Anyone from Canada ordered Avatar or Carvin amps/cabs?

michaelandrew · #1 08-09-2011, 03:21 PM

Hi,

I'm interested in Carvin (BX500) and Avatar (TB153) gear. I'd like the hear from anyone in Canada - I'm in Ottawa - who has any experience ordering equipment from these companies? If so, were there any snags at the border crossing? What sort of duty/taxes did you get tagged with? Did the gear survive the trip OK?

I'd also be interested in any equipment reviews you might like to add - Ottawa is a complete back-water for music supplies (and most other things, come to think of it); there's very little for bass in the (few) music stores and the used market seems dead.

Thanks,

Mike

Alex1984 · #2 08-09-2011, 05:01 PM

Hi Mike,

I've bought gear cross-border many times. Although the NAFTA is in place, it just makes things exempt from duties, but you still need to pay HST. I got lucky a few times through USPS and there were no taxes charged. My gears all survived the trip OK. If shipping through UPS or FedEx, tell them that you wish to clear the item through customs yourself, and they'll do paperwork for you. Otherwise, they'd charge you a RIDICULOUS brokerage fee.

BassmanPaul · #3 08-09-2011, 05:41 PM

I can't speak for Avatar but Carvin is dead simple. You order, pay shipping and the package is dropped off at your door - nothing to pay. My only problem is that UPS very often doesn't even bother to ring the door bell. My DCM1000L I found in my porch as I was going out to dinner!

KnightsOfNi · #4 08-10-2011, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

I can't speak for Avatar but Carvin is dead simple. You order, pay shipping and the package is dropped off at your door - nothing to pay. My only problem is that UPS very often doesn't even bother to ring the door bell. My DCM1000L I found in my porch as I was going out to dinner!

+1
Carvin shipping to Canada includes taxes and fees, that is why it appears expensive.
As was said it could not be easier, I got a BX1500 to my door in about a week.

Regards
Knights

michaelandrew · #5 08-10-2011, 09:41 AM

Thanks all for the info - exactly what I needed. Here's what I found on the Avatar web site FAQ in case you're interested:

Q: Are your products available in other countries? YES

A: Canada Yes. We now ship there directly. The US shipping cost would be about
the same cost (for most of Canada. Some far away or remote locations may cost a little more like Nova Scotia, but we'll let you know before we ship) then add $39 for the fedex broker fee. That is the total to us. You'll have to pay the Canadian government whatever taxes are due. Please email your postal code and we'll give you an exact quote.

Cheers,

Mike