Trailer Info
 

Highly unlikely I know but I wondered if anybody took any sort of trailer with them to Canada when they left the UK. I have a small sales trailer I intend to take, if and when we finally go. Already had a price for shipping, not too expensive, and I think the only changes I'll have to have make is the tow-bar and electrics which shouldn't be a big job.
Having looked at buying something similar there, they seemed very expensive and I can start booking shows, festivals and football tournaments as soon as I get there. I do this in the UK and have also done a few abroad. I enquired about attending some shows in the Toronto area thinking we would be there by now but 7 months after meds, still waiting.
Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Re: Trailer Info
 

What is a sales trailer? Have you checked your actually allowed to bring it in? I know they have rules for motorbikes and cars - ie they have to be over a certain age.

What advice are you actually after? Whether to bring the trailer or buy one here?

Re: Trailer Info
 

By sales trailer, I think they call it a vendor's trailer. Just wondered if anybody took one what changes they had to make. The one I have is 4m lomg including tow-bar, 3 years old and ready to use. For what I'd get if I sold it, I don't think I could replace it for the same money.
Any info on trailers from UK or Canada would be appreciated also if anybody has any experience on attending shows selling goods at festivals etc, I would be grateful for any advice.
I ought to say that I've been manufacturing and sports and promotional souvenirs in the UK for the last 15+ years. Exported round the world including big store at Niagara Falls, mainly scarves, football, rugby and various other types, intend to very similar if we ever get there.

Re: Trailer Info
 

Trailers here have to be licensed and tested (like and MOT). I am no expert but think that there may be more hoops to jump through than you anticipate.

Re: Trailer Info
 

I would start here - http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publicati...f5048-eng.html.

Re: Trailer Info
 

just had a quick look at trailers in my area not sure if this one is what you have but its to give a guide price it maybe cheaper to buy one here than get yours shipped here

Price : $ 5200
Doors : 2
Exterior Colour : White
Description : 7 x 12 tandem axle, white aluminum exterior, side door, rear ramp door, stoneguard Out the Door Pricing - PRICE INCLUDES FEES AND TAXES CLICK ON OUR LOGO TO SEE MORE! www.fot.ca

Re: Trailer Info
 

I have no idea on the import thing, but guess there must be a way of importing trailers - The utility trailer I had custom built in the USA and imported to Canada did present any difficulties (there must be a priciple there?)

Try searching for "Concession Trailer" which I believe to be the term used in Canada ~ I found a few to be getting on with.....

http://www.miskatrailers.com

http://www.jrpconcessiontrailers.com

http://www.concessiontrailers.com

From the UK to Canada ~ I have 1"7/8 tow ball on my utility trailer and 2" on my caravan (50mm in uk) I think the tow hitch might be OK and adapt to the 2". But the electric hook up is different (4 pin) and the lighting might need to be changed....... Break away chains would have to be fitted to the trailer. My thoughts, as now experienced with the trailers here, in Canada they have electric brake systems, I'm not sure if the (mot) safety inspectors would even begin to understand the cable/hydrolic uk system.

However my guess is your trailer is 8 to 10K GBP worth and therefore spending $2000 or so fitting new hubs, wheels and electric brakes might be worth it...... But really try to check out if you can get it registered/insured (needs a safety first) ~ But I've seen some pretty dodgy trailers on the roads here!! ....... But equally our experience shows that you'll be told one thing by an official body only to find out something different once it's too late (but that's a whole new post that has been aired before)

All the best..........

Re: Trailer Info
 

we came by a used 12'x7'trailer eight weeks ago,the trailers here have 4 wires for ones without independent brakes or 7 wires with. most cars/ trucks have boltholes and a plug to the rear for the likes of uhaul to fit a hitch complete with a built in plug to finish the job.( for about $250) the extra insurance for the trailer cost us about $150.a year. if you want to use it year round you will need a 4x4.
the safety chains are fixed to the trailer when you join it to your hitch you clip the chains to eyelets that are part of the hitch.
the trailer will have its own number plate different from you car/van.if you look on car/van owners clubs websites you can get advice on how good/bad they are at towing.

Re: Trailer Info
 

Thanks for the replies and info on websites. it looks like I'll have to sell my trailer in the UK. The main reason I wanted to take it with me was because its ready to use with a counter, flag holders and sign written (generic) and I could have got to work with it straight away. I had looked at the websites mentioned before and they are predominantly food and very expensive. We had 2 made from scratch by the firm who produce them for Blue Line Trailers, not too big, I think mine paid for itself in 2 months.
I'm slightly lucky because my brother-in-law has a licence to buy crash cars, trucks, trailers, etc. directly from the BC pound on Vancouver Island and he repairs them, so I'll get 1 shipped across to Toronto, if we ever get there.
I plan to work football tournaments amongst other things, so hope to be there in time for next year's World Cup. The selection of football (not soccer) merchandise in Canada isn't that good and I also have a full size replica of the European and FA Cup to have your picture taken with them, so fingers crossed.

Re: Trailer Info
 

Have you checked to make sure you can do this. You cannot just show up as an event and start selling nor sell by the road side. You also need a business license in the municipality you are selling in and have to apply to and pay the event organiser if they let you in, many large events are closed to outside vendors. Just observations, don't know what research you have done.

You are talking about football not soccer and then mention the FA cup, which is soccer. Somewhat confusing.

Re: Trailer Info
 

Dear Aviator
Thanks for the advice, I realise you can't just turn up at shows and I plan to do things in the correct manner, the same as I do in the UK. My company is VAT registered, have public liability insurance, etc.
Statistically, football is the biggest game in Canada (most registered participants).
It's football not soccer, always will be as far as I'm concerned.

Re: Trailer Info
 

You'll need to get rid of that attitude if you want to succeed in your venture, for starters. Association Football is called soccer in this country - get over yourself. Football here refers to NFL or CFL - unless you want to start selling replica Grey Cups and Argos/TiCats kits you'll not get much support at football tournaments.

Why would anyone want to have their picture taken with a replica European Cup? It's meaningless to almost everyone here. World Cup, I can somewhat understand, although you need to get used to calling it the FIFA World Cup, to distinguish it from all the other World Cups.

Re: Trailer Info
 

I daresay you'd have more takers with a replica of the NASCAR Sprint Cup...

Re: Trailer Info
 

As I said, statistically football is the biggest sport in Canada, so I think the people who follow the Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portugese, Scottish, Spanish, Leagues (and others) will know what the European Cup is. Some of the biggest football tournaments in North America are in Canada, I've attended a few when I've visited Toronto over the last 8 years. The highest aggregate attendances for any FIFA U-21 World Cup Tournament was in Canada.
I don't know enough about hockey, baseball, CFL, NASCAR, lacrosse or other popular sports. or where to purchase their merchandise, so I think its best to stick to what I know. There are far better choices of goods from established sports retailers in Canada than I could ever dream of competing with, not the same for the football. I've exported quite a diverse range of international and national team souvenirs over the last few years and apparently God loves a tryer,so we'll have to wait and see.

Re: Trailer Info
 

I understand your sceptisism about why anyone would want their picture taken with a replica trophy but I can assure you they do. The European Cup replica I've got is the original size, 33"" and the guy sells them for £1500.00 each, to date he's only had 25 made. Why does anybody want a match scarf or badge (pin) ?, fortunately they do. I know there was a match scarf for the MLS v West Ham game last year and they were sold out.
Ask the fans of Toronto FC (football club) if you can get a ticket, if it's football or soccer