Anyone from Canada go to USA to buy cam?
 

Hey -
I'm slightly new here but asides from that.


I'm looking to buy an HMC150, live in Toronto - the price difference is almost $1000 or so when I convert my $ into USD.

Just wanted to know if any of you have crossed the boarder and drove back with you new cam. What did you do when you got the the border? Did you ditch the box and stuff? Or did you actually claim the Camera ?

Thanks

Nothing is stopping you from buying in the U.S. and driving back, but be sure to declare your purchase. I don't think there will be duty on a camcorder but you will have to pay the taxes. We would never want to suggest at DV Info Net that anyone should smuggle anything across any border.

I would recommend that you first contact Panasonic Canada's service department and ask if they will service a U.S. camera in Toronto with a U.S. warranty. 1-800-995-8649
JVC Canada doesn't and I would imagine Panasonic doesn't either. This could cause you some real headaches if anything goes wrong during the warranty period.

I would then suggest you contact Pete Bauce at Hamilton Video & Sound and get a quote. 905-522-1200. HVS is a DV Info Net sponsor dealer for Canada. You can drop my name if you want. They are also a Sony, Canon and JVC dealer if you are curious about other products.

I hope that helps.

I'll second Tim's recommendation of HVS. I buy all my video gear from HVS and have it couriered 2400km west because of the tremendous service I've received. Pete and Mike have gone above and beyond for me and I can't stress enough how thrilled I am to have made their "acquaintance".

FTR: I spent about $20k with Pete in the past 14 months having never met him. I've only conducted business via e-mail and phone.

I bought my Canon XH-A1 from the states last year. Even factoring in taxes ($500) and the exchange rate, the camera was still almost $1,000 cheaper than buying it in Canada.

However, you may be charged additional duty, and as others have pointed out your warranty may only be applicable in the states - or voided altogether. So check first.

Also - and apparently this does not bear repeating enough - if you need to know EXACTLY what will happoen at the border, call the border. Don't rely on hearsay or second- (or third-) hand advice.


J.

You shouldn't be charged import duty if you purchase it for your own use and aren't importing it for resale but you will have to pay GST and PST. The biggest drawback IMHO is the incredible stupidity that the warantee is only going to be valid in the US and the Canadian distributor won't touch it. In fact in many cases you won't be able to get it serviced in Canada at all, even if you're willing to pay out of pocket - the Canadian folks won't accept it for repair under any circumstances nor will they sell parts to third-party repair shops! Don't know about Panasonic but that's the story with Nikon and I'm pretty sure Canon as well. Then if you bought in the States from a bargain dealer where you go "grey-market" product as far as the Stateside distributor is concerned you may find yourself completely out in the cold, only able to get service in Japan, if even there. I'd be careful ....

And even then, EXPECT your experience to be different than what you were told to expect. It's just easier that way.