balmy sandal
I bought a zbt-1 the other day, having been searching for a while, because I like to support projects that I use and this seemed a good way to do so.
There's no option other than the US for purchasing it in "America", which, as a Canadian presents our first problem: international shipping is expensive.
Our second problem is much more contemporary: given the current political climate, cross border trade is challenging. I had no idea how much I would be charged until the item arrived here in Canada. Today, I found out - it is the same as the cost of the item.
So, in total, I have paid $40 for the item, $40 for the shipping (note: cheaper shipping options were available but used Canada Post who would be unlikely to deliver it for several weeks due to ongoing strike action), and $40 to "land" it here in Canada.
As a final tiny kick in the teeth: even though the tariff was paid immediately, the shipping company basically just ignores that fact for a week to "make sure". So I can expect to see the actual physical product in another week or so. "Peak" next day delivery service.
I would have been better off shipping the thing from Europe, shipping would probably have been roughly the same, and the lack of tariffs would mean that it would have cost 2/3rds. Sadly my conscience wouldn't let me ship such a small thing such a long way. Talk about bad for the environment.
To whomever at Nabu Casa deals with vendor relationships, for the love of God find one in North America that isn't in the US.
I really hope you fix this. I can't in good conscience buy anything else whilst this remains the status quo and that's a shame, I would like to support good (if sometimes flawed) projects.
tepid sequoia