Topic: A roadblock at the border

[Cord]

All this just to save $30.....Truly amazing.

Yeah.  Much better to pay higher prices simply because we're Canadian.  Do nothing - that'll sure put pressure on retailers to lower prices in Canada!   

I would say that close to 100% of cross border shoppers have given no thought to their actions beyond saving that $30 or whatever. Putting pressure on retailers isn't even on their radar. That may be a consequence of their actions but it has nothing to do with their motives.

[2latecrew]

All this just to save $30.....Truly amazing.

Yeah.  Much better to pay higher prices simply because we're Canadian.  Do nothing - that'll sure put pressure on retailers to lower prices in Canada!   

I would say that close to 100% of cross border shoppers have given no thought to their actions beyond saving that $30 or whatever. Putting pressure on retailers isn't even on their radar. That may be a consequence of their actions but it has nothing to do with their motives.

I'd agree. Just like I'd guess that a very high % of people who purchase in Canda do so for convienience and NOT becuase they want to support the Canadian economy.

I get a kick out of the concept that anyone who knowingly pays a much higher price for something in Canada is some kind of saint saving the future of his or her country.

Like if most people were just about to buy a new pair of sneakers in Canada but ended up going to the US for a trip. They see those exact same sneakers that were $100 in Canada for $40 US I'll bet less than 1% of people including those sputing off in here will say oh no I couldn't possibly buythem and save $60. It might have long term ramifications to the candian economy.

They are going to buy them save the money and go on with their lives never giving it a second thought. Show me someone who says they have gone on repeated trips to the US and NEVER come back with ANYTHING EVER from the US never spent any money on anything they could possibly have gotten in Canada  and I'll show you a liar.

[AVToller]

For over 20 years I used to go into Washington State to visit my brother and his family - usually 4-6 times a year. How many times did I buy items available in Canada when I was there you ask? ZERO. The ONLY times I made purchases was when said item was not available in Canada, a total of probably 3-5 times over that span and less than $100 total. I did not even buy gas there unless I was too low to ensure a safe return. Some of us DO put our money where our mouths are.

[2latecrew]

For over 20 years I used to go into Washington State to visit my brother and his family - usually 4-6 times a year. How many times did I buy items available in Canada when I was there you ask? ZERO. The ONLY times I made purchases was when said item was not available in Canada, a total of probably 3-5 times over that span and less than $100 total. I did not even buy gas there unless I was too low to ensure a safe return. Some of us DO put our money where our mouths are.

But you still BOUGHT it. You could have forgone the purchase. You could have purchased some alternative in Canada. But you didn't.

People want to condem cross border shopping as a balanket stament. Even when the dollar was far less favorable there were still many people doing shopping trips to the US becuse of greater selection.

So if you shop in the US to save money you are evil but if you buy something becuase the exact same thing isn't available in your local retailer you are good? Why not go to your local retailer and tell them hey why don't you bring this item in for me mark it up and I'll pay you for it to support the local economy?

I have to admit its pretty good to go to the US over 100 times an NEVER have to decalre anything.

[Zombie]

For over 20 years I used to go into Washington State to visit my brother and his family - usually 4-6 times a year. How many times did I buy items available in Canada when I was there you ask? ZERO. The ONLY times I made purchases was when said item was not available in Canada, a total of probably 3-5 times over that span and less than $100 total. I did not even buy gas there unless I was too low to ensure a safe return. Some of us DO put our money where our mouths are.

Wow do you want a hero biscuit?

The Loony is doing well. What is the advantage? buying power but only if you leave the country because prices aren't going to drop over night since the retailers aren't in a hurry to do so. Eventually prices should even out a bit but only because the retailers need to be competitive with there US counterparts not because they want to give you a deal.
Every consumer has the right to buy what they want, were they want as long as it is legal. You may want to support the local retailers but if given the choice they would choose the cheaper product every time (even if one was made in Canada and one wasn't) so why shouldn't you.

[mdxtasy]

You may want to support the local retailers but if given the choice they would choose the cheaper product every time (even if one was made in Canada and one wasn't) so why shouldn't you.

I didn't.  When it came time to buy winter tires, no thought or price check was done to the US.  Called up my tire guy, asked for the tires, and they'll be here soon. 

[UmroAyyar]

An interesting topic is all about 'Jingoism' now.

Buy from the local guy otherwise it will be apocalypse.

Price is too high, I don't care, I'll burn fuel, stay at hotels but I will pay lower price.

The boasting 'the essential' ritual after shopping is still being done. Other than jingoistic hyperbole about my way or you are stupid bugger, there isn't much to note here.

e.g. I bought tires for my car from the local guy, no way in hell I was going to buy from U.S. but I did call around to get prices and asked the shop to consider that.

The high and mighty attitude from both camps (by some individuals) disrupts the force.

[RunsinLight]

For over 20 years I used to go into Washington State to visit my brother and his family - usually 4-6 times a year. How many times did I buy items available in Canada when I was there you ask? ZERO. The ONLY times I made purchases was when said item was not available in Canada, a total of probably 3-5 times over that span and less than $100 total. I did not even buy gas there unless I was too low to ensure a safe return. Some of us DO put our money where our mouths are.

So your telling them they can charge higher prices and get away with it?

[mdxtasy]

An interesting topic is all about 'Jingoism' now.

Buy from the local guy otherwise it will be apocalypse.

Price is too high, I don't care, I'll burn fuel, stay at hotels but I will pay lower price.

The boasting 'the essential' ritual after shopping is still being done. Other than jingoistic hyperbole about my way or you are stupid bugger, there isn't much to note here.

e.g. I bought tires for my car from the local guy, no way in hell I was going to buy from U.S. but I did call around to get prices and asked the shop to consider that.

The high and mighty attitude from both camps (by some individuals) disrupts the force.

Thanks Yoda.     Come back soon.   

[UmroAyyar]

An interesting topic is all about 'Jingoism' now.

Buy from the local guy otherwise it will be apocalypse.

Price is too high, I don't care, I'll burn fuel, stay at hotels but I will pay lower price.

The boasting 'the essential' ritual after shopping is still being done. Other than jingoistic hyperbole about my way or you are stupid bugger, there isn't much to note here.

e.g. I bought tires for my car from the local guy, no way in hell I was going to buy from U.S. but I did call around to get prices and asked the shop to consider that.

The high and mighty attitude from both camps (by some individuals) disrupts the force.

Thanks Yoda.     Come back soon.   

Entertainment addon, contribution by purely local shoppers. 

[AVToller]

Wow do you want a hero biscuit?

No, moron, I was simply responding to the previous poster's suggestion that less than 1% would pass up US "bargains".

[Cord]

Wow do you want a hero biscuit?

No, moron, I was simply responding to the previous poster's suggestion that less than 1% would pass up US "bargains".

I guess the response would've been a little more apropos if the previous poster had said that 0% would pass up US bargains. As it is, Avt is just one of 300,000 or so Canadians that were estimated to pass up US bargains. Certainly not a super exclusive group and definitely not worthy of a hero biscuit. Maybe a small after dinner mint.

[johngenx]

OMG:

http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2007/11/13/news/local/zznews02.txt

[rrocket]

^^Interesting, eh?

The Windsor Film Festival just passed and one of the films was called "THE UNION: THE BUSINESS BEHIND GETTING HIGH" It was about BC's cannabis economy.  VERY interesting.

Here's the trailer:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HLzmH9VB6A

[safristi]

.."Cannabis Trailer!!!" I'm thinkin' more  CRACK HOUSE....