Cross-border shopping this weekend? Duty and tax?

[babyluck]

I shop every week and get Gas in the US. I find it hard to justify $30-40 more here for a tank of gas and 2.49 for a gallon of Chocolate Milk compaired to a 4L here that costs upwards of $8. Bread is .49 or $1.00. I can get a pound of butter for $1.50. I wish that I could shop more in Canada and I know a lot of people disagree with it, but I care about my personal econmic situation too. I can easily save $150 a week on groceries. For a one income family that is huge. Id rather stay at home with my family and shop in US than work outside of the home and shop in Canada. I know a lot of people feel very strongly about cross boarder shopping, its just that prices are so far apart that it makes a world of difference to our bottom line each month. I hope things will come more into line one day.

I totally agree with you. I'm not saying I don't want to support canadian economy, if I had a choice, i'm behind canadian economy 100%, but honestly, a lot of us just working to make ends meat, the price does make a difference. We're a single income family too, I have to try to save a penny however I can.

[babyluck]

It all depends on the border guards mood really. Silly I know but I've had to pay tax on a $30 pair of shoes but waved through with over $500 in a half day. Odd yes!

However I do believe they are raising the limits soon? It was announced when they said the penny was nixed. Either that or make friends with a native, no limits.

However if I feel like shopping a few times a year cross border I don't think I'm hurting the economy here, if so maybe the retailers here should carry more selection and lower prices. Until that happens i'm stateside.

I don't usually buy a lot of stuff there anyway, I don't have a big budget to work with.
I love the kids clothes seletion there, with same amount of money, I can either buy clothes for one child for one season, or I buy for all three of them. That's how I look at it.

[babyluck]

I'm sure we get all that money back in Canada when all the 19 year old kids from the US cross the border to drink.