{} Was in Long & McQuade today with the kids as we were in town watching a movie. Absolutely fell in love with a Fender Deluxe Dimension IV. Wow, sounded and felt fantastic and actually had a decent setup. Price tag $1.019.99 + 13% tax So when I go home and do a search I find MF has it for $549.99. Fender Deluxe Dimension Electric Bass IV ARE YOU F'ING KIDDING ME! Even with the exchange rate this is robbery to charge twice the price. {}
So that's $550 American you're talking about on MF? Which is $706 Canadian? And a Canadian retail store is charging $1020? How much would it be with shipping any miscellaneous tax and duty and whatever to buy it from MF?
MF can not and will not sell you new Fender items outside of America. This is the case with many companies, not just Fender. Somebody else has the distribution rights to Canada. Mind you, I thought Fender sold Fender in Canada. If you could order it you should expect about 10% additional cost on the final taxes and about $100~ to ship it. If you use a courier expect to get your butt worked, they'll add several mystery charges. Side note, I really hope the OP isn't into Harley Davidson. The Canadian rep sells everything at a markup while Americans get it on the cheap, often on sale. For the most part Fender has been pretty consistent in price matching. I bought my first Fender in 2004, picked out of the paper binder, and we just paid American MSRP in Canadian dollars.
As an American that lived up there for 10 years, I understand your pain. The problems, in no particular order, seem to be: 1) The relatively weak Canadian dollar that today is worth only .78 versus the US $ 2) Your federal and provincial taxes 3) L&M taking a larger markup than their US counterparts Unfortunately, there is no legal, short-term solution for you. Added edit: Gorn Captain makes a good point about Godin. They make a very nice product and it is a great time for Canadians to buy from their domestic mfgrs.
Actually, I think Godin makes me better product. Was looking for an MIA P, tried many at several places. Nothing felt/played like what I imagined, better than my Squier, but not by as much a I thought it would. One place also had Godin, tried a Shifter Classic. It came home with me, almost 2 years ago, never regretted it once. And I have tried many MIAs since, have not found 1 I like as much as the Godin. Fit, finish, components, and especially neck, not even close.
Legally, he would need to declare it when re-crossing the border and pay a bunch of inport duties, taxes and fees. Not usually worth it. Some Canadians might try to sneak it back to Canada, but they would face a lot of hassle if caught,
I agree with the Godin suggestions. That's why I would get if I were you. Personally, I'd probably look into aftermarket pickups, but there's nothing wrong with the stock ones.
Hum, on special right now at 699$CAD : Fender Musical Instruments - Deluxe Dimension Bass IV - Natural OP, go for it!
Aw damn....as much as I love my Godin, I may have to go try one of those for that price. As well as though, not instead of!
Guess there's not much to do other than order up some poutine, crack open an ice cold Molson, put on a hockey game and set up an appointment with your general practitioner. Eh?
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