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Can someone who purchases their Stampin Up items through a Canadian demonstrator tell me what expenses there are in addition to the cost of the items themselves. Do you have to pay both PST and GST, shipping, and a fee for just placing an order?
I gasped the first time I saw Stampin Up's Canadian prices, and figured it would cost less to buy my items from the US, so that's what I've been doing. But because I don't know what additional expenses Canadians have to pay, I've never known just how much money I've been saving. Figured it was time I find out... lol :rolleyes:
We pay gst, pst and 10% shipping. Is it actually cheaper to order from the states? Once you pay the SU shipping and then the postage it may end up costing you more? I'm not sure, though! :-) Do you get dinged with customs fees or anything?
I'm trying to think what my SIL does, though. She's a demo and lives in Saskatchewan, but does alot of business in Manitoba - I can't remember which PST rate she pays - the one where she lives or where it gets shipped to. Maybe someone else can shed light on that...
Not sure about the other provinces, but here in Ontario, you pay 10% shipping, then 6% GST & 8% PST on the cost of your items + the shipping (yes, you read correctly, we have to pay tax on the shipping.)
Only thing that I would point out regarding US demonstrators selling to Canadians is that SU recently posted their international sales policy and reiterated that we cannot sell across international borders. This may cut down on the number of US demonstrators who are willing to sell to our Canadian sisters.
I'm trying to think what my SIL does, though. She's a demo and lives in Saskatchewan, but does alot of business in Manitoba - I can't remember which PST rate she pays - the one where she lives or where it gets shipped to. Maybe someone else can shed light on that...
The tax rate is based on the shipping address. So if you live in Alberta and order from a demonstrator in BC or elsewhere in Canada and have it shipped to your own address in ALberta you will only have to pay the Alberta tax.
I'm glad someone mentioned having to pay tax on shipping, because a few months ago I ordered some stamps from a shop in another province and noticed when the stamps arrived that I had been charged tax on the shipping... I thought I had been stiffed and almost complained about it. Good thing I didn't... that would have been embarassing! :oops:
I think I'd be more inclined to purchase my Stampin Up items through a Canada based demonstrator if the catalog prices were more in line with current exchange rate.
For example, the Baroque Motifs set is $25.95 in the US catalog and $35.95 in the CND catalog. When you convert $25.95 US to CND dollars, it's approximately $27.45. Yet, we have to pay $35.95 for the stamp set. I think $30 would be more fair... in my humble opinion :rolleyes:
In regard to the price discrepancy, I tend to agree with you, but SU is not the only company we pay the huge difference in exchange rate. The way I justify it is thinking how much 6 stamps at Michael's would cost if I bought them separately. The majority of the time SU would be the better deal. And, I must admit, I love dealing with my SU demonstrator over Michael's (generally) incompetent staff.
Who else makes me a thank you card every time I place an order? NOT Michael's. Who else sends me a birthday card? NOT Michael's. Who else will put together a kit of cards to do with my friends because we can't coordinate our schedules? NOT Michael's.
Hi Heartwig... you've made some valid points and I'll definitely keep them in mind!
When our exchange rate improved, the stamp shop in my town lowered the prices of the stamps they get from US companies, and I think that's influenced my thoughts, opinion, regarding Stampin Up's Canadian catalog prices. Perhaps unfairly so. Thanks for setting me straight!
Thanks corvette85lady... I live in BC also, so your post was helpful.
You might be interested in this thread: Forums at Splitcoaststampers
which recently discussed the US/CDN price difference.
Hi Anemone,
Thank you for the link... it was an interesting read. You cleverly figured out on your own some of the reasons behind Stampin Up's high Canadian prices ;)
I can't help agree with craftygirl04's post though... the prices still seem a bit high regardless of the corporate taxes, etc. and there was enough time to adjust the prices for the new catalog.
But, as heartwig pointed out, the sets probably work out to be cheaper than buying the stamps individually at a local store.
I hope it also helps to influence you toward my Canadian sisters when I say that I would much rather buy from someone who is following the rules that she signed up for than from someone who is selling against contract over the border.
You may save money buying from an unethical U.S. demo but I feel bad for my honest Canadian sister demos who would be glad to take good local care of you rather than someone who is just in it for the $$.
JMO,
__________________ Kelly
Stampin' crazed since 2001 Dean's wife, Andy and Matt's mom, and Jesus' sister.
Buying SU Items From A Canadian Demonstrator
