I live in Wisconsin. I'm taking a road trip to Canada. If I were to buy a bass in Canada, would I get charged a tax, or a duty fee, upon bringing it back to the U.S ?
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Buying a bass in Canada
- Thread starter Scott549
- Start date
You would probably be charged state tax, but you might be able to claim a lot of it depending on how long you were in Canada and what the amount you're allowed to claim (bring back with you tax free). If the bass you bought was made in either the USA, Canada or Mexico there would be no duty because of the North American Free Trade Act (NAFTA).
TD
TD
Likely not. I would be surprised if you had to play anything.
MUCH cheaper to bring into the US for Americans than to bring into Canada for Canadians.
Also, if you are staying any length of time you are allowed to bring duty free items back into the States. Not sure the amount, but Canadians are allowed up to $1200 or so for a week.
MUCH cheaper to bring into the US for Americans than to bring into Canada for Canadians.
Also, if you are staying any length of time you are allowed to bring duty free items back into the States. Not sure the amount, but Canadians are allowed up to $1200 or so for a week.
Thanks for the info. I will be in Canada for 5-6 days. Budget tops out around $500. Squier VM Telecaster is one possibility, not made in N. America.
Why would you go to canada to buy a squier bass? I could see going there to get a godin which is canadian made bass. But not a american import bass.
Tax yes, duty no (if the instrument was made in North America). If you're tempted to not declare a purchased bass at customs ignore the temptation. I once made the mistake of declaring only half the value of a bass I brought into Canada from the U.S. and I got busted. Not fun.
That's just where I'm going to be, and I will be going to a bunch of music stores.
Honestly, from what I've seen, our prices are higher than the prices from stores in the U.S. , and most stores don't have a huge variety of instruments.
I would personally love a chance to go to the US and bring a bass back to Canada
-Ron
A lot of the stores I go to in Ontario have the same pricing as US online sites. I figure we're doing ok up here. 
13% tax alone should scare you off. Beyond that, GC and Canada's Long & McQuade have almost the same prices and the Canadian $$$ is worth $0.98USD, so basically parity.
I guess if I am going to buy something new, it would make more sense just to order it after I get back home. I'll be exploring the used inventory too, though. All the way from London to Montreal. If anyone has recommendations for shops I shouldn't miss, let me know.
12th Fret, Paul's Boutique and Capsule Music in Toronto are all really cool but more vintage.
Long and McQuade, Steve's and Cosmo (L&M is everywhere, Steve's is in Toronto and Cosmo is in Richmond Hill north of Toronto. These are basically Canadian Guitar Centers though.
Long and McQuade, Steve's and Cosmo (L&M is everywhere, Steve's is in Toronto and Cosmo is in Richmond Hill north of Toronto. These are basically Canadian Guitar Centers though.
Eastcoast is the coast with the least. Your observations are exactly correct til you hit Quebec (and likely West) where variety and pricing are more on par with a populous area.
Living in Halifax I was always dismayed at the lack of variety and high pricing, I usually ordered instruments from the US online. I can only imagine how those negative aspects are magnified on the rock!
As someone who has lived, studied and worked in both Canada and the US for the last 25 years and who still goes back and forth almost weekly, I can assure you that whatever bass gear you buy in Canada can be found cheaper in the US. My advice: Don't bother wasting your vacation time in Canada looking to buy a bass.
If possible you should buy your Canadian bass from the States. That way you don't have to pay tax. At the worst, you'll probably have to clear the charge with your credit card company. Shipping's more reasonable too if Canada Post is used.
I bought my Pink Paisley P from Capsule Music in Toronto. Good guys. Good price. They shipped Canada Post. No BS experienced. Got my bass in five days. I was pleasantly surprised by the experience.
I wouldn't routinely go through the trouble of importing a bass, but if it's something I absolutely couldn't find anywhere else, I wouldn't hestitate to buy Canadian again.
I bought my Pink Paisley P from Capsule Music in Toronto. Good guys. Good price. They shipped Canada Post. No BS experienced. Got my bass in five days. I was pleasantly surprised by the experience.
I wouldn't routinely go through the trouble of importing a bass, but if it's something I absolutely couldn't find anywhere else, I wouldn't hestitate to buy Canadian again.
For a new instrument, it's easier to find a good deal in USA. But you never know. Don't forget the sale tax that can be around 15% in some provinces.
I would go to Canada to buy a Dingwall.. Squire's you can get everywhere?? What would be so special about this one in Canada?? Just saying, might even be cheaper to ship it to yourself. Im not sure
While I lived in Calgary, sales tax was 5%. Not bad, though just about everything being price and a half what it is in the States made up for it.
$12 for a meal at McDonald's that costs $8 in the States. Ouch.
I think Calgary (Alberta) is the exception and not the rule. Your taxes are much lower and seemingly your prices are higher. In Quebec, a meal at McD's is still under 10$ here and pricing for instruments is on par with American retailers.
I'm an American, but I'd move to Canada without many regrets so long as the taxes are reasonable.
Of course, this is provided I have a Canadian wife who wants to live in Canada. For the time being, I enjoy being an American although some aspects are wearing on me.
Of course, this is provided I have a Canadian wife who wants to live in Canada. For the time being, I enjoy being an American although some aspects are wearing on me.
