[Delphinus]

Not too uncommon to order dry goods from the U.S., I think everyone does it at least once. You will basically be nailed for GST, there's no getting around that. Whoever is the carrier will charge something different for customs brokerage. Last time I did anything like this, US/Canada Post charged about $10 flat-rate, and UPS charged $30 flat-rate. That means for something small and less than $100, it's better to wait the extra amount of time and just have it posted.

The other thing I don't like about UPS, is, they only deliver Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 5:00. No evenings or weekends. Well if you have a day job, and if a signature is required (which I think all packages through UPS do), then you end up being screwed. You'll have to get to the UPS depot to pick up your package, but you first have to call them and say "please hold box for pickup". To which they'll reply with something like "Sigh ..... That means we have to take the box off the truck, and that can take up to 3 days." In the meantime, they will try to deliver the package 3 more times in the next 3 days after you make that call, leaving a nasty little note on your door each time "If you will not be home when we come, then you must call and ask for a 'hold for pickup'." You will then have to go to the depot up in the N.E., approximately 10 minutes before the shift ends the trucks come in and unload for the night, your best bet is to try and catch your package at that moment. Of course, they never appreciate you showing up 10 minutes before they close because they want to go home, and so they're cranky.

I have personally given up on UPS altogether. I would much rather take my chances with the mail. At least you know what kind of "customer service" to expect with the postal service. Actually at least they let you pick up a package at the post office when you're not supposed to be at work!!!

I suppose another option is, if your workplace doesn't mind, and you have no option but UPS to deliver the package, maybe you could have the package delivered to work. I'm technically not allowed to do this that's why I never tried this (which could have potentially saved me many trips to the UPS depot in the past).