Main > Main Forum
EBay receivers for Canadians
froggerman:
Avoiding the taxes is some sort of black art, I think. As long as the package isn't too big, isn't a tube and the declared value is low it seems to go smoothly and the package will be delivered to the door. (Talking about using USPS here)
Other times not. Because of free trade there normally isn't duty on anything coming from the US. but if they 'process it' you have to pay 7% GST and in BC 7.5% PST, as well as the $5 processing fee.
UPS will charge you a $25 brokerage fee, which you shouldn't have to pay as an individual, a $5 processing fee and a $5 fee for pay the GST and PST for you plus the actual taxes. The brokerage fee increases as the value of the package increases. This makes a $12 part very expensive.
Peale's comment about USPS is right on the mark though, fill out the little green form and that is it. If the receiver is lucky not charges, if you are not lucky you pay the normal taxes plus the $5.
By the way Peale, your locks came right to my door!
ani:
My family owns and operates a few of the ups stores. I rarely work there, but have been to all of the management training crap. Through the UPS, FedEx, or any private shipping firm It's an absolute pain to ship to foreign countries, and canada is one of the worst in north america. Basically the package goes through a brokerage firm that has to be paid on top of the customs fees. Then if the package isn't picked up by the receiver, it gets shipped back to the sender who is charged for the round trip as well as additional processing fees. It's absolutely rediculous.
Since the usps is federal, the canadian government is a little more lax and it's much easier to send; less paperwork, lower tariffs, etc. The main problems is there is a high loss percentage, around 5-10%. Also the usps won't recognize a package as lost till it hasn't been found for a couple of months. But all the same, the USPS is the way to go to canada.
And yea, usually in foreign shipping DEFINITELY mark it as gifts less than $50 (it varies based on country however)
It's literally much easier and possibly cheaper to ship to Europe than Canada.
If you guys are intrested, in domestic shipping the weight split is 3lbs. Over 3lbs UPS is cheaper, under USPS is cheaper. And if you are going ups, pack it yourself. We make more money on packing than shipping.
JoeB:
The paperwork is a joke,
they're more worried about the extra cost. Offer them to pay exact shipping cost (you can see what it is when you get.. it's posted on the package!) If they rip you off, leave negative feedback. Never failed me yet.. and always get "US Only" sells coming to me in Toronto!
Most sellers are lazy, and just skip through most of the questions when posting. The default is USA only.
Zakk:
--- Quote from: ani on April 09, 2004, 03:06:35 pm ---My family owns and operates a few of the ups stores. I rarely work there, but have been to all of the management training crap. Through the UPS, FedEx, or any private shipping firm It's an absolute pain to ship to foreign countries, and canada is one of the worst in north america. Basically the package goes through a brokerage firm that has to be paid on top of the customs fees. Then if the package isn't picked up by the receiver, it gets shipped back to the sender who is charged for the round trip as well as additional processing fees. It's absolutely rediculous.
--- End quote ---
From UPS website:
--------------
Since 1985, UPS Customhouse Brokerage has been providing outstanding value and service, backed by the solid reputation of UPS.
UPS handles your shipment every step of the way, including customs clearance. Eliminating third-party brokerage means routine customs clearance stays routine -- quick, smooth, and very reliable.
--------------
Sounds to me like UPS is the one charging all those fees??????
GGKoul:
Just email the seller if they ship to Canada. As 95% of the vendors will ship to Canada if you ask. As JoeB said, most sellers don't change the "US Only" option.
Also, make sure you get quoted the cost of shipping to Canada BEFORE you bid.
-GGKoul