Anywhere in Canada to get DIY LED supplies?

[sphelps]

Not really aware of anything in Canada but you can order all that from RapidLED.com in the states. You won't get charged brokerage or duty and the shipping rates are reasonable so it's not much different from ordering from Canada.

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Not really aware of anything in Canada but you can order all that from RapidLED.com in the states. You won't get charged brokerage or duty and the shipping rates are reasonable so it's not much different from ordering from Canada.

+1 I'm doing the same ordering from rapidled.com would seem like they have reasonable prices and shipping , and I think the kits have a good reputation so far

[GMGQ]

How much (value) did you order? If it's a few hundred bucks, technically you should still get dinged for duty... Even if the sender checks off "gift."

Usually it's the smaller packages that can squeak through customs.

Originally Posted by sphelps

Not really aware of anything in Canada but you can order all that from RapidLED.com in the states. You won't get charged brokerage or duty and the shipping rates are reasonable so it's not much different from ordering from Canada.

[nlreefguy]

Dunno yet, haven't received it! Will update when I do...

[kookie_guy]

The only ways you are getting away with not paying brokerage and taxes are:

1) They indicate the value of parcel under $20 CAD
2) They indicate the value of parcel under $50 (or $60) and check off "gift"
3) Shipping air express (that's what I've herd)

If they are doing #1 or #2, they are technically breaking the law, but some vendors do it. I know I always ask for it when ordering stuff.

For big ticket items, I just have my stuff shipped to Niagara Falls, NY, and pick it all up myself. The additional cost of shipping to Canada always more than offsets the cost of gas. Then just go do some shopping while down there.

[deputy1234]

Originally Posted by kookie_guy

The only ways you are getting away with not paying brokerage and taxes are:

1) They indicate the value of parcel under $20 CAD
2) They indicate the value of parcel under $50 (or $60) and check off "gift"
3) Shipping air express (that's what I've herd)

If they are doing #1 or #2, they are technically breaking the law, but some vendors do it. I know I always ask for it when ordering stuff.

For big ticket items, I just have my stuff shipped to Niagara Falls, NY, and pick it all up myself. The additional cost of shipping to Canada always more than offsets the cost of gas. Then just go do some shopping while down there.

Now, you are correct with your information on duties but you've over looked one key factor. Cree LEDs are manufactured in the U.S.A. I believe most of the manufacturing is done in Durham North Carolina. Because of this the order from rapidled.com should qualify under the NAFTA. To qualify under the NAFTA, the following must apply:

1. The goods are for your personal use; and
2. they are marked as made in the United States or Canada or not marked or labeled to indicate they were made anywhere other than in the United States or Canada.


Therefore, you should not be paying any duties. I've ordered from them before with no duties charged.

[kookie_guy]

Originally Posted by deputy1234

Now you are correct with your information on duties but you've over looked one key factor. Cree LEDs are manufactured in the U.S.A. I believe most of the manufacturing is done in Durham North Carolina. Because of this the order from rapidled.com should qualify under the NAFTA. To qualify under the NAFTA, the following must apply:

1. The goods are for your personal use; and
2. they are marked as made in the United States or Canada or not marked or labeled to indicate they were made anywhere other than in the United States or Canada.

Yes you are correct. But there have been countless times where I've ordered something, and it clearly states made is USA all over it. Still got charged. When I tried to file a claim, there was so much paperwork and crap to fill out, that it simply was not worth the time and effort. Border service agents are also not well educated on the NAFTA stuff. As I've brought the big stuff over from my pickup location, showed them all the documentation that it's made in the US, and they said, "it does not matter, you are importing it into Canada and gotta pay."

[gobytron]

I've been looking at this place...
http://www.reefledlights.com/

[nlreefguy]

But it's pretty sad that there's nowhere to get these supplies WITHIN Canada, isn't it? (hint to retailers, maybe?)

[The Guy]

I think these guy's are in Vancouver, but not sure if they have a store front or it's just on line ordering.
http://www.lucentled.ca/