Car audio shopping in Seattle?

bikethis · #1 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 05:17 AM

The US online stores are less than 1/2 the price of Canadian. I can't justify spending 100's of dollars extra. To avoid shipping, and brokerage (though I'll pay tax and duty), I thought I might head down to Seattle to find an amp and sub.

Any advice? Recommendations? How much duty did you pay/avoid paying?

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

bikethis · #2 (**permalink**) 09-25-2009, 05:49 AM

...too late. My finger saw the bargain at online car stereo.com and hit "checkout". Damn you VISA! Makes this sort of mess far too easy to get into.

I'll be sure to let everyone know what kind of raping I get on the brokerage fees.

Olyar15 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-26-2009, 12:38 AM

Why not have them ship to Blaine or Pt. Roberts? Probably will be cheaper shipping, plus you save on brokerage fees. Chances are you won't pay duty on them, just PST and GST.

Fyi, this is where I usually send my shipments to:

Home Point Roberts Package Receiving US address for Canadians

bikethis · #4 (**permalink**) 09-26-2009, 05:27 AM

^ oh my god, If only i was patient!!!

That is some excellent information Olyar15, +rep

I phoned UPS, they said brokerage would be $59.60

I figure it this way: cruchfield.ca/futureshop wanted 550 + tax= $616
I paid 333.90USD = $364.62 CAD, including shipping from onlinecarsterero, so, hopefully $424.22 to my door, all in. I still win by almost $200. (it could have been 250 if I waited for your advice!)

Spooling · #5 (**permalink**) 09-27-2009, 06:06 AM

got my DDAudio sub+amp and Kenwood deck from SoundsGood

Benggolf · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 06:47 PM

Cross the border shopping is always cheaper even if you pay the taxes.
Ask Guinness, he will confirm it.

Guinness · #7 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 07:24 AM

Yep, with Beng's luck, I manage to bring in 700USD worth of tires for my Murano TAX FREE~~~

The tires cost 1200CAD at Costco~! THANKS BENG - But he had to surrender himself to the female Border Officer for some "special service" though =\

Benggolf · #8 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guinness

Yep, with Beng's luck, I manage to bring in 700USD worth of tires for my Murano TAX FREE~~~

The tires cost 1200CAD at Costco~! THANKS BENG - But he had to surrender himself to the female Border Officer for some "special service" though =\

First part is true....second part is false; must be Guinness' fantasy.