>Date: Tue, 28 Apr 1998 09:27:07
>To: Kelly Bauman <bauman@ican.net>
>From: Earl Smith <earlsmit@islandnet.com>
>Subject: Re: Canadians buying from US suppliers.
>
>I live a block from the US border and have a P.O. Box on the US side.  I
>>mail order all my US source goods there.  When mailing goods in to Canada
>>they slap on applicable duties, taxes (just GST for BC as the BC and
>>Federal government don't have reciprocal tax collection agreements at this
>>time) and usually a customs user fee.  That's right, you have to pay for
>>the priviledge of being charged duty and taxes.  If you use UPS, Fed Ex or
>>another courier you may get slapped with brokerage fees.  It really takes a
>>whack out of any savings you find south of the border.
>>
>>Kelly Bauman
>>Delta, BC
>>'91 Westy
>You were very wise to select a home in that location.  Are you on first avenue?
>
>Thanks to all of you who replied to my query.  Of course one problem I have
comes from living on an island.  It costs $75 to get to the mainland and
back so that would have to be added to the cost if I used the pick-up
routine.  It would take too long to kayak the 20 miles to Port Angeles ;|)>
However I do have friends with sailboats - - - !
>
>We are very fortunate in Victoria in having BowWow motors, an after market
supplier with prices usually lower than the dealer.  Also have two auto
recyclers specializing in VW and a lot of vans and busses from breadloafs to
Eurovans.  Never go out without seeing at least one VW van of some vintage
and on a drive to town will see at least half a dozen.
>
>One FLAR is quite close.  Drove there yesterday with a very sick engine and
bought an Auxiliary Air Regulator for $40.  Tom took time to listen to the
engine with the new reg temporarily hooked up and pronounced it OK.  Said if
I continue to have problems, to come back and he will hook it up to his
diagnostic computer and sell me some more parts.
>
>Put it in and will go for a test drive now, with a stop at the bank that
was closed yesterday, and send some money to Kelly.
>
>Will reply to John about the mirrors later.
>
Earl from Sunny Sooke
84 ex-California Vanagon