1. Save money!
When shopping for all things dance from foreign companies, it can be easy to forget that there is a big difference between the price that you see and what it will actually cost you.
When you buy Canadian, you can forget the DEBT:
Duty - Duty fees add 18-28% onto your cost
Exchange - Current exchange rates from CAD to USD are 1.41! That means you add 41% onto your cost.
Brokerage - Getting your items over the border can add 8-12% onto your cost
Transport - Getting your items delivered to you can add an additional 12-18%
Therefore, your BEST RATE (on a good day!) would be 79% more that the listed price, and your WORST RATE would be 99% more than you anticipated! OUCH! Don't get caught paying unexpected costs, buy Canadian!
2. The economy
Buying Canadian directly impacts the economy in positive ways. Every Canadian dollar spent will have a ripple effect that will help in securing jobs and creating new ones. Successfully employed Canadians and successful businesses also mean larger tax revenues towards government programs, and more Canadians who are in a position to give back to the community. Buying Canadian just makes sense!
3. Health and safety
When you buy Canadian, you can rest assured that the products have met Canadian health & safety standards. The manufacturing industry in Canada is highly regulated, from the materials used, to the quality assurance practises, to the factories’ environmental emissions and more. These safety measures sometimes mean an increase in the retail price, but all things considered, isn’t it a small price to pay for peace of mind?
4. The environment
Products made closer to home require much less transportation. Therefore, by buying Canadian we are reducing our carbon footprint. Buying products made in Canada makes our planet greener!
5. Labour standards
When you buy Canadian, you know that the people who make the products are treated fairly and work in safe & sanitary conditions. When you buy products made in Canada, you are deciding not to support sweatshops, child labour, unfair pay and unsafe working conditions that many factories in foreign countries use. When you buy Canadian, you can stand by your principles and feel good about it!
6. The community
When you buy Canadian dance products, you are contributing to the enrichment of the Canadian dance community. You are closing the gap between the consumer, the manufacturer and the retailer, and are able to give feedback in real time and develop and never-seen-before dialogue with these companies. Buying dance products made in Canada supports our dance community!
7. Patriotism
We have every reason to be proud of our country and our booming dance industry, including the wonderful products we make here. A “Made in Canada” label is a badge of honour; one we’re proud to contribute to and want others to know about. Buying products made in Canada makes us proud!
Why Buy Canadian?
CANADIAN DANCE MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION