New Taxes / Fees on orders.....

[MnFish1]

@ryanbrs
How about us Canadians who use a post box in Washington?
We are not WA residents and the product will be used north of the border.
We are obligated to pay Canadian taxes as we cross the border. Though many times we just get waved thru.
Should we be charged the WA tax, as the shipping address is just a stop in the products journey?

Your site states:
Sales Tax
Minnesota & Washington residents will be charged sales tax upon checkout.
I am not a Washington resident

The extra 10% tax will be an important consideration in my future purchases.

Stop trying to screw your country. (i.e. if its legal - you dont need a post box in Washington) - and when you bring the stuff accross the border - you probably need to declare a certain value. If you dont like the laws in Canada - change them - dont try to circumvent them.

 

[MnFish1]

You go to the hospital, and they will bill Ontario for the visit. The only province where an issue arises is with Quebec. I am in BC and spent 2 months in ON, never paid anything to see the doctor in ON, showed by BC care card and they billed the visit to BC.

Having experienced healthcare in both the US and Canada, the only real difference is in the US you pay through the nose for access but the overall care is not any better.

For what it's worth we don't have private healthcare as what you would find in say the UK.

I am completely satisfied with my healthcare in BC, and eh insurance companies in the US deny people treatments all the time due to cost, it's not like insurance companies pay for every treatment option that might be available.

Well - I suggest you research it.

 

[davejep]

Stop trying to screw your country. (i.e. if its legal - you dont need a post box in Washington) - and when you bring the stuff accross the border - you probably need to declare a certain value. If you dont like the laws in Canada - change them - dont try to circumvent them.

Not trying to screw my country.
I claim everything at the border, never sneak it across, always show receipts from purchase.
It (was) just quicker and cheaper shipping to have it sent to Washington, 20 minute drive for me.

 

[MnFish1]

Not trying to screw my country.
I claim everything at the border, never sneak it across, always show receipts from purchase.
It (was) just quicker and cheaper shipping to have it sent to Washington, 20 minute drive for me.

Curious. How is it cheaper than. Sending to your house directly

 

[davejep]

Cheaper / free shipping in US as preferred reefer, compared to international shipping. As well when I transport it across the border there is no brokerage fees, as I am the one bringing it over.
If you ship stuff you pay duty/tax and brokerage. Most times border guards ask what I am bringing and value, as I said always up front with receipt in hand. More often than not, they wave me thru.
BRS has great pricing and service, but as you know this hobby ain’t cheap. If I can save a buck here and there I will.

 

[squampton]

Well - I suggest you research it.

Research what exactly?

Like I said, I have experienced both systems, and I much prefer the system we have in Canada, I have never been refused treatment or medical access, can't say the same about the US, nor have I ever ended up with bills in the tens of thousands here because insurance company didn't want to pay.

 

[squampton]

Cheaper / free shipping in US as preferred reefer, compared to international shipping. As well when I transport it across the border there is no brokerage fees, as I am the one bringing it over.
If you ship stuff you pay duty/tax and brokerage. Most times border guards ask what I am bringing and value, as I said always up front with receipt in hand. More often than not, they wave me thru.
BRS has great pricing and service, but as you know this hobby ain’t cheap. If I can save a buck here and there I will.

And for me anyhow being in Western Canada, ordering from BRS and crossing the border is getting the item quicker, if I have to order from back east it usually takes around 10 days in total, BRS to northern WA usually 2-3 days, and shipping is cheaper, even with the parcel pick up fees and exchange rate, I generally can end up paying less vs ordering from back east, if my LFS has it or can get it, I just buy from there, but they are not always able to carry or order a product I want or need.

There is also the the fact not all products are sold here, when I was looking for a skimmer I wanted an AquaMaxx WS1 and at the time nobody in Canada carried it, so I had to order from Marine Depot, now it is carried in Canada back east.

 

[Kyl]

@ryanbrs
How about us Canadians who use a post box in Washington?
We are not WA residents and the product will be used north of the border.
We are obligated to pay Canadian taxes as we cross the border. Though many times we just get waved thru.
Should we be charged the WA tax, as the shipping address is just a stop in the products journey?

Your site states:
Sales Tax
Minnesota & Washington residents will be charged sales tax upon checkout.
I am not a Washington resident

The extra 10% tax will be an important consideration in my future purchases.

If you read the WA state laws, only those residing in Canadian provinces without a sales tax can get an exemption.

Stop trying to screw your country. (i.e. if its legal - you dont need a post box in Washington) - and when you bring the stuff accross the border - you probably need to declare a certain value. If you dont like the laws in Canada - change them - dont try to circumvent them.

That person is not screwing anything, and there is nothing illegal about renting a postal box or utilizing the services of the package receiving companies that litter the proximity of zero avenue. A Canadian purchasing goods in the US has to declare all purchases when crossing back into Canada, and it's up to CBSA, the border agents if you're passed onto secondary to go inside and pay GST/PST, or if it's not worth their time.

We, Canadians, get items shipped stateside and pick it up for a few reasons, most notably because the simple act of it crossing the border with a common courier (UPS / FedEx) brings with it hefty additional fees for them to act as a broker on your behalf. There are ways around this to self-declare, but it is more difficult than it used to be with federal changes over the past five years - most times requiring clearance at the air port CBSA offices. In terms of the brokerage fees, they can exceed 50% of the value of the goods, and then tax is charged as well. As well, most US based companies will offer free shipping in the US, but if it crosses the border that goes out the window and you're paying an additional $40-50 for shipping now too.

So at the end of the day, by and large no one is intentionally dodging taxes at the border with the possible penalties for getting caught, nor are they depriving anyone of anything other than FedEx / UPS being able to charge obscene brokerage processing/handling fees, our a Canadian retailer paying those same fees and passing it on to you with a typically higher percentage MAP plus cost of doing business.

 

[MnFish1]

If you read the WA state laws, only those residing in Canadian provinces without a sales tax can get an exemption.


That person is not screwing anything, and there is nothing illegal about renting a postal box or utilizing the services of the package receiving companies that litter the proximity of zero avenue. A Canadian purchasing goods in the US has to declare all purchases when crossing back into Canada, and it's up to CBSA, the border agents if you're passed onto secondary to go inside and pay GST/PST, or if it's not worth their time.

We, Canadians, get items shipped stateside and pick it up for a few reasons, most notably because the simple act of it crossing the border with a common courier (UPS / FedEx) brings with it hefty additional fees for them to act as a broker on your behalf. There are ways around this to self-declare, but it is more difficult than it used to be with federal changes over the past five years - most times requiring clearance at the air port CBSA offices. In terms of the brokerage fees, they can exceed 50% of the value of the goods, and then tax is charged as well. As well, most US based companies will offer free shipping in the US, but if it crosses the border that goes out the window and you're paying an additional $40-50 for shipping now too.

So at the end of the day, by and large no one is intentionally dodging taxes at the border with the possible penalties for getting caught, nor are they depriving anyone of anything other than FedEx / UPS being able to charge obscene brokerage processing/handling fees, our a Canadian retailer paying those same fees and passing it on to you with a typically higher percentage MAP plus cost of doing business.

The key words being "by and large no one is intentionally dodging taxes at the border". I understand what you're saying - and I shouldn't have used the word 'screw'. But lets face it - its all about saving money. And 'by and large' my guess is that unless its a really inexpensive item, that the Canadian government would rather have you pay tax. But - maybe they don't lol.

And by the way - of course if a Canadian is using a Washington post office box, they would need to pay Washington State tax (from an online Vendor). Just like if you (as a Canadian) went into a store in WA and bought something.

 

[MnFish1]

You go to the hospital, and they will bill Ontario for the visit. The only province where an issue arises is with Quebec. I am in BC and spent 2 months in ON, never paid anything to see the doctor in ON, showed by BC care card and they billed the visit to BC.

Having experienced healthcare in both the US and Canada, the only real difference is in the US you pay through the nose for access but the overall care is not any better.

For what it's worth we don't have private healthcare as what you would find in say the UK.

I am completely satisfied with my healthcare in BC, and eh insurance companies in the US deny people treatments all the time due to cost, it's not like insurance companies pay for every treatment option that might be available.

What happens if you dont go to the hospital - but merely want to go to a doctor in Alberta - when you live in BC? I know that emergency hospital care is covered - but what about non- emergency care?

Access is the reason people like the healthcare in the US - despite its costs.

Insurance companies in the US do deny some care - but it is spelled out in the policy - and it can easily be appealed - and you get an answer within 72 hours (by law) - if it is an expedited appeal. In any case - most care is not denied in the US. It is certainly not delayed as it can be often in Canada. And you also pay through the nose via your taxes.

And - there is private healthcare in Canada - which one can buy as a supplement to the government policy - just as one can if one is on medicare in the states. I understand that it cant be used to provide basic services - but the issue was that many Canadians have supplemental private insurance: Canadians can purchase supplemental private coverage for services that are not covered by the public plan, but cannot purchase private insurance for basic services. As CBC News points out, private health insurance is “a crucial part of the system,” and Canadians spent about $43.2 billion on private coverage in 2005.

 

[squampton]

...

 

[davejep]

And by the way - of course if a Canadian is using a Washington post office box, they would need to pay Washington State tax (from an online Vendor). Just like if you (as a Canadian) went into a store in WA and bought something.

The reason I asked the question in the first place is that BRS site states they would charge the tax to residents of Washington state

“Sales Tax

Minnesota & Washington residents will be charged sales tax upon checkout.”

I’m not a resident so just thought I’d seek clarification.

 

[MnFish1]

The reason I asked the question in the first place is that BRS site states they would charge the tax to residents of Washington state

“Sales Tax

Minnesota & Washington residents will be charged sales tax upon checkout.”

I’m not a resident so just thought I’d seek clarification.

If they are shipping it to Washington - they have to assume you're a resident of Washington - right? I mean - otherwise people who live in Idaho would say - well I live in Idaho but I have a Washington PO Box - so just forget the tax - talk about an impossible thing for a business to figure out.

 

[davejep]

If they are shipping it to Washington - they have to assume you're a resident of Washington - right?

Actually no.
They have my billing address which is Canadian. So they know I’m not a Washington resident.
As well I am paying with a Canadian credit card.
Just drop shipping to a US address.
I understand it’s not the norm for most, that’s why I thought I’d ask the question of BRS.

 

[KrisReef]

I love paying taxes. I purchase heath care in foreign countries just so I can pay the tax. I travel to Washington to purchase all my reef stuff for the same reason.

This hobby is totally affordable and it will remain so unless rebels start throwing skimmers into Boston harbor.

How many gallons of gas was this rant? I owe CA the taxes on this gas to repair the road to freedom?

 

[squampton]

They should probably word it a bit better and say something like, orders being sent to a WA state address and leave out resident, since non-residents also pay sales taxes when buying goods.


I would rather have parcels sent directly to me, but shipping rates are insane when it comes to receiving an item in Canada.

Ship to the border, cross and pick up at a parcel receiver or PO Box and save a good chunk of money, maybe pick up some cheese, and milk and other dairy from brands not available in Canada, or butter since its cheaper in the US and better selection.

 

[jduong916]

I guarantee you that you didn't pay $5000 (unless you didnt have insurance) for that type of care. And if you only needed a shot a shot of Benadryl in the ER - you didnt need an ambulance. (NO offense). Who is supposed to pay for the ambulance? Should everyone take an ambulance to the ER?

Again - as a person with a rare illness - I am in support groups and I hear horror stories of people living in Finland (believe it or not) England and Canada (especially) that are denied care because 'the doctors aren't aware' or 'its not socially justified' or 'the delay is so long that its impossible to see a specialist'. These people are constantly wanting to come to the states for care. For themselves and their children. If you are under the impression that there is a 'perfect' system. You IMHO are incorrect.

I didnt have insurance at the time. I was home alone my face was swollen shut and I couldn't breathe, I would assume this would be a valid reason to call an ambulance. Even so, saying it was my choice to take an ambulance doesnt justify a 5k hospital bill. An ambulance ride and a shot of benadryl, I don't care how you spin it 5k is just ridiculous. Say the doctor makes $100 an hour, say both EMTs make $40 an hour. Lets round off and call that $200 an hour. Lets times it by five for overhead and profit. Lets add $500 for a 10 minute ambulance ride. Lets add $500 for a shot of benadryll. Thats 2k, I was charged 5k. Now that is how horrible the healthcare in america is.

You think there arent thousands of people in america who cant see a specialist just because they dont have insurance. People don't get what they need in America because they don't have the money. Is that a better reason to not receive care than "its not socially justifiable". I never said there was a perfect system, I just know ours is one of the worst.

 

[MnFish1]

I didnt have insurance at the time. I was home alone my face was swollen shut and I couldn't breathe, I would assume this would be a valid reason to call an ambulance. Even so, saying it was my choice to take an ambulance doesnt justify a 5k hospital bill. An ambulance ride and a shot of benadryl, I don't care how you spin it 5k is just ridiculous. Say the doctor makes $100 an hour, say both EMTs make $40 an hour. Lets round off and call that $200 an hour. Lets times it by five for overhead and profit. Lets add $500 for a 10 minute ambulance ride. Lets add $500 for a shot of benadryll. Thats 2k, I was charged 5k. Now that is how horrible the healthcare in america is.

You think there arent thousands of people in america who cant see a specialist just because they dont have insurance. People don't get what they need in America because they don't have the money. Is that a better reason to not receive care than "its not socially justifiable". I never said there was a perfect system, I just know ours is one of the worst.

Well - I agree with you that the issue with un-insured pricing is problematic. However its done that way so to encourage everyone to maintain insurance. Unfortunately, if you are uninsured you are billed the top rate by most providers. Its however, fairly easy to negotiate the bill down to what you would have paid with insurance.

Emergency room doctors make much more than $100/hour. An Ambulance ride costs more than $500 (a 10 minute Taxi ride in an old car would cost $50). How much equipment, medication, supplies, machinery etc needs to be in an ambulance - which also needs to be maintained, etc as compared to a taxi. You're also forgetting the cost of receptionists, Nurses, billing people, nursing aids, housekeeping, all the equipment thats needed in an emergency room, etc. Nurses for example make $50-72/hour in the ER here. Then add the cost of all of those employees benefits, insurance, etc. Im not trying to justify the cost for your bill, just saying that your analysis is not taking a lot of things into consideration.

I have no idea whether it was justified or not (that you took an ambulance) - but I don't whether you're aware - Medicare does not pay for an ambulance if you aren't admitted to the hospital.

IMHO - the 'health care' you received was excellent. The cost was not. Some of the costs here relate to regulation, litigation and a for-profit system. Like you said there are positives and negatives.

Lastly, There may be thousands (out of millions) that can't see a specialist because they don't have 'the money'. But - you must not be aware of the new rules for 'charity care' that have been put through with the ACA - which mandates that hospitals and certain providers write off bills of people that show financial need (these are spelled out by the law) - so there is no reason that ANYONE would need to forgo medical care due to financial reasons in the US.

 

[Opus]

Actually no.
They have my billing address which is Canadian. So they know I’m not a Washington resident.
As well I am paying with a Canadian credit card.
Just drop shipping to a US address.
I understand it’s not the norm for most, that’s why I thought I’d ask the question of BRS.

Not sure about BRS, but other places I've ordered from base the sales tax on the delivery address and not the billing address.

 

[jduong916]

Well - I agree with you that the issue with un-insured pricing is problematic. However its done that way so to encourage everyone to maintain insurance. Unfortunately, if you are uninsured you are billed the top rate by most providers. Its however, fairly easy to negotiate the bill down to what you would have paid with insurance.

Emergency room doctors make much more than $100/hour. An Ambulance ride costs more than $500 (a 10 minute Taxi ride in an old car would cost $50). How much equipment, medication, supplies, machinery etc needs to be in an ambulance - which also needs to be maintained, etc as compared to a taxi. You're also forgetting the cost of receptionists, Nurses, billing people, nursing aids, housekeeping, all the equipment thats needed in an emergency room, etc. Nurses for example make $50-72/hour in the ER here. Then add the cost of all of those employees benefits, insurance, etc. Im not trying to justify the cost for your bill, just saying that your analysis is not taking a lot of things into consideration.

I have no idea whether it was justified or not (that you took an ambulance) - but I don't whether you're aware - Medicare does not pay for an ambulance if you aren't admitted to the hospital.

IMHO - the 'health care' you received was excellent. The cost was not. Some of the costs here relate to regulation, litigation and a for-profit system. Like you said there are positives and negatives.

Lastly, There may be thousands (out of millions) that can't see a specialist because they don't have 'the money'. But - you must not be aware of the new rules for 'charity care' that have been put through with the ACA - which mandates that hospitals and certain providers write off bills of people that show financial need (these are spelled out by the law) - so there is no reason that ANYONE would need to forgo medical care due to financial reasons in the US.

I think I am kind of confusing the two. Yes the treatments and care have been fair, but the prices were pretty outrageous while uninsured. The amount I had to pay left a real sour taste in my mouth making me think less about the actual treatment and care I received. To your point, I haven't had a problem with receiving treatment and paying for care after I grew up and got health insurance lol.