Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

That 60p per litre price converts to $0.96 per litre in Canadian funds.

If I buy milk at $3.79 for four litres that works out to be $0.94 per litre (58p per litre).

Even if I pay $3.99 for milk that works out to be $0.99 per litre (61p per litre).

So no, milk is not more expensive here.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Milk is that cheap everywhere around here. I don't buy it at Metro because it is one of the more expensive stores but even Fortinos, which is also expensive, sells milk for $3.99 (see above, as I grabbed some for my parents today).

And if anyone doesn't believe me I'll be at my parent's place later this evening and I'll grab the receipt, scan it, and post the image here as proof.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

What the hell are you talking about?

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

If you're comparing lowest price against lowest price, you'd have to use 50p not 60p as the comparison. 50p litre milk is readily available in Tesco. Some other stores might even have cheaper milk (I haven't checked). But from what other posters have said, $3.79 is rock-bottom in Canada, and many pay more than that. I think most people on here would agree that milk is slightly more expensive in Canada.

Ok, it would seem that Iceland supermarket sells milk at 44p / litre, so that is the price you would have to be below. http://groceries.iceland.co.uk/fresh-whole-milk

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Rock bottom price is $3.49 (for 4L) and it goes on sale at that price at some store about once a month. And if it is in their flyer (ie. if you can prove it by taking the flyer with you) stores like Walmart, No Frills, and Freshco will do a price match and meet that price (they all openly promote that they price match).

That rock bottom price works out to be $0.87 per litre which, when converted, works out to be 53p per litre. So if we are comparing rock bottom prices it is slightly higher here but not by much at all and average prices are about the same. But when one considers the fact that salaries are higher in Canada than they are in Britain, it takes a smaller portion of your salary to buy that milk here than it does in Britain.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Of course milk is more expensive in Canada, that's why Canadian's flock to their nearest Costco in the US and piss off all the locals. We have been branded milk piranha's

http://cdn.soundpublishing.com/daily...%20150x120.png

http://www.kirotv.com/videos/news/vi...-costco/vDx2N/

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Salaries aren't always higher in Canada. Minimum wage is $8.25 in Ontario and 6.31 in the UK.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

I think it's $10.25 in Ontario

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Really? Let me google

Yes it is, so that's 6.35 pounds.

Ugh too many mojitos today to work out the implications.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

:confused: Since when are all salaries higher in Canada?! My husband couldn't earn the same as he does here in Canada, he only went to the Canadian office because they kept him on the same salary, otherwise he'd have been on a lot less. Some salaries might be higher, but not all are.

Anyway, I'm not sure why we're all quibbling over a pint of milk or a £35 MOT. It seems that the statement made above about milk/dairy being more expensive in Canada is true, but as we all know there are other things that are cheaper.

Some think the UK is cheaper, some (well, Colchar ;):lol:) think Canada is, but most agree that it usually evens out in the end.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

I think you're just inexperienced buying things, haven't learned all the tricks. :lol:

Food choice is bad in Calgary because of the shipping, not sure I'd say it's more expensive, depends on what you're buying. If only because GST is less than VAT and GST and VAT are applied to certain food items.

There is a free trade agreement, NAFTA, however duty is still applied to things that are outside of NAFTA (or the various other FTAs Canada has with latin American countries) and shipped through the US, so if you go to the US and buy something made in India, it's going to have tax applied.

If you buy stuff from the US, concentrate on companies that are GST registered, a lot of them are, then there are no customs brokerage fees. I know people who use mailbox companies in Sweet Grass etc. also so they go down there and fetch stuff.

Also in Calgary there is simply a lot of demand for used things because it's growing quickly, that is the reason why used cars are relatively expensive. Go to the US and buy one. www.riv.ca

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

That's because of protectionism in Canada, one of the main sticking points of the proposed Canada-EU FTA.

It's stupid because Canada produces three times as much food as is needed to feed the population, but other countries impose controls on Canadian imports because of the Canadian tariffs.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/Da...609/story.html

Small quantities are exempt, so hence everyone near the border goes to the US.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Thanks Steve_ : Hubby had researched buying cars from the US, but even with that, comes a whole load of import costs to negotiate. There is certainly A LOT more choice when buying from the US, and also the cars are in better condition the further south you look.....

Yes, no doubt we are inexperienced in knowing where to buy things, and what to look for, so its been good to read people's comments!

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

I honestly have no idea how much groceries go for in the UK, I compare with the US, Loblaw's (aka Canadian Superstore, etc.) seems to me generally cheaper than the US equivalents.

US gallon of Tropicana for example is $7.99 at Loblaw's, never see it that cheap in the US.

You need to shop around to get good deals (duh), buying on the web in Canada isn't the option it is in other countries because of the high postal costs and you can't avoid the tax, so it often makes more sense to go to a STORE. And imx you're better off sticking to Canadian stores rather than US chains. A good example being Vision's electronics instead of Best Buy/Future Shop.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

A lot of private car sellers don't have service histories either, and all a service history will show you is that the oil has been changed every so many kms because that's pretty much all they do for most routine services. That said I've met a few private sellers who expect the value of their car to have increased since they bought it because it has been serviced or had parts replaced :confused:

Food wise we find some things are cheaper and some things are more expensive - just get a large freezer, join Costco and buy the special offers.....

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Yeah, it's a faff, one tip is to have the car converted to Canadian spec in the US, this is usually just a case of having the DRLs turned on by a dealer. But yeah, have to make an appointment with CBP, have to get it cleared by CBSA, have to get a temporary registration, have to get it inspected, have any changes made then get it registered, ad naseum - but it usually is cheaper.

And dealers in Canada try and scare you out of it, "the warranty won't be honoured" - well not really an issue on a used car and if you live near the border, not a major issue on a new car, don't buy a crap car that will need warranty coverage or is not honoured in Canada. I've bought tires from the US, had any number of people tell me that they're not "Canadian spec" - the only difference is the US DOT approval stamp on them as far as I can see.

In fact on the warranty, sometimes it is a better warranty than the Canadian one so it is worth your time to go to the US for warranty issues.

They are supposed to be working on harmonizing all the safety requirements for cars.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

It really depends on the product, things that are popular in Canada are usually always cheaper, for example fruit juice as you mentioned - Canadians consume the most in the world, and Mac and Cheese dinners, since again it's very popular here. But anything Dairy and the price does go up, the one that infuriates me is Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, $3.50 at Target US but over $7 in Canada.

Cleaning products are also cheaper, I can get a 72 pack of Finish Quantum Dishwasher tablets for $12 at Target US, but in Canada they're usually $19. Lysol is cheap in the US too - around $1 for a huge spray bottle.

I do find the main reason I get groceries in the US is more for the alternative selection of product that aren't available in Canada, such as Quorn burgers and Starbucks frappuccino multipacks ($5 at target).

I was rather annoyed when Target Canada opened they changed the recipe of their nice market pantry coleslaw from the proper Coleslaw they sell in the US stores to that horrible green mush for the Canadian market. :thumbdown:

Sometimes, I did have it happen once where it was cheaper to buy a computer keyboard online than anywhere else, and that was from HookBag.ca so sometimes you can't completely rule it out.

Eh, well for one Best Buy and Future Shop are both owned by...Future Shop, which is a Canadian chain. And secondly, yes sometimes Visions sometimes have good deals on but it's one of these places where the sales staff direct you to the most expensive model of the product you are looking for, but then once you start looking around you find another product that does the same thing for $200 less. I actually dislike a lot of Canadian stores for this old-fashioned hardsell approach, The Brick is another store I dislike going into for the same reason. I prefer the more modern approach of just having the products laid out with all the information so I can make my own choice.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

With cars it's just the fact there isn't a tough MOT test it seems.

Our car here is just about to touch 170,000kms. It's just a standard saloon car. Back home you'd probably be getting rid of it for a few hundred quid or at least spending that every year just to get it through the MOT. Here it's regarded as "middle aged" with an expectation you could easily get another 5 years out of it (at least) provided you change the oil regularly enough.

For furniture, when I was moving last month we tried to get rid of a pull out couch and a decent sized ikea type wardrobe. Both were in good condition. Barely even a peep at $50. In the end we couldn't even give them away and I just scrapped the wardrobe and donated the couch to the good will shop.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

I earn more here than I ever did in the UK.

My tax bill is also a bit lower here too. Take home about $50/£30 a week more here than I would in the UK at the same wage level

In my experience Canada is probably the more expensive to live in though. Rent is certainly more. I find most food that I eat tends to cost more. Owning a car certainly works out costing more than the UK. Gas is cheaper but I drive far longer distances here. Did the guts of 800km in just the past few days. Back home that would be close to 3 weeks driving. I've been able to get cell phone and internet at roughly the same as I'd pay back in the UK.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

When looking for second hand goods, don't look at the end of August or beginning of September as that is when the students are moving into residences and lots of people are looking for furniture.

For the cheapest deals, start looking towards the middle/end of June when students are leaving residences and people are moving generally. If you want free stuff, drive past apartment buildings or high rental areas towards the end of the month when people are literally throwing out perfectly good stuff. I wouldn't suggest getting a bed this way, but you would be suprised at the reasonable quality and perfectly servicable items that are disposed of.

I have bought furniture sight unseen from kijiji (with lots of interaction between the seller and I) and had them delivered normally at a very nominal price.

You can also look at the free-ads in kijiji or the local paper.

:)

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Great tips, thanks Siouxie

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

+1 - thanks!

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Again, this depends where you are.

My duplex rents are $540 for the one bedroom apartment and $640 for the two bedroom one.

£333 and £395. And these are at the upper end without moving into luxury/executive.

A typical rent here is a much smaller portion of net income on minimum wage than in the UK.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Mmm, but you are comparing BC with Washington prices, supermarket prices in the lower mainland seem to be insane to me, I have to admit I've never been into a Canadian Superstore there though, only Sobey's owned supermarkets (like "Thrifty" - worst-named supermarket chain EVER) and some other chain I can't remember the name of that had fresh pizza (Save On Foods?)

Kroger's does have some good deals I have to admit but like you said, depends on the product. What's it called, Fred Meyers? That's worth going to. Pop seems to be really expensive in the US compared to Loblaw's too, never quite understand that one.

Basically - shop at Loblaw's. (aka "The Real Canadian Superstore" aka "No Frills" etc.)

Both owned by Best Buy, which is an American chain.

Yeah, but you end up paying more that way. The Canadian model works for Canada which is where we are. There's less in the way of on-line stuff so you have to go to a shop. The American chains don't quite understand this so you pay more there.

The sales people at Vision's work on commission, not a big problem, just know what you want before you go into the shop - that's what Best Buy is for! :lol:

I agree though The Brick is terrible. Go to Ikea (a foreign chain yes, but not an American chain).

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Problem with Loblaws owned stores is the quality of meat, and produce is poor generally when compared to other stores.

Pricesmart offers decent prices and overall better shopping experience.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Didn't find that at all in Quebec (Loblaws, SuperC, Metro) nor here with Superstore, Sobeys and Co-op.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

But they only have stores in the Fraser Valley, so doesn't help me.

I go to the butcher's anyway. There are several good ones in southern Alberta. Spolumbo's being the most famous.

Loblaw's has better prices than anyone else on packaged crap.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Indeed. Just my experience though. I'm comparing N.Ireland (not that expensive) with Guelph (somewhat expensive)

I guess if you were comparing central London with...i dunno...NB or PEI it might be a different story.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Got a pretty nice 3 seater and matching love seat from the Brick last month. Sales guy was helpful and not pushy. Delivered when they said it would be and with no drama.

Also got stuff from Ikea too which, as usual, was fine.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Last month? It's lasted a long while for the Brick.:sneaky:

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

I'm sure it would be but better to compare something a tad more similar though.:)

We had a similar debate earlier in the year. Moncton (whisper it ;)) is not as big as Bristol but bigger than Bath.
If 'lucky' enough to rent at the cheaper end of the scale in Bristol & Bath one is left with about £450 to £500 from net minimum wage of £1000 a month.

Minimum wage in NB pays $1500 a month net. Even renting my above norm 1 bed flat leaves $960 - close to £600. That's £100-£150 better off financially and in much nicer accommodation. :)

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Before we moved here from Montreal we went to a Brick to check out/price up furniture. It all seemed good enough and very similar to the stuff we bought from Leons (no Brick here) - they also get criticism from many on this site. :(

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

you what?

I've seen pickups driving around with completely smashed windscreens and axles which appear to no longer be "one" unit.

The wifes mother has one of those awful pontiac minivans and the whole underside is full of that standard rust and holes. Don't think she's had any hassle.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

No one is allowed to sit on them. That's the trick.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Its a definite issue in BC with all the stores I have been to owned by Loblaws.

I liked Sobeys when I lived in Ontario, good store. (Not owned by Loblaws.)

Metro wasn't bad either. (also not owned by Loblaws.)

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

There isn't an annual inspection (unless it's a commercial vehicle, in which case there is) - it's only done when purchasing a vehicle.

When do I require an Safety Standards Certificate?
An SSC is required when:

registering a rebuilt motor vehicle;
transferring a used motor vehicle to a new owner as fit;
registering a motor vehicle in Ontario that was previously registered in another province or country;
changing the status of a vehicle from unfit to fit.

Must save a fortune if you are running your vehicle into the ground before taking it to the tip!

:p

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Interesting topic. As someone who was born and raised in Southern Ontario I'd like to weigh in on a few points. I'm going to use southern ontario as my model.

1. Canada is huge. Different parts of canada have very different climates, economies, taxes, health care, car insurance, education just to name a few things. You can't really compare Canadian prices with prices back home. Comparing prices in Vancouver with a similar sized city in the UK is far better.

2. Dairy is grossly overpriced. Until its opened up to competition, it's going to be expensive. Having said that, in the Hamilton region you can get 4L of milk for around $4.50 if you know where to go (Shoppers, wal mart, convenience store).

3. One reason why used cars are expensive is supply and demand. You need a car in southern ontario so that means prices will be higher due to demand. As for the rust thing. Winters will do that to cars. It might be easy to say why not buy a new car? But many people can't afford to buy new cars. With high insurance rates, gas prices, etc. they just don't have the money. So they drive around with some rust on the cars. The frequency of seeing these types of cars increases with the neighborhood you are in. St. Catharines/Welland isn't exactly the best place. Sorry to say. So you will see more of these clunkers. Ancaster (affluent neighborhood in Hamilton) will have very very few of these and more higher end cars. If you want to buy a decent used car with no rust and is well maintained, don't shop in St.Catharines/Welland. Head to Burlington or even Upper James street in Hamilton. You can get a good car at a decent price.

4. Car insurance in ontario is a rip off. You need insurance, and you need a car and there is very little in terms of gov't regulations/controls so the insurance companies can charge outrageous prices. My advice is every couple years or so call up other companies and see what they are offering. Sometimes you'll find that the loyalty discounts you get aren't that great.

5. Telecommunications is heavily regulated by the most corrupt organization in the country-CRTC. The big boys own and control everything.

6. For things like fruits and vegetables, go to farmer's markets or if you are in southern ontario you can hit up any one of the farms during the summer and buy direct as they will usually have a stand near the road. Between Stoney Creek and St. Catharines is a great place with many farms. For apples, I recommend Myers Apple Farm in Flamborough.

7. Sadly prices aren't likely to change anytime soon. Canadians are content with being average and not disturbing things. We complain about these things all the time but we never do anything. Sad but true.

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Welcome to BE :welcome:

Thanks for your imput - it's always good to hear another persons view.

:)

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

You can't seriously compare Moncton and Bath though. :blink:

No disrespect to Moncton, but Bath is one of the most desirable places to live in in the UK and very beautiful, hence the prices.

They may be similar sized cities, but that's where the comparison ends! :lol:

Re: Why is second-hand stuff here so expensive?
 

Quite true. Given a recent thread on the economic problems in NB a better comparison would be to a Northern town, somewhere like Grimsby (or Lincoln to be generous). In these places property prices will be more in line with Moncton.