Cool thanks.....

USPS???? Its early, what does this mean?

USPS = United States Postal Service :cool:

I order a lot of stuff from the states as well. Lots of ebay shopping, as well as other stuff. USPS Whenever Possible!! Email the seller to ask if they're willing to ship USPS, if not, then seriously consider how much you're "saving" compared to buying it locally. Only buy online from the US if it's cheaper after shipping and potential duties, or if you cant get it in Canada.

UPS has a MINIMUM $20 brokerage charge, even for a $5 item. Technically you could call them and tell them NOT to do the customs for you. You can say that you'll come down to their depot and fill in the customs forms yourself. But that's such a hassle as well. So just avoid them at all costs.

Fedex is a bit better than UPS (in that their brokerage fees schedule is not as outrageous). But you still end up paying more than good ol' USPS.

shipping................
 

Interesting thread ,good question and valuable info ,especially for someone just starting up, Thanks guys................

My girlfriend bought used figure skates from the US, had the box marked as a gift, the declared value was $400 for insurance purposes and she got stuck for over $150 in duty and GST from Canada Customs. They were shipped USPS.
Free trade my ass.

Well if they were used, you should have declared the used replacement cost. You shouldnt expect them to buy you brand new ones if they lose your USED ones.

Sorry to hear,but that's what you get for trying to out-smart the system.

OK got my stuff now and I would say USPS is good way to ship item from US to Here. And its fast too ,it was ship Monday and just got it today, and also no duties. Thanks for the suggestion guys.

new value is over $700 us.

just got my ASM skimmer g6 from the states and it was used, and didnt pay a cent in duties or GST. he declared it a gift and had a value of 50 bux. "Gifts from friends and relatives, valued at $60CDN or less, are duty and tax exempt. Goods imported into Canada, valued at $20CDN or more, are subject to all duties and taxes." you can read more about it on:

http://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/manual/b06-e.asp

but be aware that your goods can be held at the border if they feel that the declaration of the item is way off!