Shipping

[marie]

Originally Posted by Ruth

UPS is horrible IMO. I have gotten so many broken things shipped through them. They also charge a brokerage fee, customs - if applicable - and taxes. Then on top of all that I paid when I picked up the item and the local broker did not do a good job of their paperwork so the head office kept sending me bills. I phoned a couple of times to explain that I had paid it - sent them copies of my cancelled checks - they then sent it to collections as their record keeping just sucks. This has happened to me about 5 different times so when I order from the States I have them use good old USPS.

Both times I had ups deliver to me, the driver refused to leave the package until he was paid and still the head office billed me again 2 months later. I wonder how many people just pay again unquestioningly

[Ruth]

Sean I don't take that chance. I have the shipper label it for what it is and use the correct value that I paid. If the product is made in the US there should be no duties on it but there will be GST and if you live anywhere but Alberta PST. What you are avoiding by using USPS is the large brokerage fee and as Marie and I have experienced double billing on that.

[blood_hound]

Cool thanks.....

[deep6er]

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

[muck]

Originally Posted by deep6er

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

USPS = United States Postal Service

[GMGQ]

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.

[woodcarver]

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

[DanG]

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.