Has this always been the case? Or is it current politics? I did not realize the added US costs apply so steeply to Canada. What a crock.
Hi. Yeah, between brick & mortar stores things were usually good, especially in the 80s-90s. After that, especially since online stores, things started changing. Last 5+ years it's been really bad. I do board game trades a lot, and it's getting near impossible now between our two countries. In part due to rising minimum postal costs, but more often than not, because of the online business. This has two reasons (1) usually involving Ebay, Ebay has false "Global" Shipping costs that are generally 2-3 times the actual cost. And (2) Lazy sellers. Too lazy to take something to the post, or, lick a few stamps instead of auto-computing it. Something like this could ship for maybe $5-8.
I've actually been told by US sellers, sorry, it's not worth me going to the post office to mail it. Or, sorry, I have to fill out a customs form to do that (name, address, contents...done.)
And, I've flat out been told, sorry, no Canada.
Wood, small, magnetic, folding board with coordinates is extremely difficult to find.
House of Chess has a few in the $45-55 range.
And Rochester Chess Center has a 10.5" one for $35.
For plastic? Amazon and Ebay have you covered in the $15 range.
I had the black version of the one from post #19. It was from Chesshouse.com and I loved it. It has a terrible smell initially but that went away. I think it was $60. I don't remember if you said you required a folding board or not. If not the one from Chesshouse.com is good.
I like the middle one. Simply because I also enjoy playing checkers.
I found a YouTube review of the middle board : https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=RBGwq0cDlTU
1min 50 secs in explains the odd board size. The squares are actually rectangular !
Other than that it’s a good review.
I did find out the Middle Brown set "actually" comes in 9.4" square or 12" square. But still, I think I'm sticking with the 9.4", better for smaller table and bed.
For travel, has anyone used one of these Wallet ones? (I know the tri-fold vinyl white/green ones, but shipping is rough)... under $10 shipped.
IT'S DONE !
Bought the Middle set, the brown in 9.4" square, whew... that was tough, haha.
AND....the fine folks at Wood Expressions are making it possible for me to order, AND SHIP their 6" Checkbook Magnetic Chess Set ! So, I don't have to go through china for the one in the above photo afterall.... although i do kinda like the beige/brown.... maybe as an experiment.
Now.... on to the book ordering ! Big night, haa.
Thanks for all the helps.
Yeah, out your way is insane costly. I sold your way a board game, twice, and I don't know how you guys handle it.
But between Canada and USA for stuff like this, there is no duty/customs (even though some places, including Ebay try to charge it) and shipping is wildly made up, not based in reality.