Canadian test equipment import fees? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: GTA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2020, 01:56:26 am
content: As with a lot of people here, I'm looking to get a cheap first scope and saw Hantek's DPO6084C on Aliexpress at a good CAD$ price plus pretty cheap shipping as well. However, I'm afraid to pull the trigger on it because I don't want to be whacked with import duties and fees.I've also spoken to the "Canadian distributor" for Hantek scopes but he tells me that the next shipment is in the next couple of months and there's no definitive date because of covid. I'd like to buy from him but I'm not sure I can wait for 'the next couple of months'.I've bought small stuff from Aliexpress. They've arrived in a decent time, and never got dinged for anything yet. But they're mostly $5 to $20 packages so I guess the revenue agency doesn't really bother with them. However, they may hold out their hands for larger and higher priced items.Can anyone in Canada share their experiences buying higher value test equipment from Aliexpress and shipped to you? Any input would greatly increase my chances of making the right decision.Thanks!

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2020, 04:58:18 am
content: I don't know how much this scope is, but anything I buy from aliexpress or ebay, I consider it "lost" money if I have to send it back for warranty or repair. The cost of sending from Canada to China with tracking information may be $50 CAD or more. And for sure, the seller will want you to send it with tracking info and signature checks, etc.If you buy from a local distributor, check what the warranty is and how it works. If you ever need it and can drop it off locally for repair, that's a lot better than sending it back to China.And yes CRA will impose taxes on you for sure. They don't bother with the card sized packages that contain "electronics" with a $2 value, but they will inspect your scope and impose taxes.And yes, I did try to look at the scope on aliexpress, but I get this stupid slide to verify met with a500 Internal Server ErrorThe server encountered an internal error or misconfiguration and was unable to complete your request.Yes, that inspires a lot of confidence in me when spending major $. NOT.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2020, 02:26:01 pm
content: For equipement like this forget aliexpress or any reseller outside america continentI know that exchanges rates is killing canadian customersBeen there done that for expensive stuff, huge custom fees, even for cheap stuff could be waiting for you.And you may end with warranty issues too ...Check with many carriers like DHL EMS etc .... sometimes it went smoothly with dhl, sometimes not lolll

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2020, 03:26:15 pm
content: You will pay HST for sure and you will not have local warranty, likely your Canadian distributor will tell you ship it to china for repair since it was not bought here. If shipping to you will be by any courier other than postal service, the courier will charge you their fees which likely will include brokerage service fees, processing fees and other fees they feel they are entitled to. I would never ever buy test equipment from ali or china for that matter.

author: GTA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2020, 04:05:54 pm
content: Thanks guys. I kinda figured that they need their cut to offset the CERB programs and such, LOL!BTW, here's the link to the scope I'm interested in (if anyone is interested):https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001089794621.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.71313c00fK8My2&mp=1Yes, the Canadian distributor did inform me he only warranties the scope if purchased from him - that only makes sense.You're quite right that the CAD$ is trashed right now.After perusing some posts on this forum on scope purchases, it definitely makes sense to buy locally so I've contacted the local distributor and will have to wait for the 'slow boat from China'.In the meantime, I can borrow an old Grundig analog from my friend to use. Back to manual calculations! Now where's my scientific calculator..?

author: MasterT
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2020, 04:43:14 pm
content: Check this out:https://www.rigolcanada.com/products/digital-oscilloscopes/1000z/

author: Kosmic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2020, 05:02:23 pm
content: Almost everything I ordered from China came in with a super low declared value. So I don't think I ever paid any tax.And if you order from ebay or aliexpress you are covered by their protection if the package never make it or if the item is DOA.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 02:02:58 am
content: But if the package is suspiscious in a way its wrongly identified or declared ... if you declare a gift for 100$ and Rigol is printed on the box loll@kosmic, i had bought in the past on Ebay a really cheap usb radio for less than 40$ cad, and oh big suprise even declared as a gift, they charged me 40$ import fees lollYou have no garanties if the package will slide okay at custom, or some zealous dude will have a fun with your package, bought items on Ali for 300$ usd and 25$ usd with DHL shipping, a big box, and never had any surpriseImported stuff from Germany and it was a nightmare

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 03:59:39 am
content: Quote from: GTA on September 23, 2020, 01:56:26 amHave a look at the prices on Amazon. They ship from the same Chinese sellers these days so often there isn't much difference and you know you won't be in for any surprises.

author: GTA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 02:58:44 pm
content: @MasterT - I've thought about both the DS1202Z-E & DS1054Z. Great deals and extended warranties but I'm leaning towards newer hardware as well as CAN & LIN buses (which these don't offer) for when I troubleshoot cars.@Fungus - I've looked at possible sources including Amazon, eBay tequipement, salieg... Unfortunately, the prices you see on Amazon.com is not the same as Amazon.ca. We're at a disadvantage being a smaller market, I'm afraid.And as for the import fees, I don't really want to roll the dice with customs, even though they may be swamped in our current situation. My income stream has dried off and I'm left with time on my hands, which is why I decided to play with stuff to pass time until all this cr@p blows over.Thanks again for each and every comment. Great community! I'm glad I joined up. And rest assured, I'll be pick your minds once I get to a certain level, LOL!

author: drussell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 03:45:00 pm
content: tequipment.net calculates your fees and duty at the checkout screen, guaranteed no extra import fees, if you can find something there that will fit your requirements. They don't stock Hantek, though.They used to have a discount code for EEVblog members, though I'm not sure if that was just on the 1054Z, but if you talk to their sales people in the webchat before you actually checkout, you may well be able to knock a few extra percent off the base prices.No affiliation.

author: drussell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 03:50:02 pm
content: Oh, and as for sniffing CAN, you may find that a dedicated solution for that is more desirable anyway. There are many options including everything from a cheap ELM327 like I use here for my vehicle diagnostic needs and some appropriate software, to Arduino shields with CAN transceivers on them, etc.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 05:34:46 pm
content: Quote from: GTA on September 24, 2020, 02:58:44 pmThat's the sort of thing you should say in the first post.MigSigs are great 'scopes, they're portable, they do those buses.http://www.micsig.com/html/30.htmlIf you're working on cars a lot then the convenience of form factor and battery power might be worth the extra bucks over Rigol/Siglent.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/micsig-sto1000-smart-oscilloscope-operation-video/msg3238008/#msg3238008

author: GTA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 04:03:42 pm
content: QuoteQuoteCAN/LIN is a nice to have since I work on mine and my family's vehicles, though I haven't had a need to decode these buses yet. True that there are dedicated sniffers that do a better job, I figure since I'm buying a scope, why not get one that's capable and can be used in a pinch.It would be my main bench scope for simple electronic repairs and circuits and, like everyone else, I'm looking for the best bang for the buck. The more I research, the more I capabilities I discover on modern scopes, like Bode plotting. This would be one feature that I would definitely use, which is why I'm so hot on the Hantek DPO6084C with their built-in function generator and Bode plot functionality.Deep memory, 4-chan with separate controls, AWG, serial decode, responsive controls, newer colour gradient display, good FFT. etc can be had without breaking the bank on the newer scopes.It sounds like I'm asking for a lot but it'll be a one time deal for me. It will be one piece of test gear that I will use for years to come so I really do need to make a smart choice - and also the warranty; since anything can happen with modern devices built to a price.The more I research, the more confused I get on what to purchase. Sighhhh....But your inputs are very welcome and enlightening. keep them coming and we'll beat this horse to death once more, LOL!

author: drussell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 04:28:46 pm
content: Quote from: GTA on September 25, 2020, 04:03:42 pmYeah, take your time and figure out what you really want at your eventually decided price point, then buy from somewhere reputable with proper warranty. Spend the extra few bucks if you need to, it's a long-term buy. If you do end up deciding on the Hantek, you're probably best to wait until you can get one through the proper supply channel.QuoteWell really, all things considered, that's notactuallya terrible problem to have. Back in the day, there were oftenveryfew choices in situations like these! Now you havetoomany choices to be able to easily make up your mind.

author: GTA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 05:15:54 pm
content: ^^ So true on choices.One thing I find rather unsettling is why this Hantek DPO6000 series is so rare on the 'interwebs'. It seem to have been released late 2017 / early 2018, yet there's very little information or retailers offering them. Other than my local source (no immediate stock) and the Aliexpress link I posted above, no one sells them. Even Hantek's own store on Aliexpress doesn't list this series. One would think they would be marketed like a car commercial - "Look, our new oscilloscope beats our competition and can take you to the top of Everest. Take this model out for a test drive and get a free toaster!"Very strange.

author: MasterT
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 05:17:52 pm
content: Quote from: GTA on September 25, 2020, 04:03:42 pmI had the same line of thinking back in 2015, when I get DSO4072C Hantec, from sainsmart (china reseller). Arrived with DHL in a week, duty/custom not very high -25CAD or so.Fan start squeaking after a few month, so I have to remove it.Encoders becomes glitchy after 3 years,, and get to the stage "impossible to set" a year after.Not sure I could repair, there is a post on this forum telling smd diodes on front panel likely be a cause.Software hmm., read from this:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hantek-oscilloscopes-any-opinions/msg2404695/#msg2404695Last summer get Rigol, and enjoying. Knocking on a wood...Not advocating for any particular maker, just telling my story. The only good things about hantec is build in SG, even one channel 25MHz, pitty my new gear doesn't have one.

author: drussell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 05:33:48 pm
content: Quote from: GTA on September 25, 2020, 05:15:54 pmIt's an ultra-cheap Chinese scope with poor market penetration.You can't expect reputable suppliers to carry something like that, hence the reason why it isn't more widely available. They generally don't want the headaches of selling the ultra-cheap-Chinese-gear end of the market.At least with something like a 1054Z, they've sold tons of them so finding replacement parts from scrapped units in the future should be relatively easier. If something goes wrong with your Hantek in 4, 5 or 10 years, you'll pretty much have no hope of repairing it by finding parts and modules from scrapped units. YMMV, of course.

author: GTA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 05:51:45 pm
content: QuoteWhich Rigol did you get?@drussel - So Hantek is considered the 'low end' of the low end then? Hmmmm...makes sense if you put it that way. If that's the case, then I should be looking elsewhere? What scope do you have, if you don't mind me asking?The confusion continues as I've never had the opportunity to use a modern scope, much less compare competing models. I really haven't used a scope in nearly three decades and I'm just fascinated with the capabilities of newer scopes but choosing without a test drive is not something I normally do.After hearing of Hantek and their reputation, I'm shifting my search and narrowed it down to to either the Siglent SDS1104X-E (CAD$638 on Amazon.ca) or the Rigol DS1054Z (CAD$472 at Electro-Meters with 5 year warranty until the end of Sept/20). There's $190 difference in price after factoring the GST. Is the Siglent $190 'better' than the Rigol? < Yep, that's a loaded question, LOL.

author: MasterT
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 06:02:51 pm
content: Rigol DS1202Z-E, they had ~20% lower price at that time

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 11:45:07 pm
content: Quote from: GTA on September 25, 2020, 04:03:42 pmThe Siglent is onlyone data pint on the list of "scopes worth owning". How did you arrive at your budget?Quote from: GTA on September 25, 2020, 04:03:42 pmIt's a scale. There's no right answer, only "what features do youneed?, and "which one is nearest your budget?"If it's once-in-a-lifetime then it might be worth spending a bit more. If you don't need those features then it might be worth spending less ang get a decent multimeter with the difference.PS: No 8-bit oscilloscope will come anywhere close to the cheapest 16-bit PC sound card for bode plots or FFTs in the audio range.

author: GTA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2020, 01:01:01 am
content: QuoteSiglent (Amazon.ca - Jason Chono emailed me that their warranty is valid for Amazon purchases) and Rigol (Local dealer - 20 min drive from my house) are really my only two choices. The other 2 distributors of scopes are way more expensive when comparing apples to apples. I ruled out the GDS1054B because the local Instek dealer told me it'll be CAD$660!...I nearly fell to the floor!!! And that's not factoring GST (Canadian retail taxes). She said something about Canadian certification BS that ups the retail price - I stopped listening after she gave me the quote. Tequipment sells the same scope for US$310. Factoring in the shipping and exchange, it should be just less than CAD$500 but I have to ship to the US for warranty. 50% more for the same scope? Nein, nope, not a chance! And the Hantek is months away.So to answer your question, I'm limited in what I can get in the Great White North and I based my budget on what I can get them for. Yeah, sucks to be non-American for choices.QuoteI have a decent Fluke multimeter and have fixed easy stuff in the past with it but I gave up on other repairs because I don't have a scope.QuoteCan a cheapie sound card reproduce sweeps and good looking waves? Is there SW to do that? I have no idea. How far up in freq can it achieve? If I had a scope I could find outIf I choose the Rigol, I can pocket $190 and maybe buy a sig gen with the difference whereas the Siglent is a more modern and better HW device and should suffice for long term ownership. I have until Sept. 30 before the 5 year warranty promotion (normally 3 years) is up with the Rigol Z series.

author: drussell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2020, 03:35:02 am
content: Quote from: GTA on September 26, 2020, 01:01:01 amAccording to the tequipment.net website, I could get one of those GDS1054B delivered to my front door for less than $500 CAD... Before EEVblog forum member discount codes.... For another, like $25, I can have it next week... Where, exactly are you shipping to??!

author: drussell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2020, 03:50:46 am
content: Quote from: GTA on September 26, 2020, 01:01:01 amLOL... I obviously didn't actually read the rest of your paragraph...Apparently you've forgotten to figure the current value of the CAD at ¾ of a USD and neglecting shipping when arguing that it's super expensive here.$490 CAD, delivered, landed, taxes paid for an entry level scope in Canada is a bargain.Pick what model you want and just buy it instead of lamenting the fact that our dollar isn't above par right now.

author: drussell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2020, 03:55:31 am
content: Quote from: GTA on September 26, 2020, 01:01:01 amWarranty is usually handled the same for US and Canada by most manufacturers, unlike places like China, but YMMV....On the other hand, it is normally less expensive anyway for me to ship something to anywhere in the US than it is to across the street.... Even like a simple 12AU7 vacuum tube... So you mightwantto ship it south for warranty if the need arises.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2020, 11:55:48 am
content: Quote from: GTA on September 26, 2020, 01:01:01 amYes. (it has inputsandoutputs)Quote from: GTA on September 26, 2020, 01:01:01 amYes.eg. This is free:https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/article/turn-your-computers-sound-card-into-a-scopeQuote from: GTA on September 26, 2020, 01:01:01 amThat depends on the sound card, but "audio range".

author: GTA
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 26, 2020, 03:11:23 pm
content: QuoteYes, it's a bargain at less than CAD$500 and I've just added it to my list. I'm currently doing some research on it as some say it is performs better that the 1054Z and it has separate chan controls, better FFT, has CAN/LIN, etc. And it's apparently hack-able to 100MHz.Even though I'm still a little concerned about the warranty aspect of it, it's now a contender again, LOL! This may not be a concern if these are well made and has a good track record. I'll spend some time this weekend to check read this forum on the quality of the GDS1054B.UPDATE: I've pulled the trigger on the Instek as it seems like it's capable of what I need without breaking the bank. Time will tell but many on this forum don't really fault it's performance for the price, except for it's lack of grey-scaling and segmented memory. And I got the EEVBlog discount to boot - Thanks Tequipment!I hope the BW hack still works on this, not that I really need to do it. As long as it's an option.