Comparison Shopping at Fortress Geek

In May 2013, Fortress Geek launched their online store, Canada’s destination to purchase geeky toys and accessories.

I wrote earlier about some of the benefits my fellow Canadians will enjoy when shopping at Fortress Geek, such as saying good-bye to high customs and brokerage fees, free shipping on orders over $100.00 CAD, and multiple payment options, including cash, check, and money order. But what about pricing? How do Fortress Geek’s prices compare to their American competitors?

To answer these questions, let me compare three items that are available at Fortress Geek with one of our favorite U.S. competitors: ThinkGeek.

Star Trek Tek Classic Phaser

This prop replica is a must have for any fan of Star Trek: The Original Series. It is a Type I and Type II combination, complete with lights and sounds, with four power settings. These settings include progressive lights and sounds, the light control knob is an on/off switch, it has a flip-up sight, and you can set your phaser to overload. The only thing you cannot do with this phaser is actually fire at Klingons.

Price at Fortress Geek: $42.95 CAD

Price at ThinkGeek: $39.99 USD

The Big Bang Theory Soft Kitty Slippers

I have to say, I like these slippers more than I thought I would. I have Tribble slippers. I love that the Tribbles purr when I walk. However, the Tribble slippers are a one-size fits all type of deal. So, in order to not send the Tribbles flying as I walk, I have to curl my toes. Now, the Soft Kitty slippers don’t purr, purr, purr when you walk, but they do come in different sizes. Small fits big kids’ 3-5 and women’s 6-7, medium fits men’s 6-7 and women’s 8-9, large fits men’s 8-9 and women’s 10-11.

Price at Fortress Geek: $34.95 CAD

Price at ThinkGeek: $29.99 USD

The Big Bang Theory Bazinga! Mug

Coffee. It fuels many a geek’s day. If coffee isn’t your thing, I’m sure Sheldon would approve of adding your favorite hot beverage to this mug. Fortress Geek’s product description says that it holds 11 ounces, while ThinkGeek’s description says it holds eight ounces. Both are correct. Filling it with eight ounces of coffee leaves plenty of room for cream and sugar. Filling it with 11 ounces of your hot beverage of choice leaves a one-ounce buffer zone to the mug’s brim.

Price at Fortress Geek: $8.95 CAD

Price at ThinkGeek: $9.99 USD

Now, it’s time for some math.

Even though I would never choose DHL for the shipping method at ThinkGeek, because it is the cheapest method, I’m using that price instead of UPS. For the cost of customs and brokerage fees, I’m using the cost associated with my last ThinkGeek order that had a similar total. The exchange rate is based on the rate for September 15, 2013.

That is a total savings of $32.84 CAD.

If I were to add just a little bit more to my order, I would be eligible for free shipping for even more savings. Or, if I lived in the Vancouver, B.C. area, I could arrange to pick up my order for free.

Next week, I’ll be giving one lucky Canadian GeekMom reader a $25.00 CAD electronic gift certificate, courtesy of Fortress Geek.

GeekMom was provided these items for the purposes of this post.

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