Archive for 2008

Jul 07 2008

Class action against FedEx Trade Networks

Published by under Cross border shopping

I’ve been amazed by how FedEx Trade Networks (and other couriers) could charge a hefty brokerage fee for very little service and get away by doing so like an unalienable right.

Well, Mr. Matt Blackman of North Vancouver, British Columbia decided to stand up and filed a class action against Fedex Trade Networks and Fedex Ground Package System. According to the statement of claims (No. S066949 dated 01/23/07) in the Supreme Court of BC, Mr. Matt Blackman ordered automotive accessories from Santa Monica, CA, which were delivered to his home by Fedex.

Subsequent to delivery and by a letter dated June 16, 2006, Fedex demanded payment from the Plaintiff of the following Improper Charges:
(a) Brokerage fee: $27.00
(b) GST calculated on brokerage fee: $1.89
(c) Disbursement fee: $5.75
(d) GST calculated on disbursement fee: $0.40
(e) Total Improper Charges: $35.04

… The Disbursement fee of $5.75 amounts to interest charged by Fedex on the funds advanced for the payment of GST and PST calculated on the value of the goods shipped and represents a “criminal rate” of interest as set out in s.347 (2) of the Criminal Code in that it substantially exceeds 60% which is the maximum annual rate of interest allowed to be charged on credit advanced.

All BC residents being charged by Fedex for disbursement fees can be part of the class action. You can read the court filing here.

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Jun 16 2008

Canadians and Americans are indistinguishable

Published by under Canada vs. US

As Canadian, we strongly feel that we are different from Americans. The Molson “Rant” ads for Canadian beer recounted all the differences. However Americans don’t appreciate it so. There goes the saying,

Canadians and Americans are indistinguishable. The only way to distinguish them is to make the previous statement in front of them”.

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Jun 14 2008

Canadians still pay more

Published by under Cross border shopping

Over 8 month back when “Better Value in Dollar” site was being built, I thought we Canadian will soon get the good prices of Americans. Sadly, this is not true, after a strong show of Canadian economy and the Lonnie.

Douglas Porter, deputy chief economist at Bank of Montreal, published another survey result of 19 essential daily products (coffee, doughnuts, books, and handbags, etc.) yesterday. Canadians are still paying 18% more than US counterparts, before taxes are calculated. This gap is better than a year ago at 24%. Your dollar has better value south of the border.

We have found a different way to get a good bargain. You can mail order (usually cheaper than regular store price) and deliver to the border for pick up. Read our article here.

BTW, though Americans are screaming for high gas price, they are only paying a national average of US$1.07/liter (US$4.05/gallon), comparing with Canadian national average of CA$1.31/liter). Well, fellow Canadians, it may be worthwhile shopping for gas across the border.

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