Why Buy Equipment in Canada Instead of Importing from the U.S.
A U.S. machine usually looks cheaper on the sticker. Add the exchange rate, duties, brokerage, and cross-border freight and the gap narrows quickly. Here is what it actually costs.
What Does Importing Really Cost?
Enter a U.S. equipment price to see the true landed cost in Canada. The gap tends to close faster than people expect, and often reverses.
U.S. Import Scenario
Defaults based on typical commercial equipment imports. Adjust to match your situation.
True Landed Cost (Importing)
Buy from Prolift Canada
Buying Canadian vs. Importing from the U.S.
| Buy from Prolift Canada | Import from the U.S. | |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | CAD, no conversion needed | USD, subject to exchange rate fluctuations |
| Customs duties | None | 5–8% of declared value |
| Brokerage fees | None | $250–$500 per shipment |
| GST/HST | On purchase price only | On total landed cost (price + duty + freight) |
| Freight | 1–2 weeks, domestic rates | 4–6 weeks, cross-border + customs delays |
| Warranty service | Local, same province, same-day response | Cross-border, ship back to the U.S., weeks of downtime |
| Technical support | Phone/email, same time zone | International call, potential language/timezone gaps |
| Parts availability | Canadian stock, no import wait | Ship from U.S. warehouse, customs clearance again |
Six Reasons to Buy Canadian
No Currency Risk
Pay in CAD. The number on the quote is the number on the invoice, whatever the exchange rate does in between.
Zero Import Duties
Buying from a Canadian supplier means no customs duties or brokerage fees, and no paperwork at the border.
Faster Delivery
Domestic shipping: 1–2 weeks. No customs holds, and no surprise delays.
Local Warranty & Support
When a machine goes down mid-project you are calling someone in the same province and time zone, and usually hearing back the same day.
Simpler Procurement
Canadian invoicing and tax receipts, and no foreign vendor to set up in your accounting system.
Support Canadian Business
Canadian-owned and based in British Columbia, so the money stays in the country.
Zero-Downtime Support
When your $250K glazing project stops because your imported machine needs warranty service, who picks up the phone?
We do. Same province, same time zone. No cross-border shipping for parts. No weeks of downtime waiting for an international warranty claim. Local support isn't a perk; it's insurance against lost revenue.
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