LocostUSA.com

I got fed up with filing notches. I looked around locally and could order a tube notcher, but if it's not in stock here (Halifax) why not look elsewhere?

My Baileigh Notcher wasn't in stock at Aircraft Spruce (Canada) either, but it was about 30 bucks (Cdn) cheaper than from the local supplier (Rideout tool, an Atlantic canada tool retailer). Aircraft Spruce said two weeks to restock, but delivered within that time.

I asked if the item would be shipped from the Canadian depot in Brantford (yes) and they asked how I would like it shipped. I asked for Canada Post and they shipped it Canada Post Express, which got it to me for $18.11 shipping. Shipping and HST in it was about $16 cheaper than local purchase.

Life is in the way at the moment, so I won't even think about using the notcher until September, but my Aircraft Spruce experience was positive. I am particularly happy that they didn't drop ship this American tool, which would have saddled me with the brokerage fees; however, they did appear to apply Nova Scotia HST, which I think is higher than Ontario's. Can't win 'em all!

Glad to hear they also treat you guys well since it sounds like some other good US suppliers like McMaster want no part of selling to people outside of the US.

Andrew,

Sadly, one of the main reasons US shippers avoid foreign shipments is the US State Department requirement for completion of controlled goods declarations on foreign-bound packages. Even Jack's shipment of a set of roll bar tubes to me had to have that declaration. Mcmaster-Carr, and others, have simply decided that the hassle isn't worth it for such a tiny part of their business.

(It gets worse if the shipment really is controlled goods.)

Thus, when Aircraft Spruce sets up a Candian Depot they can deal with State department requirements at corporate level, rather than on each individual order.

Amazing how those small legal rules can destroy the incentive to do business...