I first discovered this site back in the Canadian section; a user there made a thread asking about where to buy a Diamond table in Canada, and I too was curious. Surprisingly, the only authorized dealer in Canada (please correct me if I wrong?) responded to the thread and immediately offered used tables prices from what he had prior to brand new ones. I can immediately tell from his character that he would offer a cheaper alternative if available and pass the savings to his customers (his site doesn't list any used tables). Canadian billiard online retailer sites aren't too common so I took special interest into this site.
Fast forward to a few months, I was scrolling through his site and noticed that he was the only Canadian dealer that I found that sold the BreakRak. When I felt comfortable to purchase the item, I sent him an email. At first, I asked him if there were any cheaper shipping alternatives because shipping the darn thing costs $90 USD via USPS and because it's a $300 item, I'd be hit with heavy customs/duties for sure. Originally just like what Charley Bond offers, he ships them via UPS for $35. As an international customer, anyone with the right mind would know that UPS is a nightmare when it comes to customs fees. Often times charging half or even more than the item itself in fees. Without a doubt, this item would've well costed me over $500+ and considering how low the Canadian dollar is, there's no way I could afford to pay for that.
During that time when I sent Manning an email, I wasn't exactly in the best financial situation but my passion for this sport is very high. I love playing pool and I'm always looking for ways to improve. I was fortunate enough at that time that I received enough USD funds on PayPal from online transactions to purchase the BreakRak. Originally when I asked, he did offer me the USPS alternative but after letting him know of my concerns of potential high duty fees, he offered to have the item to be shipped to his U.S address and he would bring it across the border, hence saving me hundreds of dollars in potential duty fees. The only catch was that I had to pay 13% in taxes which is more than reasonable since I know what I have to pay and there were no other hidden fees.
He did mention that it would take 2-3 weeks for it to be delivered and brought across the border, which was perfectly fine especially if it meant that savings were that much. Now here's my other catch, he lives in London and I live in Toronto, they're two hour driving distances apart. Fortunately I had a friend who goes to University in the area and occasionally returns to Toronto. Due to conflicting schedules, my friend was unable to meet Manning to pick up my package at a local pool hall to which he only goes to on Wednesdays. I told him that I had another friend that was visiting for one day on a Friday and would be returning the very same night. Manning eventually met up with my friend at a nearby McDonald's in the morning and helped me pass on the package to him. I understood that this is out of Manning's way and that he'd go nuts if he offered to do this for every customer. I understand we all have lives so I can feel how inconvenient this may be to him. Manning would also occasionally call me to update the status of my package and at the end of the day, my BreakRak was successfully brought to me (the box was definitely huge, much bigger in person that what the photos seemed).
My words can not express my gratitude enough for what Manning has done for me. He looked out for the little guy till the very end. Manning, thank you so much for helping me, expect me to purchase from you again in the near future. I wish you the best of luck in your business and hope your character never changes.
Regards,
Nelson
Fast forward to a few months, I was scrolling through his site and noticed that he was the only Canadian dealer that I found that sold the BreakRak. When I felt comfortable to purchase the item, I sent him an email. At first, I asked him if there were any cheaper shipping alternatives because shipping the darn thing costs $90 USD via USPS and because it's a $300 item, I'd be hit with heavy customs/duties for sure. Originally just like what Charley Bond offers, he ships them via UPS for $35. As an international customer, anyone with the right mind would know that UPS is a nightmare when it comes to customs fees. Often times charging half or even more than the item itself in fees. Without a doubt, this item would've well costed me over $500+ and considering how low the Canadian dollar is, there's no way I could afford to pay for that.
During that time when I sent Manning an email, I wasn't exactly in the best financial situation but my passion for this sport is very high. I love playing pool and I'm always looking for ways to improve. I was fortunate enough at that time that I received enough USD funds on PayPal from online transactions to purchase the BreakRak. Originally when I asked, he did offer me the USPS alternative but after letting him know of my concerns of potential high duty fees, he offered to have the item to be shipped to his U.S address and he would bring it across the border, hence saving me hundreds of dollars in potential duty fees. The only catch was that I had to pay 13% in taxes which is more than reasonable since I know what I have to pay and there were no other hidden fees.
He did mention that it would take 2-3 weeks for it to be delivered and brought across the border, which was perfectly fine especially if it meant that savings were that much. Now here's my other catch, he lives in London and I live in Toronto, they're two hour driving distances apart. Fortunately I had a friend who goes to University in the area and occasionally returns to Toronto. Due to conflicting schedules, my friend was unable to meet Manning to pick up my package at a local pool hall to which he only goes to on Wednesdays. I told him that I had another friend that was visiting for one day on a Friday and would be returning the very same night. Manning eventually met up with my friend at a nearby McDonald's in the morning and helped me pass on the package to him. I understood that this is out of Manning's way and that he'd go nuts if he offered to do this for every customer. I understand we all have lives so I can feel how inconvenient this may be to him. Manning would also occasionally call me to update the status of my package and at the end of the day, my BreakRak was successfully brought to me (the box was definitely huge, much bigger in person that what the photos seemed).
My words can not express my gratitude enough for what Manning has done for me. He looked out for the little guy till the very end. Manning, thank you so much for helping me, expect me to purchase from you again in the near future. I wish you the best of luck in your business and hope your character never changes.
Regards,
Nelson