I too have ordered from Pet Supply Liquidators. I couldn't find a better deal in Canada at the time. Bruce shipped the bulbs out to me very quickly, just as I requested and they arrived to me without incident. Although I prefer to shop Canadian, I will most likely purchase other items from Pet Supply Liquidators and their US competitors in order to obtain the best deal for my Canadian dollar.
Being that many Canadian residents are isolated from the more competitive US markets and our limited LFS stores sell at inflated prices, many turn to those Canadian and US vendors accessible via the Internet.
Here are a few simple rules to follow when shopping for drygoods:
1) Look for the best deal for the New item or a comparable alternative within Canada;
2) Look for the best that you can find for a Used item or a comparable alternative product in Canada;
3) Look for the best on-line deal for the same New item in the US;
4) Check the possiblities of Group Ordering;
5) Wait longer for a strong Canadian dollar;
6) Select a reputable vendor that is personable and willing to work with you;
7) For dry goods, NEVER ship via a courier such as FEDEX or UPS. They have extremely high brokerage fees that need to be paid on-the-spot. I have had an experience whereby the cost of shipping by UPS was more than the item. (Needless to say, I refused payment and the item was returned). Contact the vendor to see if they are willing to ship by USPS Air Mail (usually 4-10 days to Canada) or USPS Surface Mail (4-6 weeks to Canada). Shipping estimates can be checked on-line;
8) Add insurance for expensive items and those with high potential for breakage during transport;
9) Have the vendor indicate that the item is a GIFT;
10) Have the vendor indicate that the item is USED;
11) Have the vendor declare a REDUCED VALUE of the item; and
12) Have the vendor contact you with any shipping information (such as date of departure, tracking code, etc.).
On a final note....DO NOT confuse the importation of livestock (i.e. invertebates, fish, liverock, etc.) with the shipment of drygoods into Canada. Granted there are a few, but most of the horror stories heard about shipping into Canada are those regarding the shipment of livestock without the proper documentation such as a CITES and USFWS permit and/or without initally checking with CFIA. Shipments can be detained and livestock can die. For the most part, shipping drygoods across the border is hassle-free. Most of it is common sense, but you should check with authorities if there is any question regarding your potential shipment clearing international borders. This should be done well in advance of your order.
HTH
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