Why Buy Equipment in Canada Instead of Importing from the U.S.
A U.S. machine usually looks cheaper on the sticker. Add the exchange rate, duties, brokerage, and cross-border freight and the gap narrows quickly. Here is what it actually costs.
What Does Importing Really Cost?
Enter a U.S. equipment price to see the true landed cost in Canada. The gap tends to close faster than people expect, and often reverses.
U.S. Import Scenario
Defaults based on typical commercial equipment imports. Adjust to match your situation.
True Landed Cost (Importing)
Buy from Site Handling
Buying Canadian vs. Importing from the U.S.
| Buy from Site Handling | Import from the U.S. | |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | CAD, no conversion needed | USD, subject to exchange rate fluctuations |
| Customs duties | Handled by us, nothing billed to you | 5–8% of declared value |
| Brokerage fees | Handled by us, nothing billed to you | $250–$500 per shipment |
| GST/HST | On purchase price only | On total landed cost (price + duty + freight) |
| Freight | Quoted up front, customs cleared for you | You arrange cross-border freight and clearance |
| Warranty service | Claims go through us, same-day response in business hours | You ship back to the U.S. and manage the claim |
| Technical support | Canadian phone and email support | International call, potential language/timezone gaps |
| Parts ordering | Ordered through us, customs handled | You import each order and clear customs again |
Six Reasons to Buy Canadian
No Currency Risk
Pay in CAD. The number on the quote is the number on the invoice, whatever the exchange rate does in between.
Customs Handled for You
We import the equipment and clear customs through our own broker. You pay one CAD price, with no duty or brokerage bills at delivery.
No Border Paperwork
Freight is quoted with your order, and we deal with the carrier and the customs paperwork, so you are not left chasing a broker.
Canadian Warranty & Support
When a machine goes down mid-project you call a Canadian company, not a U.S. dealer, and usually hear back the same business day.
Simpler Procurement
Canadian invoicing and tax receipts, and no foreign vendor to set up in your accounting system.
Support Canadian Business
Canadian-owned and based in Alberta, so the money stays in the country.
Zero-Downtime Support
When your $250K glazing project stops because your imported machine needs warranty service, who picks up the phone?
We do. A Canadian company that handles the claim, the parts order, and the customs paperwork, so you are not managing an international warranty claim yourself. That support isn't a perk; it's insurance against lost revenue.
Ready to Equip Your Crew?
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