls (if you're buying from a dealer they should take of that).

Everything you need to know is here. You also have to give the border youre crossing 72 hours notice, and I'm not sure they do this at every border crossing so you might want to check that out as well:

https://www.riv.ca/

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Originally Posted by last5oh_302

Thats pretty much it in a nutshell ( btw the inspection can only be done at Canadian Tire - they're the only one's with federal inspectors, hmm) but you also need clearance from the manufacturer ( a letter) that there are no recalls (if you're buying from a dealer they should take of that).

Everything you need to know is here. You also have to give the border youre crossing 72 hours notice, and I'm not sure they do this at every border crossing so you might want to check that out as well:

https://www.riv.ca/

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When leaving the USA you have to visit US customs to export the vehicle, they want to see you with the title of the vehicle before it leaves the country. The USA has demands around when you cross and they are specific on submitting your paperwork in a timely manner.

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Originally Posted by Bandwagon

When leaving the USA you have to visit US customs to export the vehicle, they want to see you with the title of the vehicle before it leaves the country. The USA has demands around when you cross and they are specific on submitting your paperwork in a timely manner.

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Yes, but they need the paperwork, or some of it (the no liens and recall stuff I think) 72 hours before. I'm just going from memory here so it may have changed, but I doubt it.
It will all be in the link I posted above.

As far as paperback books, there are specific reasons for that price differential. It's not the exchange rate. But that's getting off topic.

Re bows, I'd be curious whether Excalibur charges the same to US retailers and distributors as to Canadian. These price differences often start from the manufacturer.

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Originally Posted by welsh

Re bows, I'd be curious whether Excalibur charges the same to US retailers and distributors as to Canadian. These price differences often start from the manufacturer.

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Welsh, when I spoke to the Excalibur guy at the hunting show, while he didn't specifically say that there are different prices to USA and Canada, his answer ("it's country pricing") certainly hints at it as that is a term commonly used by exporting manufacturers.

I've seen much the same from Auto Parts operations, even parts at GM Dealers in Canada have a higher dealer net price than American dealers pay.

Complicating the matter is, don't forget, that it was Bass Pro in both cases, US and Canada - and from what I've been told Bass Pro U.S.A. negotiates the pricing/costing for both entities; I don't see BP readily volunteering to make the Canadian store cost less than that for the stores in the US.

Perhaps a little bit of the big gouge is on the parts of both the vendor (Excalibur, which was under different ownership at the time, now they're American owned) and the retailer (Bass Pro). Either way, it doesn't much pass the "smell test" as far as charging Canadians (in the case of Excalibur, their home market) more for the same product, from my perspective with the exception of a 20% +/- differential to cover higher cost structures up here in Soviet Canuckistan.

Yes, and that's normal: a manufacturer may offer differing pricing for differing markets based on how valuable those markets are.

If you're a US distributor and you order $1 million from me each year, I'm offering you better pricing than the Canadian guy who orders $100k. You're my most important customer and you have leverage.

But yes, with Bass Pro my understanding is the US entity distributes for Canada.

I just started buying my dog food again in the U.S at a much lower price even with the exchange rate. It's almost half the price in the U.S and only a 5 minute ride over to Menards once I cross the border. Even the herbicides/pesticides are much cheaper and are products we cannot buy in Canada but Canadians still smuggle products back. The Bass Pro in Ohio still has really good pricing on certain items but the Cabelas in Dundee Michigan is no cheaper than Bass Pro in Vaughn Ontario.

Interestingly, last might the CBC ran a story on tourism in Niagara falls. Showed a parking lot at an "Outlet" store there and it was filled with US plates. A few 'guy on the street' interviews found they were ecstatic about saving money buying stuff up here.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toront...gara-1.3203770

Heard the same thing at the Gun shop...lots of US guys are coming across and buying their ammo etc here.

So retailers can relax....the diving dollar is good for business.

That has always been the history with border City's going back many years. In the 1970's my home town of Chatham Ontario was a hot spot for Americans spending weekends or vacations at the Wheels Motor in resort. It was jammed with Americans and the locals were served last. Very good for our economy and nice to see it coming back.

CBC investigated the reason for higher vehicle costs in Canada vs US. This took place at a time when our dollar was higher than the US dollar. The answer as to why we pay more for the same vehicle. It's historical. Canadian prices have always been higher and the US suppliers feel there's no reason to change that arrangement. I assume that logic applies to hunting stuff as well. We pay more because we allow them to charge us more.

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Originally Posted by Bandwagon

I purchased a BMW and Silverado back when the dollar was at par, no issues and imported both vehicles myself. Sorry I think your information is incorrect.

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Try to now, good luck

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Originally Posted by canadaman30

Try to now, good luck

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What legislation has changed ?

My example: Oregon chainsaw bars. Made in Guelph Ontario
20" Power Match
amazon.ca $152.62 + $40 shipping = $192.62 Can $

Bailey Forestry Supply out of California $122 CANADIAN including taxes and shipping to me.

So, they make it in Guelph, ship it to California, ship it back to me in Ontario and its cheaper even with the exchange rate than buying it here even before shipping from Amazon

Insane! Guess Free Trade really did make a difference (ie. Canadian companies are getting screwed). Amazon Canada's price are obviously too high??

last year I went to Dicks sporting store in the Galaria mall in Buffalo, bought a rifled slug barrel ,with a scoped mounted ,for my rem 870.
$149 , the same product in Sail goes for over $300, go figger.

bush24, You are truly a man that see the real picture. Canadians just don't question price or the logic behind the price, if they want it bad enough they will shell out whatever is being asked for it. Hamburger at $5 a pound? Hamburger is about the end of the road for a piece of meat, after a week or so as hamburger it pretty much beyond human consumption. If people don't pay the $5 a pound and just walk away from it, I have a feeling the price would start to drop pretty quickly. The problem is the large spread in incomes. What I view as too expense, an individual with say twice my income picks it up, with what he considers to be pocket change. The retailers knows these individuals are out there and there is enough of them that they don't have to worry about the hamburger ever spoiling, so they hold it's price at $5/lb. There is nothing frugal about someone who has money to burn.

You don't stop hunting because you grow old. You grow old because you stop hunting.
- Gun Nut

Wages are higher in Canada. Utilities are higher in Canada. Cost of fuel for delivery is higher. Taxes are higher here. That's why I shop American!!

Minimum wage in most states is less than $8.00 an hour.

If you go to Menards, a lot of lumber, ceiling tiles, wall board among other items are cheaper in the states but made in Canada.

Reason is that they buy millions of dollars worth to get lower costs.