Re: Getting back to the ][, but it aint easy!

[bazyar@hypermall.com (Jawaid Bazyar)]

Mark Percival (percim@odyssee.net) wrote:
: After using the various Apple ][ emulators for a year, I decided that
: the time was right to get then *real* thing once more. 

: Sun Remarketing advertises a Platinum //e for $99 US.  This looks like
: the way to go for me.  They charge $15 for S&H and send me my Apple
: //e via UPS.  Since I am in Canada, this $114 US translates into
: $159.46 CDN.  

: UPS shows up at my home looking for another $47.82.  This is for
: federal tax,  provincial tax, duty and a whopping $27.05 for
: "brokerage fee".  Despite being annoyed by this I cough up the money.
: Total damage at this point is $207.28.

: Upon examining my new purchase, I discover that 7 of the keys on the
: keyboard fail to work.  I call up Sun Remarketing (toll free number)
: and they say that they will relace the unit under warranty.  The catch
: is that I must pay for return shipping.  I go to the local UPS office
: and pay another $19.65 bringing up my total to $226.93.

: Two weeks later UPS again comes to my home with the replacement unit
: and now needs another $12.73 for taxes and $25.55 for "brokerage fee"
: again.

: Final total is $265.21 CDN for my $99 US //e.  

: Being a rookie at this, what should  I do next time to aviod all of
: these charges?  Do I get a better deal from another carrier or are
: they about all the same?

  The US Postal Service doesn't charge a "brokerage fee". However, it
can be more expensive for heavy items like a IIe CPU.

  The long-term solution would be to fight for the repeal of 
the burdensome taxation in your country. :) That, or move to the US.

--
 Jawaid Bazyar              |   Like UNIX? Like your Apple IIGS? Then ask
 Procyon, Inc.              |   me about GNO/ME for the Apple IIgs!   
 bazyar@hypermall.com       |   P.O Box 620334    (Sequential: 303-666-4549)
 --The Future is Now!--     |   Littleton, CO 80162-0334   (303) 781-3273