When is Canadian Pricing Going to get inline with the US $

[nevermind]

Checking a few US sites and stores, most iron sets are $200 - 250 less than Golftown. Checking many other items for comparision, you would think Golftown assumes we still have a $.70 dollar. What gives ?

[BOGEY MAN]

From what Ive read most Canadian retailers will not lower there prices till the new year and that is only if our dollar holds its value. So let our Canadian retailers know what you think and buy in the States.

[SeanEmmettTimothy]

From what Ive read most Canadian retailers will not lower there prices till the new year and that is only if our dollar holds its value. So let our Canadian retailers know what you think and buy in the States.

I agree with both sides but one must take into account that it costs more to bring goods into Canada to sell because of all the taxes, tariffs, whatever. Plus the buying group for all these companies did not buy the stuff on the shelves two weeks ago when the dollar went crazy; they usually buy stuff at least 6 months ahead of time, sometimes further.

It's not like gas where the gas in the holding tank goes up in price on Wednesday and back down on Sunday night even though they paid the same price for it.........

[Grass Roots Tour]

It's not like gas where the gas in the holding tank goes up in price on Wednesday and back down on Sunday night even though they paid the same price for it.........


Don't even get me started on how much my hula hoop hurts from being smashed by fat, rich, gas peddling, poo poo sniffing, booger swallowing, fart eating, pickle pulling, butt munchers.

BTW, I hear you can get pink eye from butt munching. :rofl:

[cldale]

I agree with both sides but one must take into account that it costs more to bring goods into Canada to sell because of all the taxes, tariffs, whatever. Plus the buying group for all these companies did not buy the stuff on the shelves two weeks ago when the dollar went crazy; they usually buy stuff at least 6 months ahead of time, sometimes further.

It's not like gas where the gas in the holding tank goes up in price on Wednesday and back down on Sunday night even though they paid the same price for it.........

I agree that its an inventory issue, but our dollar has been significantly above .70 for a while now. I think prices are being kept artificially high right now because they can still squeeze some extra profit...

But this will change. There is already a class action suit against several auto-makers for trynig to artificially hold up prices in Canada on cars and keepign Canadian consumers from buying in the US and importing. Expect to see some car prices start to fall in the new year. Porche already dropped prices 10% in Canada.

[hogannut]

Just keep crossing the border and keep writing the Canadian companies and tell them so.

[JEBS]

The luxury market wants to maintain their brand strength. I imagine a drastic price drop would weaken their position in the market as well as piss off customers who just dropped alot of $$ for their toys!!

Imagine dropping 10 grand on a panerai and then finding out two month later they dropped their price to 7 grand.

Even worse dropping 80 grand for your BMW and knowing that you lose a chunk as you drive off the lot... but then to lose another 20% on the price correction.

It has been a somewhat good season to be an importer.

[swaaain]

We may see a change in the future, but the tarriffs that we are hit with when importing affect us and the price they will sell for here. It is unfortunate, but that is free trade?????????

Every one get that? Free Trade!!!!!!:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[xander.uk]

In my experience it wont :(

I sometimes see golf clubs for sale for the same amount of U.S.A $$$$ as they are for U.K ££££ when you consider that you get $2 for £1 then i guess retailers are not bothered about ripping you guys off for a few cents.


I hope i am wrong but..............somehow i doubt it:(

[The Troll]

Even worse dropping 80 grand for your BMW and knowing that you lose a chunk as you drive off the lot... but then to lose another 20% on the price correction.


This week Porsche lowered their 2008 prices dramatically....you can already see the effect in the used market.

In fact, I have noticed some significant price deceases in the last week on certain used vehicles that are selling substantially cheaper in the US.

[golfguyinontario]

Its a well known fact that it costs more to do business in Canada than the US, so there will probably always be some difference in Canadian prices (same as there is state to state in the US). Swain has a good point about the duties - I have imported from the US and Mexico off an on over the years and realize that free trade has many, many, exclusions.

That said, I am looking forward to retailers adjusting their prices at least somewhat as they price new products - it'll be like getting a raise! Also I don't have the time to drive south, or the patience to order, pay shipping and brokerage and wait for what I want to buy today.

[laxgolf]

We won't. It took 30 years for the Canadian dollar to reach parity, and it's only ever happened three times. Companies won't react to this right away, if ever. On some goods prices might become a little more in line with the US, but for the most part what you see now is what you'll get over the long run. People are only reacting to this now because of the recent parity, but really we should have been complaining when our dollar hit the .80 to .85 mark.

[Braggs Point]

The luxury market wants to maintain their brand strength. I imagine a drastic price drop would weaken their position in the market as well as piss off customers who just dropped alot of $$ for their toys!!

Imagine dropping 10 grand on a panerai and then finding out two month later they dropped their price to 7 grand.

Even worse dropping 80 grand for your BMW and knowing that you lose a chunk as you drive off the lot... but then to lose another 20% on the price correction.

You can buy a BMW X5 in New York State $20,000 cheaper than here in Toronto!

[el tigre]

Its a well known fact that it costs more to do business in Canada than the US, so there will probably always be some difference in Canadian prices (same as there is state to state in the US). That is not necessarily the case anymore.

Healthcare is not publicly-funded in the US like it is in Canada. For most people in the States, their healthcare coverage comes from their employer's health plan - who ends up paying most of the costs. In Canada, the employer's health plan only has to cover the costs not paid for by the provincial health plans. In a large company, the difference in premiums can be huge.

[nevermind]

There is definitely a wait and watch attitude going on , however I think most of us would be happy with at least a 10% reduction on most consumer goods going into the new year. The US dollar will continue to struggle to coincide with their economy and there is even talk of a possible further 1/4 point interest reduction at the end of the year in US.

[laxgolf]

There is definitely a wait and watch attitude going on , however I think most of us would be happy with at least a 10% reduction on most consumer goods going into the new year. The US dollar will continue to struggle to coincide with their economy and there is even talk of a possible further 1/4 point interest reduction at the end of the year in US.

To drastically adjust the prices right now would be an overreation by everyone involved. This parity isn't going to last forever. For the good of our economy, it can't. Our exports are expensive right now, and in the long run the impact will be felt because countries will look for cheaper alternatives since our dollar is so expensive. Eventually the dollar should stabilize at around the .85 mark, which is healthier for Canada. Consumers are simply reacting to the fact that our dollar has reached parity, and think that automatically that should mean that our costs should be the same as down south. I agree that there's a problem with some of our pricing in Canada, but it's not as big as one might think. Personally, I'd benefit more from a reduction in gasoline or income tax than a one time cost adjustment.

[nevermind]

To drastically adjust the prices right now would be an overreation by everyone involved. This parity isn't going to last forever. For the good of our economy, it can't. Our exports are expensive right now, and in the long run the impact will be felt because countries will look for cheaper alternatives since our dollar is so expensive. Eventually the dollar should stabilize at around the .85 mark, which is healthier for Canada. Consumers are simply reacting to the fact that our dollar has reached parity, and think that automatically that should mean that our costs should be the same as down south. I agree that there's a problem with some of our pricing in Canada, but it's not as big as one might think. Personally, I'd benefit more from a reduction in gasoline or income tax than a one time cost adjustment.

I agree that a lower dollar probably around the $.80 mark would be most benificial for our economy but, the economics aren't shaping up that way due to our neighbours. I also agree that taxes are out of hand however I don't think that a 10% decrease to start off with would be drastic to any degree. Prices are currently 10 - 25 % higher here on most cosumers goods.

[north ridge]

I have to answer this question about 5 times a day. The glaring gap in pricing is the sole responsibility of Canada's manufacturers and distributors. Retailers are not gouging anyone since wholesale prices have not changed despite the increase in the value of the Canadian $, even on new 2008 merchandise.

With the Holiday shopping season fast approaching, Canadian golf retailers will suffer and so will the local manufacturers when inventories don't move.

Do everyone a favour and email, write, phone or picket Canada's golf manufacturers with your complaints.

[nearace]

I have to answer this question about 5 times a day. The glaring gap in pricing is the sole responsibility of Canada's manufacturers and distributors. Retailers are not gouging anyone since wholesale prices have not changed despite the increase in the value of the Canadian $, even on new 2008 merchandise.

With the Holiday shopping season fast approaching, Canadian golf retailers will suffer and so will the local manufacturers when inventories don't move.

Do everyone a favour and email, write, phone or picket Canada's golf manufacturers with your complaints.Canadians dont complain:D

[Andru]

Just buy from ebay you get US pricing problem solved. Screw golftown. When they start pricing in a competitive manner then start shopping there again.

Checking a few US sites and stores, most iron sets are $200 - 250 less than Golftown. Checking many other items for comparision, you would think Golftown assumes we still have a $.70 dollar. What gives ?

[nevermind]

Just buy from ebay you get US pricing problem solved. Screw golftown. When they start pricing in a competitive manner then start shopping there again.

LOL, the best reply yet. Its the shipping and possible duties that kill though. On a set of irons or driver it would still be cheaper ordering from the US. I'm sure that Golftown will start to feel it soon.

[northernpro]

Canadians dont complain:Dyou are absolutely
correct!

[laxgolf]

Here's an interesting article from today's Star. It appears that golf equipment from the US and Asian countries can be purchased in the US, and only taxes have to be paid (no duty) when brought into Canada. The article specifically mentions golf bags.

http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/262161

[snoopygum]

Here's an interesting article from today's Star. It appears that golf equipment from the US and Asian countries can be purchased in the US, and only taxes have to be paid (no duty) when brought into Canada. The article specifically mentions golf bags.

http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/262161

The only golf equipment listed is golf bags, and even then only the mostly synthetic ones.

[hamiltonhacker]

I took a look at the Customs Tariff and, looking at China, which is thesource for the great majority of golf equipment:
golf clubs (both sets and individual) would be charged 4% duty.

golf Balls 5%

Grips and shafts are duty free

Unfinished heads (not polished or chromed or "otherwise finished) free

Finished heads would be "parts of clubs and pay 5%

Regards
Pat

Weasily Disclaimer :D
The foregoing is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Before trying to slip anything past the Border Service please consult competent counsel (not me):rofl:

[nearace]

I took a look at the Customs Tariff and, looking at China, which is thesource for the great majority of golf equipment:
golf clubs (both sets and individual) would be charged 4% duty.

golf Balls 5%

Grips and shafts are duty free

Unfinished heads (not polished or chromed or "otherwise finished) free

Finished heads would be "parts of clubs and pay 5%

Regards
Pat

Weasily Disclaimer :D
The foregoing is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Before trying to slip anything past the Border Service please consult competent counsel (not me):rofl:pat that disclamer is a killer :rofl: :rofl:

[hamiltonhacker]

Thanks Howie, that's what lawyers do best:shhh::eek:

[north ridge]

Just buy from ebay you get US pricing problem solved. Screw golftown. When they start pricing in a competitive manner then start shopping there again.


Apparently you haven't read this whole thread. It's the Canadian manufacturers NOT the retailers responsible for the gap in prices.

[rgk5]

Andru, most of what is on the shelves at GT was bought weeks or months ago. How do you instantly apply an equal dollar to goods that were paid for with $.87 dollars?

Margins are a direct result of cost from the manufacturer/distributor. As time advances, you should see more equity in pricing but it will never be completely the same.

[cldale]

Rgk5:

Generally companies sell based on "replacement cost" not the inventory cost. This is why its advantageous for companies to hold lower inventories, they are less exposed to changes in replacement cost.

I don't think the argument that costs in Canada are higher really flies. Purchasing Power Parity favoured Canada for years, and in many industries our universal health care system equates to LOWER COSTS for manufacturers. Sales taxes are applied post-sale, so the sticker prices in Canada shouldn't be appreciable higher than the USD * FX.

If there WERE costs associated with sellign in Canada, you'd at least expect our prices to move with the FX with a fixed cost added in (so, say, the price of a car is USD*FX+$5k.

Which is just a way of saying that in Canada now, we're getting hooped.

Of course, the converse argument can be made, that if we expect our prices to fall, our employers might want our wages more in line with the US as well :)

Andru, most of what is on the shelves at GT was bought weeks or months ago. How do you instantly apply an equal dollar to goods that were paid for with $.87 dollars?

Margins are a direct result of cost from the manufacturer/distributor. As time advances, you should see more equity in pricing but it will never be completely the same.

[mccho]

Rgk5:

Generally companies sell based on "replacement cost" not the inventory cost. This is why its advantageous for companies to hold lower inventories, they are less exposed to changes in replacement cost.

I don't think the argument that costs in Canada are higher really flies. Purchasing Power Parity favoured Canada for years, and in many industries our universal health care system equates to LOWER COSTS for manufacturers. Sales taxes are applied post-sale, so the sticker prices in Canada shouldn't be appreciable higher than the USD * FX.

If there WERE costs associated with sellign in Canada, you'd at least expect our prices to move with the FX with a fixed cost added in (so, say, the price of a car is USD*FX+$5k.

Which is just a way of saying that in Canada now, we're getting hooped.

Of course, the converse argument can be made, that if we expect our prices to fall, our employers might want our wages more in line with the US as well :)

Anybody else wonder? i mean ever since the PST was added, what was improved with our government's way of running the city/province/country?

Really curious.

[skt07]

I think it's time to take a trip to Buffalo :D

Wednesday, October 3, 2007
1 Canadian Dollar = 1.00466 US Dollar
1 US Dollar (USD) = 0.99536 Canadian Dollar (CAD)

[dekker]

Rgk5:

Generally companies sell based on "replacement cost" not the inventory cost. This is why its advantageous for companies to hold lower inventories, they are less exposed to changes in replacement cost.

I don't think the argument that costs in Canada are higher really flies. Purchasing Power Parity favoured Canada for years, and in many industries our universal health care system equates to LOWER COSTS for manufacturers. Sales taxes are applied post-sale, so the sticker prices in Canada shouldn't be appreciable higher than the USD * FX.

If there WERE costs associated with sellign in Canada, you'd at least expect our prices to move with the FX with a fixed cost added in (so, say, the price of a car is USD*FX+$5k.

Which is just a way of saying that in Canada now, we're getting hooped.

Of course, the converse argument can be made, that if we expect our prices to fall, our employers might want our wages more in line with the US as well :)
Your point about wages getting in line is well taken . Should the Canadian dollar continue on this trend then wages will probably have to fall to remain competitive. As you point out,our government tax funded healthcare system is our industries saving grace and possibly our only remaining advantage at the moment.
Some years ago I discussed respective jobs with my American counterpart who I discovered earned $8/hr less for the same skilled work,and covered his own health cost.
We talked over a prime roast dinner with all the fixin's including salad,soup and desert of our choice with unlimited coffee. Our total bill came to $18 plus tip! We will never catch up on their cheap dining for sure.

[cldale]

Heh, I bet the servings were larger too.

In general, I can do with prices being a little higher here since I think we enjoy an improved standard of living vs. the US. However when cars are 10k+ more expensive here, and you cannot get US dealers to sell to you anymore, then I have a problem :)

If one had extra cash sitting around this would be an amazing time to buy US real estate. With the strong dollar and their credit crunch, property values are amazing right now. And when the US dollar appreciates again and their real estate market heats up again, you will make money from both the FX appreciation and the nominal property value appreciation.

Your point about wages getting in line is well taken . Should the Canadian dollar continue on this trend then wages will probably have to fall to remain competitive. As you point out,our government tax funded healthcare system is our industries saving grace and possibly our only remaining advantage at the moment.
Some years ago I discussed respective jobs with my American counterpart who I discovered earned $8/hr less for the same skilled work,and covered his own health cost.
We talked over a prime roast dinner with all the fixin's including salad,soup and desert of our choice with unlimited coffee. Our total bill came to $18 plus tip! We will never catch up on their cheap dining for sure.