garyhaupt
Back living in Kitimat..northern BC.
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Joined: 11/21/2003
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I have a set of twin Lightforce driving lights and had them mounted in my brand spanking new bush bumper. Perfect fit..so perfect that the clearance on top was too tight and didn't allow for proper adjustment upwards. I could see down, real good...but not out in front. I could either fabricate a micky-mouse solution, drill new holes..or see if there was a proper answer.
I called Lightforce in Aus..they have a shorter bottom leg. I then E mailed the CDN distributer..GrandWestAuto in Sask. They don't talk with consumers. I called the guys in Kamloops..they talked to GWAuto..and they didn't know diddly-squat. Then Kamloops called a shop in Whitehorse...nada.
When I first was making contact with Lightforce, I had also E'd the US distributor..in Idaho..they got back to me yesterday..we went back and forth...they just gave me the part # and I just called and ordered two of the $10 parts.
I get very cranky when I read/hear a CDN company crying about people taking their shopping $'s out of the country. If they aren't interested in serving a consumer, there are others more than happy to service a shopper. The order is only $20..but they also have a nice E catalogue. I bet I can find a truck load of stuff I 'need'.
Gary Haupt
I have a Blog..about stuff, some of which is RV'ing.
http://mrgwh.blogspot.ca/
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi Gary,
I remember going into a local stationary store in Moose Jaw. They did not have the item I wanted. When I asked if they had a catalog I could look in they said "What you see is what we've got".
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts Unisolar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries, 2500 MSW watt inverter.
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cpurves
Prince George BC
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Joined: 12/13/2005
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garyhaupt wrote:
I get very cranky when I read/hear a CDN company crying about people taking their shopping $'s out of the country. If they aren't interested in serving a consumer, there are others more than happy to service a shopper. Gary Haupt
You are so right Gary. I've run into that attitude from Canadians many times. I asked for pricing and the delivery time for a remote release for my cameras I found on the internet. I was told they don't make such a thing by one of the largest camera stores in Canada. 2 weeks later I had it from a store in the states.
Customer service at times is so much poorer in Canada. It seems that some of them have a "I don't need your business" attitude. There is even a great difference from the big city sellers and the little ones here in the north. I frequently get much better service in Vancouver or Edmonton than here in PG. There are lots of good sellers too but the bad ones seem to stand out.
You know we are isolated up here right? 
Cheers
Chris
Old dog learning new tricks.
GMC 3500 crewcab longbox 4x4 duramax
Cougar 310SRX - we use the toyhauler for our photo equip
www.photos-now.ca
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afraid of bears
Prince George Area
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Joined: 10/16/2006
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I hear what you're saying and agree that it's really frustrating when you try to get something that you know exists, but companies in our country either don't know what you're talking about, feel that you need them more than they need us, and then try to charge you 10 times what it would cost to order it from the U.S. yourself. I thank the gods for stores like Cabela's (not the Canadian version though)that happily ship to Canada and don't gouge us.
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woodhog
NS
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Joined: 08/06/2002
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I am also in agreement with this, most of the items I use I cannot find around here or in the country. Aftermarket items for the truck, camper parts including solar panels, tie downs etc. when I do manage to locate something it is much more expensive. I order almost everything from the USA if they will ship via the Post Office.
I recently had a really nice experience with the "CV Man" regarding ordering boots for my ATV...my local place would not take me in, said to call back in a week for an appointment time.
I even ordered a truck tire from the US recently due to high cost and an arrogant attitude by the local supplier.
and then there is the cost of books..US and CDN price difference right on the back cover... it goes on and on....
2004.5 Dodge 4x4 SRW Diesel, 245/70R19.5 Michelin XDS2, Bilstein Shocks
Torklift Stable loads, BD Steering Stabilizer Bar, Superchips "TOW" Programed,Rickson 19.5 wheels
2006 8.5 Northstar Arrow Longbox 200 Watts Solar, LED lights.
12 Volt DC Fridge.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi,
My most recent brush with this was when I wanted a price on a Yamaha 2400 watt generator. The local Yamaha shop does not stock them. I said "what is your best price on a firm order"? The reply was "I'd have to charge you extra for shipping one from Winnipeg to Regina.
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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I think you may be a little harsh in classifying this as a Canadian business problem. You would have no difficulty finding plenty of US companies who ALSO would go to minimal effort for a $20.00 sale on an item they don't normally carry.
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR -
2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles)
2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
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Burwoods
Outside Toronto, Canada
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Joined: 08/08/2010
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skipnchar wrote:I think you may be a little harsh in classifying this as a Canadian business problem. You would have no difficulty finding plenty of US companies who ALSO would go to minimal effort for a $20.00 sale on an item they don't normally carry.
I agree, I have had problems on both sides of the border. Bad and Good customer service can be found anywhere. If I get good customer service, I make sure everyone knows it....including higher up in a company if I can email to them.
Bob and Sally
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sirdrakejr
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Joined: 11/18/2001
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Somehow this has to come around to RVing Canada or it is a dead thread.
Frank
2011 Palomino Maverick 1000SLLB on a 2004 Dodge Quadcab CTD Ram3500 SRW long bed equipped with Timbren springs, Stable Load bump stops, Rickson 19.5" wheels/"G" range tires and a Helwig "Big Wig" rear anti sway bar.
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garyhaupt
Back living in Kitimat..northern BC.
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Joined: 11/21/2003
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The order I am squawking about is directly related to my RV. They are the lights I have had mounted on my new bumper.
I might add the same issue arose when ordering a new board for my other RV..or the hot water tank pricing that was $600 more in Terrace than out of Everett, Washington.
I hope that this meets the criteria. Thanks for the warning shot across the bow!
uhhmm...front of RV.
Gary Haupt
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