Buying guides

Short, plain-language guides to buying electronics and appliances in Canada — the stuff that changes what you actually pay.

• What provincial sales tax does to the price you actually pay

  The same TV costs $120+ more in Quebec than in Alberta once tax lands. Here’s every province’s rate and a worked example.

• Open-box and refurbished in Canada: what’s different and what to check

  Best Buy Open Box, Amazon Warehouse, manufacturer refurbished — how the grades and warranties actually differ.

• How to tell if a “deal” is actually a good price

  Struck-through “regular” prices, price history, and the times of year prices genuinely drop in Canada.

PriceBeaver is an independent Canadian price-comparison service, currently pre-launch. Guides are general information, not purchasing or tax advice.