Just wanted to ask any Canadians on here if they reccomend buying from B&H. I'm really interested in picking up a Canon 500 F4 IS and since it's a lot of cash I wanted to see if others in my boat have gone this route. By my calcualtions with the current CDN to USD rate will save me enough cash to purchase a gimbal wimberly II. Anything local I am going to have to wait anyway so ordering from B&H seems to be the better option. Anyone have a good experience ordering a high dollar lens through B&H?
There's no big issues with ordering from them re brokerage nightmares because they ship UPS Expedited, and brokering is built in. It looks like you're in Alberta so you'll only get hit with a GST charge when it arrives, and UPS will collect that. If it's the first time you'll order from B & H they'll delay shipping until they've verified your credit info is legit, and the ship to address matches your credit info etc. (this is from my experiences, all of which were very positive, but the most expensive of them was about 1/2 of what you'll spend.)
I've always been leery of shipping here to Canada. Fortunately I live 5 mins from the border, so I have them ship across the line where I pick it up and bring it across myself. You're a bit far for that but if you have relatives or friends near a border town then this might be a way to guarantee a set cost, not have to worry if you're getting ripped off by overcharged brokerage fees or incorrect duty charges. Remember, glass is duty free, sec. 9002.11.10, I was nailed once by Canada customs agency when they charged my glass as "photographic accessories" and I had to pay an extra 5% (which I eventually got back). Good luck.
There is absolutely no problem having your B&H order shipped to Canada. As Cicopo stated, just make sure the order is shipped at one of the express shipping levels (either one of the UPS Worldwide options).
Because it's a high value item (over $1600) the courier is supposed to call you to confirm how you wish to have it cleared through customs, in case you have your own broker already. You just have to tell them that you want them to do it, which is inclusive in the shipping fee. But while you have them on the phone, it's also a good time to double check that they're putting it through properly.
But before you do this, you should call around to any of the Canon pro dealers in your area to determine if you can get a better deal. If you're not a CPS member and can't take advantage of the unique CPS Canada discount (dealer net pricing on L lenses, pro bodies), you may still be able to swing a deal with a pro dealer because they get slightly better pricing from Canon than a regular store. It could save you around 5%. Also keep in mind that you will not get a preferred rate exchange rate through your credit card company. It will always be around 4-5 points higher than the online rates. Today it looks like around 1.02, so you'll likely pay at least 1.06, which is around a $250 difference for that lens. Also factor in the shipping cost of around $100 and you're at least at $6600 CAD... is it enough of a savings to be worthwhile?
I've had most of my lenses and gear shipped to Canada from either B&H or Adorama and haven't had any trouble with delivery time, handling, or customs. You've got to be ready to pay a decent bit to get gear through customs but that's par for course.
Usually even with customs and the exchange rate you can get gear cheaper than you would from camera stores within the country (YMMV).
Edit: Within Canada I've had good results from Camera Canada; Henry's can be okay too but you've got to catch them on the right day to actually save money.
Actually, there are no customs charges (duties) for most photographic items imported into Canada, such as cameras and lenses. What you do pay is GST and PST (if applicable), but you would pay that here too (which is the point of charging it on imports).
rscheffler wrote:
There is absolutely no problem having your B&H order shipped to Canada. As Cicopo stated, just make sure the order is shipped at one of the express shipping levels (either one of the UPS Worldwide options).
Because it's a high value item (over $1600) the courier is supposed to call you to confirm how you wish to have it cleared through customs, in case you have your own broker already. You just have to tell them that you want them to do it, which is inclusive in the shipping fee. But while you have them on the phone, it's also a good time to double check that they're putting it through properly.
But before you do this, you should call around to any of the Canon pro dealers in your area to determine if you can get a better deal. If you're not a CPS member and can't take advantage of the unique CPS Canada discount (dealer net pricing on L lenses, pro bodies), you may still be able to swing a deal with a pro dealer because they get slightly better pricing from Canon than a regular store. It could save you around 5%. Also keep in mind that you will not get a preferred rate exchange rate through your credit card company. It will always be around 4-5 points higher than the online rates. Today it looks like around 1.02, so you'll likely pay at least 1.06, which is around a $250 difference for that lens. Also factor in the shipping cost of around $100 and you're at least at $6600 CAD... is it enough of a savings to be worthwhile?
The best I could find was Camera Canada and that was 7300 cad, add in shipping and taxes, I was guessing around 7700. So to be honest, seeing that I could possibly save a grand, that would definitly be worth it to me. I've read nothing but good things about B&H online as well.
rscheffler wrote:
There is absolutely no problem having your B&H order shipped to Canada. As Cicopo stated, just make sure the order is shipped at one of the express shipping levels (either one of the UPS Worldwide options).
Thanks. Kind of you and others here to say so. I want to reiterate: we don't use UPS ground to Canada and UPS is lots better than USPS in terms of speed, online package tracking and overall responsiveness if a package is mislaid en route.
Dextermutt wrote:
The best I could find was Camera Canada and that was 7300 cad, add in shipping and taxes, I was guessing around 7700. So to be honest, seeing that I could possibly save a grand, that would definitly be worth it to me. I've read nothing but good things about B&H online as well.
Did you just check online or have you actually call any places? For this type of purchase you should dig a bit deeper just to make sure you aren't missing any possible savings. Are there any physical stores in your area that are Canon pro shops? If so, call them and negotiate. Tell them you plan to buy the lens from the US and want to know how close they can come. Tell them you realize they probably can't match the price, but if it's close enough you might consider buying domestically.
Re taxes: that's somewhat irrelevant as you'll pay tax on a cross border shipment too. You'll just save slightly because the initial price is somewhat lower from the US.
I'm not saying you shouldn't buy from the US, just that you should give a domestic dealer a chance at the sale. If it still ends up being a $1000 difference then I'd probably buy from the US too. Just keep in mind that if there is any reason you need to ship the lens back to B&H, it will cost a significant amount. But at least Canon Canada honours the warranty on equipment purchased from authorized US dealers (therefore don't buy the slightly cheaper 'import' model available at B&H) if it requires warranty service...
To answer a few questions I have talked to two local shops and a shop in Calgary. They are not willing to do any better then to match the best price I can find in Canada and if they are not local they want to bring shipping from out of province into the price. I have talked to ups directly about brokerage on worldwide expedited and they assure me there is no extra brokerage fees as it's included in the shipping price unlike UPS Ground. B&H have an outstanding reputation and for about 700-1000 less then buying in Canada, I can purchase a 500 from them including lens coat/travel coat/cover. It's a deal that's hard to pass up. I just wanted a few opinions as I'm sure anyone knows, it's alot of cash to spend, so I'm not taking a purchase like this lightly. Thanks again for the help. KR
Not sure who you talked to in Calgary but check out www.robinsonscamera.com
I have ordered alot of gear from them and never had an issue along with a few friends and relatices and no issues there either. Shipping on a 16-35 was only 25 bucks and the best thing about alberta is that you only pay the GST which if you are from say Ontario saves you 8%. The prices are great. Ask for Tony. Tell him Craig from Ontario sent you. You need to call them to order the stuff you want.
My 16-35 II was about 400 cheaper total from Robinsons then it was here in Windsor at a local camera shop. The total was around 1500-1600 out the door which was cheaper than B&H. I will check price and let you know tonight.
Give them a call and let me know the quote.
Just remember that since it is made in China that you will have to pay GST, PST and Duty. Check with CBSA (Canada Border Service Agency) Before you order on what chages you will have as well as UPS as to what the Brokerage charge will be from them. It may be more beneficial to go to Robinsons.
Just to be clear that I have nothing against B&H as my 70-200 2.8IS is from there.
I called my dealer. CPS on the 500 f/4 is $7180, which is the non-pro shop dealer net price. I'm not 100% sure on this, but as I mentioned before, Canon pro shops may get a slight discount on their non-CPS orders. My guess is it may be around 5%. My approach would be to talk to one of the shops and basically tell them: "do you want a sale or not?" Tell them they don't have to match B&H, but you're willing to consider spending a few hundred dollars more domestically if they can come close. Offering to pay in cash might also help since it will save the merchant the 1.5-3% credit card commission. The argument about matching the best domestic online price is irrelevant nowadays anyway because it is extremely easy to order online from worldwide vendors. And believe me, Canon Canada knows that Canadian consumers are willing to buy from the US, especially when the exchange is so close to par as it is now. But, it appears their policy is to maintain a slight price premium because they know a lot of people will still buy domestically if it's 'close enough.' Usually this is $50 or $100, but traditionally their super tele prices have always been in the range of a $1000-2000 premium. I suppose they think those who can afford it are willing to pay it.
But even if you can negotiate a book net price, it will still be around $600 more than ordering from B&H, and is a sizable difference. For around $500 difference on this type of a sale I will buy locally, but I can't blame you if you don't...
Craig (Squirrel), most Canon equipment and especially the high end gear is made in Japan and there are no duties for importation into Canada.
Take advantage of the no PST 'discount' while you can. Anyone who collects GST and is shipping to an HST province is required to collect HST in place of GST. Therefore once Ontario transitions to HST (same with BC), you'll pay the full HST (PST & GST combined).
Also please read the previous comments carefully. It has been stated numerous times, including by the OP, that if you ship cross-border with express service (vs. ground) that brokerage is typically included in the service. This is definitely true for UPS and Fedex.
I will look into that link Squirrel, Thanks. I called UPS and asked them to clarify the extras that they love to add in Canada. The rep said they are included in the shipping price via WWExpedited, so no suprises. I also called customs and was told there are no duties on camera equipment coming into the country. Figured I had all the bases covered, just had to convince myself I should spend the cash on a new toy, hovered over the buy button after all my info was filled in for about 20 mins going back and forth whether I should lol. Finally convinced myself to click the button and Voila................ NO GO. I dunno, my billing address and shipping address are different. I have a postal box in the town I live but I have to add in my street address so I think that is why my attempt failed. Maybe it's a sign to save the cash. On another note a friend reccomended a local dealer and gave me a name to ask for. I guess he felt it wasn't worth returning my call when I specifically left a message saying I was wanting to get a quote and eta on a 500L. For the record I have spent 10k plus over the last 3 years in their store and I am strictly a hobbyist. I'm not sure I want to help them out that much
Shipping address & billing address must match unless you can set someting up with the supplier where they are absolutely certain the item(s) are going to the credit card holder. In todays world of stolen identities, & stolen credit cards they have to protect themselves. On a high ticket first purchase the seller will be very thorough in verifying all the details before shipping.
In my experience of buying expensive photo and telescope items from the US, the best combination by far has been B&H with UPS Worldwide (both Expedited or Saver).
Since the item is over $1600, UPS is expected to call to confirm whom you would use as the customs broker. Since both Worldwide Expedited and Worldwide Saver include UPS customs brokerage fee, the best option for me was to leave it with UPS to clear customs. I don't recall if I had to send in a written confirmation via e-mail/ fax to UPS, or if I am confusing that with Fedex.
It is also best to enquire with UPS when they call for the customs broker, as to how you could pay for the taxes: either over the phone with your credit card or when the item is delivered at the door. Either way, you need to make sure that they don't penalize you for their having had to pay the taxes up-front on your behalf to CBSA.
There is no duty on camera lenses but one pays GST and PST (where applicable). My credit card company charges 2.5% for foreign exchange conversion, and their market rates are not necessarily the same as what I would find online.
As for the 2.5% adder for foreign exchange. Talk to you bank and obtain a US money credit card and a US money account. This saves you about 1.5% on the exchange rate. I just booked a vacation thru bookit.com with my US money mastercard for 5k. Should save me about $75 on exchange. When you transfer money from your Canadian account into your US money account you save money on the exchange from the bank. Then you use the money from the US money account to pay the US money mastercard.
Cheers
