FocusCanada Forums

So I'm re-doing the backsplash in my kitchen and shopping for new tiles and all that stuff.

As some of you know my soapbox is all about the difference in price between Canada and the US for the same product during a time of currency parity - so here it goes again.

Acrylpro Ceramic Tile Adhesive, 1 gallon size ... made in Canada.

Home Depot USA: 12.97

Home Depot Canada: 22.49 (73% more expensive)


I mean really, WTF

Ken you should seriously start up a big box store called Northern Imports. Even with a 40% markup, you'd make a killing.

This is why I'm over in the States every few weeks... Everything from tires, car parts, building materials, kids clothes, etc. I'm glad I live 20 minutes from the border.

thats crazy !

That is a crazy difference...but why not just use thinset?

(09-08-2012, 02:19 AM)hardk0re Wrote: [ -> ]That is a crazy difference...but why not just use thinset?

If I go with a bigger tile I may just do that - but for really small tiles I like the convenience and immediate hold of the acrylic.

I am constantly comparing prices on my big ticket purchases and have to say that they are typically 25% or more cheaper in the US.

Its stupid the differnce in tires , $168 per tire here ,in the states for the same tire its $98 per tire.

(09-08-2012, 06:05 AM)adamzx5 Wrote: [ -> ]Its stupid the differnce in tires , $168 per tire here ,in the states for the same tire its $98 per tire.

That is why I have bought my last two sets of tires from Ken.

(09-07-2012, 11:00 PM)Oscar The Grouch Wrote: [ -> ]Ken you should seriously start up a big box store called Northern Imports. Even with a 40% markup, you'd make a killing.

Actually Oscar what I've been thinking about doing is setting up a neighbourhood co-op with a website and everything and taking orders for all kinds of s**t.

For example: my kids go through milk like you wouldn't believe - at costco here 4 litres is $4 and change - a gallon of milk (3.78 L) at Sam's Club in the US is 1.96.

There's the adhesive example above - the tiles themselves are 35% cheaper - same tile both from Home Depot but different sides of the border ... and yeah the tire example is crazy.

Between you guys, my family, my neighbours and myself I've imported 36 sets of tires in the past 4 years and that's not to mention the 20 some odd sets of rims.

Frankly if it was a difference of say 10 or 15% I for one wouldn't bother to do this and it wouldn't bother me to pay the extra ... but for 35, 40, 50 and sometimes 60% difference it's just too much cash to leave on the table.

And don't forget the beer!!!! For 18.99 you get a 30 pack of cans that we pay 45.00 for here and they import it from us. By the time I pay the can return and the cross the border fees, it works out to $35/case or just over a buck a beer.

(09-09-2012, 12:03 AM)meford4u Wrote: [ -> ]And don't forget the beer!!!! For 18.99 you get a 30 pack of cans that we pay 45.00 for here and they import it from us. By the time I pay the can return and the cross the border fees, it works out to $35/case or just over a buck a beer.

Where do you get a 30 pack for 18.99 - that's way less than they sell it at Sam's Club.

lmao funny story about buying beer in the states. I was at a Walmart just outside of Chicago and they wouldnt sell me any alcohal because they didnt know where my i.d is from. :p and then once they found out they asked the typical american question , is it cold up there?

(09-09-2012, 12:37 AM)ZTWsquared Wrote: [ -> ]

(09-09-2012, 12:03 AM)meford4u Wrote: [ -> ]And don't forget the beer!!!! For 18.99 you get a 30 pack of cans that we pay 45.00 for here and they import it from us. By the time I pay the can return and the cross the border fees, it works out to $35/case or just over a buck a beer.

Where do you get a 30 pack for 18.99 - that's way less than they sell it at Sam's Club.

Top's has it all the time. I buy Bud, Blue and Coor's for that price all the time. The deposit brings the price up closer to $22 and then $13 for over the border fees. What beer are you looking at Sam's club?

yeah, I am installing my bathroom int he basement and blown away by the prices. Was looking at the "touch" taps where you just touch them to tun off/of the water faucet. big time price differences.

My coworker saved 10k by buying his stuff in Masena versus Ottawa for finishing his basement.

Tops is awesome!
Wide mouth Coors Light cans are almost half.
If you can qualify for a Tops card, s**t is all most 2 for 1 in many cases.

(09-11-2012, 01:42 AM)reldridge Wrote: [ -> ]My coworker saved 10k by buying his stuff in Masena versus Ottawa for finishing his basement.

I believe it. Some of the price differences are crazy.

Just got back from my trip over the river and beer was on sale!!!! God Bless America.

(09-11-2012, 11:07 AM)meford4u Wrote: [ -> ]Just got back from my trip over the river and beer was on sale!!!! God Bless America.

I'm going down Thursday to pick up the Plasti Dip and about $1500 worth of other stuff, and while I'm down there I'm signing up for one of those Tops BonusPlus cards - gonna get me some of those 2 for 1 beers.