Shai Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 In a month I am going to Las Vegas. (It's my first time to Vegas and my first time outside Canada since the mid 90s.) For a while now I have wanted to get an Eheim 2217 for my 55g tank. I see they're about $200 new. I've been a bit hesitant to buy used, but they don't seem to come up for sale that often anyway. Since the dollar is strong (hopefully it'll still be strong next month) I have wondered if it could be worth it to buy the filter in Vegas and ship it home via FedEx, UPS or some such. I know that certain kinds of items are often waaaaay cheaper in the US (even after dollar conversion) but I don't know if Eheims fall into that category. Also, I really have no idea about things like border duty and whatnot. What do these filters retail for in the states? After shipping fees and duty would it be about the same as buying it at home? All help appreciated. : ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pazil Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 In a month I am going to Las Vegas. (It's my first time to Vegas and my first time outside Canada since the mid 90s.)For a while now I have wanted to get an Eheim 2217 for my 55g tank. I see they're about $200 new. I've been a bit hesitant to buy used, but they don't seem to come up for sale that often anyway. Since the dollar is strong (hopefully it'll still be strong next month) I have wondered if it could be worth it to buy the filter in Vegas and ship it home via FedEx, UPS or some such. I know that certain kinds of items are often waaaaay cheaper in the US (even after dollar conversion) but I don't know if Eheims fall into that category. Also, I really have no idea about things like border duty and whatnot. What do these filters retail for in the states? After shipping fees and duty would it be about the same as buying it at home? All help appreciated. : ) Just take it with you on the plane as a carry on.... We bring back a ton of stuff everytime we go to Veags... Make sure your declare it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishclubgirl Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 You can also take it in your luggage or boxed as a second piece of luggage. There's some good deal on aquarium equipment in the US(as much as I hate to say it!!). I try to support my lfs as much as possible but I saw a tank in the US for 20 dollars that was 50 dollars here. Things that make you go hmmm!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dipset Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 It is a product manufactured in Germany so it might not be very much cheaper. It may cost you more if you decide to ship it home via Fed-Ex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
punman Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 I found an Eheim filter cheap in the States and ordered it on-line and had it shipped to where I was staying in the States and brought it back. I was staying with relatives. That might not work if you are staying in a hotel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shai Posted October 20, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 I definitely won't have room in my carry-on or checked luggage for the filter. It would have to come back to Canada separately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RD. Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 If you're going to ship, do so via USPS to avoid brokerage fees. A couple of things to also keep in mind, if your filter gets damaged in transit, or goes MIA, you will most likely not be covered by insurance. If the parcel gets checked at the border, being that it's made in Germany (a non NAFTA country) a tarrif may be applied, as will GST. Big Al's (USA) lists the 2217 + kit for $150.00, so when you factor in your various costs & risks in shipping it cross border, you might be better off just picking one up locally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werner Posted October 20, 2009 Report Share Posted October 20, 2009 Since you are traveling, you can send the filter home to yourself and still claim it as part of your personal tax exemption to avoid the duty... whether it's worth the amount of paperwork involved is up to you. Making your Declaration Whenever I traveled out of Canada, any packages I've been expecting from the US (eBay or whatever) just happen to get inspected. Coincidence? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shai Posted October 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 (edited) Weeeell, it sounds like I'll be better off buying it at home and supporting the local economy. : ) Now to price it out all over town... Thanks for the help everyone. Edited October 21, 2009 by Shai Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boom Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 Try here. Pets and Ponds $185. Make the purchase over $200 and they ship for free. I've used them, very fast and good service. Boom :boom: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shai Posted October 22, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 Oooh! Thanks Boom! I wonder if I need enough supplies currently to bump the cost over $200... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boom Posted October 23, 2009 Report Share Posted October 23, 2009 no problem. They sell food, water conditioner, meds, lots of stuff. My last order I added a couple digital thermometers to take me over. They work great too, no regrets. Boom :boom: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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