Buying from Bh Photo

K_C

Have anyone bought a lens from BH photo?  

I am thinking to buy a lens and then have it shipped to Canada.  Do you know if they will charge me more tax when it's shipped to me ?

Please let me know your experience buying from BH Photo.  Thanks.

Catpiano

For most Camera body and Lens, no duty. (they could charge u, then u can flight for it)

Shipping cost from BH is reasonable too, and they don't mind to deal with Canadian and Canadian visa card.

So, the cost you buy the camera, exchange rate. (even exchange rate is only 1.025 now, but your credit card usually charge you ~ 2-3%, so say 1.05) then shipping cost, handling fee, GST and PST.

Check out warranty as well, I bought some of my Canon gears from BH, as their warranty is the same, however, I bought my Nikon and Sony stuffs mostly in Canada, as Nikon and Sony warranty in Canada is different then US. (longer)

My last purchase was the 500D kit last Oct, not that much of saving at the end if I had them ship all the way to my house, but my friend from US was coming to Calgary for business, so he brought the camera over, and I saved app. $100 -120, (I forgot to do the $50 rebate .. I think it is too late now! lol)  but I also ordered other stuffs....

^_^

K_C

Have you or anyone experience in shipping to Point Roberts and then pick it up from there? As I know it's faster, but not sure that one might get taxed once over custom

Catpiano

You still need to pay tax ...SUPPOSE ..... but you will save some on shipping/handling fee.

Lik

Shipping will be much cheaper if you mail it to Point Roberts -- UPS Ground is actually quite good for shipping within the US. Any of the international shipping methods will be a lot more expensive.

You can't avoid taxes either way ga la (direct shipment to Canada or importing through Point Roberts).

-Lik

AAC

I only ordered accessories without too much care like tripod, head, camera case, lighting, wirelss control...etc. from BH.  Each items won't over $500.00 For high tech lens or body, I prefer to shop in Canada for warranty issue.  
Yes, when adding the cross border shipping cost, import tax... you won't save too much unless you order a lot in one shipment.  
Two years ago, I ordered one large Pelican case from BH.  End up paying more import because it was "made in China".... &*$#@

Catpiano

So, what lens you want to order?

If Canon / Tokina / Sigma ..  then ok, pretty much same warranty.

Nikon/Sony, more warranty here.

K_C

I wanted to buy a Canon lens... how does that work for warranty if something goes wrong?

Catpiano

If it is a Canon, you are going to send it to Canon service in Toronto anyway.

However, Canon Canada, their warranty policy is, only for ORIGINAL owner, so make sure you order the lens with your name on it.

K_C

Thanks for your info.  Looks like I might consider buying it on bhphoto.