Canadian Sales & Pricing
Why are Canadian prices different then US prices?
We try to keep Canadian prices as close to US prices as possible. If you read the following information you will discover that Canadian prices are not really very different then US prices. We have transportation, brokerage and customs fees as well as a fluctuating Foreign Exchange rate to deal with. To give you the customer the best value and keep prices as close to those in the US we include a Canadian Destination Charge (CDC) and a Foreign Exchange Rate (FER) calculation in our pricing. This means that you will get a much better price then if we just set a Canadian price once or twice a year. Some items such as the Porta-Potti are not made in the US and tariffs and duties must be added to the prices. Modifications to meet Canadian standards also may require a change in pricing.
For more information click HERE.
What is the CDC that I see on your pricing?
The Canadian Destination Charge (CDC) is a combination of costs associated with importation and freight of each unit to Canada. It is made up of the cost of freight, brokerage fees, and a Canadian importation documentation fee.
As of this writing (01/01/18) it is US$ 1,235.00 to our Vancouver office and US$ 1,735.00 to our Auburn, Ontario location. This may change without notice. Note, due to recent fuel price increases, fuel surcharges may apply.
Why do you have a Foreign Exchange Rate (FER) calculation?
As the Foreign Exchange (FER) rate changes daily it makes it hard for us to just set a Canadian price. Instead of setting a single Canadian price that may not show a realistic exchange rate we show all our prices in US$. To keep Canadian pricing as close to actual US$ pricing as possible we use the daily foreign exchange rate as found at our bank.
It can be found at; https://www.vancity.com/Rates/. Look under - Foreign Exchange Rate (FER). Find - 'Buying US dollars' for the rate.
A quick conversion from US$ to C$ can be done using the following formula.
US$ X FER = C$
(Example; FER = 1.300 US$ 1,000.00 X 1.30 = C$ 1,300.00)
At what point is the exchange rate fixed?
We set the exchange rate (FER) at two points during the production and payment process. The first rate is set when we take your deposit. This is calculated and based on receiving your deposit within five days.
The final rate of exchange is set within five days of completion of the sale and delivery of your unit. This gives you the best chance at getting a good rate of exchange and in most instances evens out any fluctuation in the rate. It should be noted that if you prefer to know the set rate it is best to pay in US$.
Whatever currency your deposit is paid in the final payment must be the same.
What are the requirements for payment?
Deposit:
10% deposit at time of contract signing.
40% deposit prior to start of manufacture.
Please Note; If manufacture date and initial deposit are less then 10 weeks apart we will require the full 50% deposit in the initial payment.
Final payment:
50% plus any taxes (GST and PST or HST where required).
Delivery (if required) and installation charges are also payable at this time.
Please Note; Final payment is now required within 10 days of completion. For most customers this will make no difference in the process and we will not require payment until your unit is delivered. For those who order early but do not wish to pick it up for a few months this will require that you make the final payment (less any delivery or install fees) ON COMPLETION of your camper. This will come with up to 90 days of free storage (C$ 65.00/daily $950.00/month thereafter).
Why do we have to pay 50% deposit?
The Manufacture (Four Wheel Campers) requires it.
When I want to order early but not pick it up until well after completion, why do I have to pay the final payment before it leaves the factory?
The Manufacture (Four Wheel Campers) is not in the banking business and does not wish to tie up large sums of money with finished product sitting in their warehouse. They will gladly store your finished and paid for unit for up to 3 months free of charge.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We require payment by bank draft or wire transfer with the following exceptions. For the initial 10% deposit or to a maximum of C$ 2000.00 we will accept cash, Visa, MasterCard or Debit (Canadian $ only).
To avoid the exchange rate differential, can payment be made in US dollars?
Yes, we will accept your payment in US$ as long as it is negotiable at a Canadian banking institution.
Can Canadian customers pick up their new units at the factory or elsewhere in the US?
Maybe, but generally not a good idea. We can make arrangements for you to take delivery of your new FWC unit at locations throughout the USA. Please note though, that there is no cost saving in doing this and it may actually be a lot more costly. You should be aware of the following;
- The factory has implemented a US$ 500.00 fee for pickup at the factory in addition to the install costs. Pick up at the factory will also require payment of the 8% California state tax (which as of 01/01/2014 is not refundable).
- US delivery charges will still be accessed and payable to the factory.
- Taking delivery within the US means that the customer is required to pay any state taxes (and get them refunded from that state if possible)
- All Canadian taxes (GST, HST, PST) as well as any broker fees are payable at the border when importing a camper unit. It should be noted that the CBSA also collects tax on tax paid in the USA.
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Are the prices negotiable?
No. Your opportunity to recieve the same factory direct pricing - through the Canadian distributer - provides you the lowest possible price. We do not negotiate prices. Most of our customers really don't want us to engage in the typical RV sales games. We want to provide you the best possible service and the most knowledgeable sales staff, without the high pressure sales environment. Canadian prices reflect the additional freight, brokerage, importation and exchange rate costs.
Can I have a camper shipped to me?
All Canadian units are freighted to our yard and showroom near Vancouver, B.C. or our seasonal storage yard in Auburn Ontario. Customers are welcome to pick them up at the showroom/storage yard or we can make arrangements for delivery to most areas within Canada for an additional cost.
Can customers from the USA buy from the Canadian dealer?
Sorry, the short answer is no. With the amount of bureaucratic red tape and additional costs associated with selling units back into the US it is not in you, the customers, best interest to buy in Canada. It seems the only way around this quagmire is if you have friends or family in Canada that we can sell to - and then have them resell it to you. On the other hand, if it is closer for you to come to our yard to view a camper, we will be more then glad to show you the units and give you some advise for ordering in the USA.