US shipping questions

[ryguy]

Hey guys,

Just wondering how any of you that order from the states go about it to ensure that it is the cheapest possible. I've ordered stuff from Lifereef and other companies and have been taken to the cleaners with "brokerage fees" and the likes....

What's the most inexpensive way to receive a shipment from the US?

Thanks in advance.

Ryan

[Veng68]

US postal service $5 brokerage fees

Cheers,
Vic[veng68]

[Squiddy]

Remember, you are also going to have to pay tax on top of that.

[TheReefGeek]

Yes, USPS is the cheapest, because it is government to government brokerage, so it is 5 bucks. UPS, Fedex, etc. are according to value, ranging anywhere from 30+, usually around $50 for the type of stuff we bring in.

You always have to pay GST/PST on the declared value of the shipment.

[howdy20012002]

the only thing wrong with USPS is that they don't do priority overnight
unfortunately, the only options for overnight stuff is FEDEX, UPS or commerical flights...all of which are going to cost u an arm and a leg.
USPS is definitely the cheapest way to go if not priority..i find that with lower value stuff, u don't get dinged for anything when it gets delivered.

[TheReefGeek]

Anything less than $10 goes through for free.

For small stuff, you can try Puralator envelope, I just brought in a DIY auto top off worth $30 US that went through for free, Im guess because it was envelope and not package, but Im not sure.

[mr_alberta]

The only problem with getting a PO box is the drive, depending on the poster's location. I think its about 8-10hrs from Edmonton to the US border?

[muck]

Originally Posted by mr_alberta

The only problem with getting a PO box is the drive, depending on the poster's location. I think its about 8-10hrs from Edmonton to the US border?

7 for normal drivers Harv..

[TheReefGeek]

And the cost of gas would be far more than brokerage and GST, unless you are close to the border.