It is nonsense for Canadians to demand price parity with American retailers just because we see exchange rate parity. The naive claims of price gouging are foolish. Without considering the cost of doing business in Canada to the cost of doing business in the U.S.A.., comparing cross-border prices is nothing more than confused hysteria.
I am all for low prices — when I buy stuff. Low prices are great but not for the retailer — not for the Canadian retailer who has to pay Canadian taxes and endure the Canadian climate.
Big Cajun Man wrote:
Is it Naive to ask to pay fair prices for products fabricated elsewhere? Simply spouting that someone is Naive is fine, but you might want to show examples of just how much more it costs to do business in Canada (which I agree with).
–C8j
Posted on 12-Jun-08 at 9:08 am | Permalink
bob wrote:
Whereas I agree with you that there are additional costs of doing business in Canada (imports, taxes, etc) that make it impossible for price parity, I would also argue that Canadian companies (especially automotive dealers) are using that to artificially inflate their prices far beyond their additional costs.
Consumers not happy about this situation are asked to vote with their dollars. While the dollar’s above parity go take a trip to the USA and spend your money there. Let the local retailers who are trying to gouge you feel the sting of lost revenue. Otherwise by continuing to support local businesses that are jacking prices higher than they should be you’re saying that you think this is okay and that you’re happy to give them more money for no good reason.
Do your research though… you’ll find that MOST of the local merchants are pricing appropriately. Buy from them… support them… encourage their continues responsible behavior. As for the others… no mercy.
Posted on 12-Jun-08 at 9:47 am | Permalink
Ray K. wrote:
Canadians are good at confused hysteria.
http://www.thepolitic.com/arch.....e-rip-off/
Posted on 12-Jun-08 at 11:07 am | Permalink
Eskimo wrote:
I’m in the market to buy a new ATV. The model I like the most is a Can-Am, manufactured by Bomardier (and heavily subsidized by the Canadian taxpayers.)
Dealer price for this unit is around $11,000.00 in the greater Edmonton area. I can slip into Montana and pick one up for $8249.00. That’s a 25% difference in price!
I have a friend who has bought two Toyotas in the U.S. On the pickup he saved $9000.00. On the minivan it was $14,000.00. This is a MASSIVE difference in price.
If you don’t think this is gouging, you’re off your gourd. There’s no doubt it costs more money to do business in Canada, largely because of high taxation and a relatively unproductive workforce
Examples like I’ve just shown should have the citizenry rioting in the streets. But we don’t, we vote with our wallets and go elsewhere. I’m heading to Great Falls!
Posted on 12-Jun-08 at 11:27 am | Permalink
Davide wrote:
Like it or not we are operating in a global economy.
Why should I pay the made in Canada book price, which is as much as 40% higher, when I can go to Amazon.com and buy it at the American price?
There are extra layers involved in distributing retail products in Canada and for years these middle men have made tons of money for doing very little and its become more apparent with the advent of the internet and online shopping.
Smart consumers will vote with their wallets, its up to the Retailers to adapt or perish…
Posted on 12-Jun-08 at 4:37 pm | Permalink
philanthropist wrote:
Canadians demand higher prices, they normally vote for big spending Liberals and municipal socialists, so Canadians are getting what they want.
Posted on 12-Jun-08 at 11:44 pm | Permalink