Here
(Link) is an explanation about avoiding brokerage fees.
A short run down is.
UPS/FedEx broker on your behalf for a fee
- You have a right to do it yourself.
- You can ask them for the customs forum, take it to the ( most cases ) local airport to have Canada Customs clear the package for you, stamp the forum and then you take the forum back to UPS/FedEx give them the forum; they release your package ( sans fees )
From my own personal experience when using this process, Canada Customs Officer that clears the package and asses the taxes due ( if any ) is generally nice enough to clear the package without adding tax, your milage may vary though.
This is a 100% fool proof way of not paying the brokerage fee ( taxes might be extra ) however you can tell UPS/FedEx to kiss their easy $15 fee goodbye.