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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
vegasears
922 posts
 
Nice subject. I resently bought a Tuner from a member in Canada. The seller sent it by Canada Post and it's been sitting in a warehouse up there for two weeks. I now understand why a large number of Classified Ad's state "USA Only". I don't know who's or whats holding it up but I will not be buying from outside the States again.
drew_w
63 posts
 
"The seller sent it by Canada Post and it's been sitting in a warehouse up there for two weeks"

I assume you're reading the tracking info. My answer to that is that the USPS has *NO CLUE* what to do with Canada Post barcodes, so they don't scan them. The fact the last scan was in a Canadian warehouse means nothing. That's often the last scan I see on my packages going to the US, then I get an e-mail from the buyer saying they've received the package and all is well.

Back to the discussion at hand. If you import using USPS, $5 gets you "when we get around to it" brokerage by Canada Customs. Could take a few days, could take a few weeks, I've had one package take 2 months. You may pay FedEx and UPS more money, but you get fast service. If you're close to the port of entry, you can always self-clear and avoid brokerage though.
vegasears
922 posts
 
thanks for the education Drew between you and the seller I am feeling a lot better.
neubilder OP
129 posts
 
I spoke too soon - just received a bill from FedEx for the bike that I received. They want $90 - roughly half for brokerage fees, rest tax and duty. There is no easy way to buy stuff across the border. Canada customs is a pain in the arse!
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