Are you still buying in the USA? Why?

[tim the toolman]

I think that another point that should be made is keeping the $$ local. I have a LFS that I go to whenever I can in hopes that a good store owner can stay in business. I'm glad this hobby doesn't have a walmart mentality yet, and I hope it never will.
Here's to the little fish in big water

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by tim the toolman

I'm glad this hobby doesn't have a walmart mentality yet, and I hope it never will.

Oh, it absolutely does now! So many people quibble over a couple of bucks. Sure, I can get that item at J&L for 3 bucks cheaper, but now I no longer have a store up the road to go browse around. I always try to buy locally first and support the stores that let me hang out with my coffee and poke around with the products.

[Reef Supplies]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Oh, it absolutely does now! So many people quibble over a couple of bucks. Sure, I can get that item at J&L for 3 bucks cheaper, but now I no longer have a store up the road to go browse around. I always try to buy locally first and support the stores that let me hang out with my coffee and poke around with the products.

Have to disagree.

Yes, we get the occasional client locking to save 5 bucks BUT most of the time we are talking about 10-15-20% differences in price for the same products. If my client can save 10-15% elsewhere, he should take it...he is a fool if he does not.

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by Reef Supplies

Have to disagree.

Yes, we get the occasional client locking to save 5 bucks BUT most of the time we are talking about 10-15-20% differences in price for the same products. If my client can save 10-15% elsewhere, he should take it...he is a fool if he does not.

+1.

[fkshiu]

Originally Posted by Reef Supplies

Have to disagree.

Yes, we get the occasional client locking to save 5 bucks BUT most of the time we are talking about 10-15-20% differences in price for the same products. If my client can save 10-15% elsewhere, he should take it...he is a fool if he does not.

I order from the US because I work 10 mins from the border and bring things back over from my mailbox in Blaine, WA in amounts that don't incur duties/taxes. That saves me 12% right off the hop. For places likes MarineDepot and Premium Aquatics, there is a sweet spot where you'll get free shipping while still not triggering duties/taxes from CBSA. So I'll get the goods both tax free and with free shipping. While I'm at it I'll pick up a tank of gas at around $1/L. It's a no brainer on my part.

I estimate that 75% of my equipment/drygoods is purchased this way. It would be higher were it not for the excellent prices of our local dealers like J&L.

"Buying local" makes you feel warm and fuzzy and I would I do so if all else was equal. Unfortunately, it's not and financial reality hits.

[madkeenreefer]

Originally Posted by Reef Supplies

Have to disagree.

If my client can save 10-15% elsewhere, he should take it...he is a fool if he does not.

Supporting the Canadian economy is great! supporting your local economy even better .
but you said it yourself "above quote" its foolish to spend your money at one place when you can get it cheaper at another.
A good example is pritty much any online retailer in Quebec, they are always going to be more expensive due to the higher taxes.
Same for your store vs lets say J&L Aquatics I get the same thing for less but its still got to cross the country to get here.
This is why I always by outside Quebec

[toytech]

I cant remember the last piece of equipement i bought in canada , im by the sumas border so i get everything shipped to letter lock and have NEVER paid brokerage or duty or tax (bought 250$ in clothes for my wife today and same deal) .I have a problem buying something here for more (its always more here , even if its 5$ its more) and then i have to pay 12% tax because i might enjoy it . Im going to buy a RKL tomorrow and online its 30$ less than at j&l and the shipping is free , and i dont have to drive to burnaby , and i dont have to pay the 12% tax i voted down . If the prices in canada where better and i didnt have to pay so much tax i would buy local but im not going to support an economy that dosent support me.

[jtbadco]

I believe its all about fair competition. If people can get it cheaper somewhere then they should buy there. If local businesses want to stay in business then they need to remain competitive with all sources.

I much prefer to support local businesses where and when I can but I organize group orders from J and L all the time because our local SW fish stores charge 3 times as much for the same items.

The fact is that there are still savings to be had across the border in some situations. Lots of suppliers offer free shipping and the cost of gas still doesn't make it unappealing to pick up across the line.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Reef Supplies

Have to disagree.

Yes, we get the occasional client locking to save 5 bucks BUT most of the time we are talking about 10-15-20% differences in price for the same products. If my client can save 10-15% elsewhere, he should take it...he is a fool if he does not.

well said. I like seeing retailers who are also concerned about the money that stays in the consumers pocket. its to bad there not more common.

I will admit I always look at a few US places that cost very little in shipping and no brokerage charges and see which way is cheaper. after spending way to much money supporting local stores (ie. getting ripped off) it didn't take long for me to see how much I could save else where. and if I can save 5% when everything is said and done I will. when you look at the 10K+ I spent on my first tank 5% is a fair bit of money. what I find is that people tend to look at cost on a per purchase basis instead of a whole project basis.

As for our rising dollar that just makes the US stuff that much cheaper. it is very rare now days that a Canadian company passes on there savings because of a higher Cdn buck. I know 5 years ago, last time our buck was high, some retailers passed it on. an eg was a Harley got about 5K cheaper, but this time no deals are to be had anywhere. I think it is due to the uncertainty of the economy.

Steve

[Cal_stir]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Oh, it absolutely does now! So many people quibble over a couple of bucks. Sure, I can get that item at J&L for 3 bucks cheaper, but now I no longer have a store up the road to go browse around. I always try to buy locally first and support the stores that let me hang out with my coffee and poke around with the products.

My closest LFS is 90 minutes away, went there this weekend and bought some things, wife likes a road trip now and then.
There is one 10 minutes away in the US, but we won`t go there.