EBay receivers for Canadians

[libref]

Hello all,

I've been reading the BYOAC boards and using the site for a few weeks now as I finalize plans for my first MAME CAB. The wealth of information and expertise is available is both daunting (for a newbie) but also invaluable for learning the many skills required to build and operate a MAME CAB; congrats to everyone for creating a real 'online community'.

I'm posting today to get input on a minor issue regarding parts purchasing. Like most MAME CABs builders I've been using EBay to acquire parts (most specifically WICO leaf joysticks). However, on a few occassions I have found auctions for parts that are just right for my project but the seller is unable to ship to Canada. In most cases, when contacted, the seller will gladly ship to a friend or relative in the US...provided one is available, and is willing to then ship the goods up to Canada. Unfortunately, for those Canadians who don't have anyone in the US, this can mean missing out on the opportunity to acquire parts-- some of which are very limited - ie. NOS parts in particular.

So, I'm wondering what the BYAOC community's thought are? Has anyone ever acted as a go-between receiver for a Canadian or other International buyer? Is anyone willing to do so? Are there alternatives?

I thought this would be the best forum to post this message to, but if people think the Main Forum would be a better venue, I'll post there as well.

Thanks for any input!

[SirPeale]

I think most sellers are daunted by the paperwork that is necessary to send an item over country lines.

Not me.  I send everything via USPS, and it's one tiny little form.

UPS has a bunch of forms (so I've been told) and you have to pay their stupid fees on top of what you've already paid.  Same goes with Fed-Ex.

[Edgedamage]

Be patient there will be sellers that will ship to Canada.

[froggerman]

Please AVOID the use of UPS to Canada. They charge an outragous amount of money to process the delivery. If you use USPS, the charge will only be $5 to process the delivery. (Plus appropriate taxes).

[SirPeale]

Please AVOID the use of UPS to Canada. They charge an outragous amount of money to process the delivery. If you use USPS, the charge will only be $5 to process the delivery. (Plus appropriate taxes).

I always mark them as 'gifts' and I think that negates the taxes, right?

[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]

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.

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

[libref]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the great input on this topic!

Peale and Froggerman's comments are very pertinent. I've had a few items shipped to me via UPS and the extra costs on these items was nasty...brokerage fees + service fees + GST. On the other hand, I've found the USPS to be 100% reliable, and much cheaper. With the USPS, if duty is charge (and I've only been dinged twice in three years) the only fees are usually GST + maybe a $5.00 service fee. In addition, most duty fees can be avoided by marking the package as a 'Gift'. The paperwork is very minimal.

JoeB also makes a good point. I think a few sellers may assume it will cost them alot extra to ship to Canada but, if the actual cost is offered to be paid, then there's no extra expense to the seller.

[Khenemet Heru]

I think most sellers are daunted by the paperwork that is necessary to send an item over country lines.

Not me.  I send everything via USPS, and it's one tiny little form.

UPS has a bunch of forms (so I've been told) and you have to pay their stupid fees on top of what you've already paid.  Same goes with Fed-Ex.

I just sent a CP to someone in Toronto via UPS - there were no extra fees incurred as far as I can tell, and for a 14lb package it was 16.90; the website stated the paperwork was optional, and that if I chose to file it UPS could file it for me for a fee; I chose not to file anything, though I found out later I did need to submit one form, an invoice as documentation for customs. I faxed this to UPS and the package was shipped out - it's released for delivery Monday according to tracking. So far I don't see any hassle...  maybe because the declared value was $26?

Maybe I'm wrong but it all sounds fishy to me.  

[Zakk]

It's when it gets there that the extra gets tacked on.  I'd be interested to hear how it goes.  It arrives at the door and the delivery guy will want a check or they won't release it... probably, but hopefully not, cross those fingers!

[Khenemet Heru]

Well I've made my customer aware of it, and will compensate him accordingly - if I'm wrong about this it's my mistake, live and learn. I will let you all know either way how I make out.  

[OSCAR]

When a package is shipped to Canada from the US via FedEx, like Zakk mentioned a bill will show up a week or two after the package is received for the brokerage charges.  If the receiver does not pay that bill after a couple reminder notices, the brokerage fee is then applied directly to the shipper's account.  I don't know if UPS has a similar policy or not.

I only ship USPS to Canada now because a few customers stung me by not paying their brokerage fees and I had to pay them.  The caveat of sending packages to Canada via USPS is that all international packages entering Canada that will be delivered by Canada Post, such as USPS, get routed to their international mail hub in Montreal (I think that's where is, correct me if I'm wrong!) prior to delivery.  This can add quite a few days to the delivery time.  I sent a package to Windsor, ON and it took 3 weeks for it to arrive, and Windsor is only about a 45 minute drive from where I am!  It is not uncommon for packages I send to Canada to take 2-3 weeks for delivery when shipped USPS.  On the other hand, many of my shipments to Australia are received within 7 days.  Go figure...

[froggerman]

I live in Vancouver and I have had very good luck with packages sent by USPS. Some of them taking as little as 3 days, although 7 days is the norm. Most of the shippers use USPS Priority(?) mail. Also I have not lost any packages so far, touch wood.

[Zakk]

Actually now that you mention it, the priority mail does seem to come through much quicker.  I've been shocked when a package arrives in as little as three days from the States.  So far no losses ever using any kind of shipping company or mail (double knock on wood).