So we all know about going to the U.S. to get great deals on stuff we just have to have. I really don't think we consider all of the factors before making a purchase. Before you make your next trip, consider the following:
Yesterday I made a trip to one of the Big Boys Toy Store's in the U.S. that sells discount tools Located just the other side of Grand Island, NY.
I purchased a 4 1/2" hand grinder for a wopping dicount of $19.95 (yes, I scored a deal....or did I ? )
When we break down the road trip on a spread sheet, it looks like this....
Purchase Price | | Bank Rate | HST | U.S. Bridge Toll | Cdn Bridge Toll | Fuel Surcharge |
$ 19.95 | | 1.0374 | 13% | $ 2.00 | $ 3.50 | $ 6.00 |
| | | | | | |
| | 8% state tax | | | | |
| | $ 21.55 | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | Total U.S. | Total Exp Cdn | CDN | HST | |
| | $ 23.55 | $ 9.50 | $ 24.43 | $ 3.18 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | Cdn Cost | | % increase | | |
| | $ 37.10 | | 0.86 | | |
| | | | | | |
So the 4 1/2 " hand grinder actaully had a cost of over $37.00 and cost me an afternoon of time. Sitting on the border bridges for a total of 2 1/2 hours. When local suppiers like CTC puts them on sale, you can score them for this prices or cheaper. Let's not even talk about going to Princess Auto, then it really get's depressing.
So, before running to the U.S. to great a questionable great deal on something ya just gotta have...spend time to look at the REAL costs and consider your option. Mine was an 86% increase over the purchase price....ouch !!!
If anyone wants a copy of the spreadsheet so you can put in your purchase prices to automatically calculate your true cost, let me know and I'll send it to you.
Stinger
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