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Shipping to Canada? Don't use UPS

Shipping to Canada? I strongly discourage anyone from using UPS. They will try to charge outrageuos sums for 'brokerage fees' etc. at point of delivery when the package is within reach and a mere VISA swipe away. They know few can resist the anticipation of a package arriving, so most people just surrender their cash and pay their fees - no matter how outrageous.

They charged me 37$ in fees for a 50$ CDR-Drive, last week they wanted 22$ in brokerage fees for speaker cables worth 19$. Last year when my Linn amp arrived, they wanted 120$ to release it into my hands. I paid the fees because I didn't want to refuse the shipment and risk damage to the amp, annoyance to the sender, and further shipping expenses. UPS will do this every time.

Fedex on the other hand recently delivered a bike worth $750. It arrived in 4 days from California with no charges, just a smile and a thank you. And that's how they are every time. Same goes for USPS, - just perhaps without the smile.

I have no affiliation with any of these companies.
neubilder
dtsag
119 posts
 
I think you have to educate yourself there are UPS Standard, UPS Express, Postal, Fedex and Fedex Ground. You have to learn when to use which service depand on the weight, size, distance, tracking and the declared value of the package you are shipping.

If you do not have the knowledge, you better do your trading within Canada. Good luck.
stuartbranson
183 posts
 
I've had the same results. UPS once charged me $94 for a set of jumpers I paid $150 for. Ridiculous.
dl60's avatar
dl60
18 posts
 
Fedex will send you a bill later, you will pay the taxes and brokerage fee, they don't charge you at your door. Use USPS, you will only pay about $5 canadian, plus two tax.
mfkeleher
146 posts
 
My experience is that "don't use UPS" is always good advice, no matter where the item is headed.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
In my experience the most seamless way to send items that won't break in transit (cords, remotes, etc.) is USPS/Canada Post. This being true regardless of point of origin.
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