realy making it hard to buy local (as in Canada)

[wickedfrags]

I know what you mean. I am shopping for a couple Denon audio-video components now. Denon USA put the MSRP on the Denon USA website, but they do not put the MSRP on the Denon Canada site. Compare the two - Denon in Canada is much more expensive.

I would ask your Canadian stores for a break on the price if there is that much difference. I rarely pay the sticker price on a significant purchase if it significantly higher than I can find elewhere, and find a way to buy the significant things locally (support your stores, local in case there is a problem, and still getting a fairly close price).

Good luck on the purchase.

Also - if you try online to save some money check the BBB online for their track record. Some places are just not worth the risk to save a little cash.

Thinking about business (and in line with the reference to the BBB I recently learned about while researching a car part):

"During my 55 orbits around the sun, I've found this adage regarding business, customers want three things: Quality, Customer Service, and Price. Now, pick which two you would like, because all three don't exist at the same time".

I find this to be true a I shop for a home entertainment system...

[StirCrazy]

Ok some people are defending the canadian retailers here with out understanding what I am saying I guess.. the fact is that most stuff is actualy a similar price. what I am saying is that once and a while something comes along that is a blatant rip off in Canada. the JBJ tank is one of them. usaly it is on things that not many places carry so they can raise the price in that area with no fear of competition.

As for warranties, they are valid across borders as long as you can buy it in both countries.. I have done several online purchasing accross borders and use warranty on a few of them. you may have to use the 1800 number but you can get it done with a minimal cost as usually they just want the broken part returned.. A few car part places I have dealt with even sent return postage for the part to be sent back with the replacement. my aquarium parts they just said throw the broken part away it isn't worth shipping back to us. So there can be good places to deal with. In fact I have gotten better after sale service from a couple online US retailers than I have at local places.

As for shipping call the place and ask if they will ship USPS and explain why. 9 out of 10 times they will make exceptions to their Fedex or UPS only rules and ship USPS for you.

I still prefer to shop locally, but sometimes you just can't.

Steve