iboldguy
Well-known member
Has anyone discovered the best way to have stuff ordered from the US to Canada. I hear UPS really burns us for brokerage and customs clearance. (want to order rear rack and seat back - insisted by S.O.
Which shipping is best to Canada from USA
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mattster31
Well-known member
I would only use USPS. Just go with Priority mail and have them throw a value of $60 or less and you will pay NO fees. Although, depending on who it's coming from they may not do it. Above that, you will be charged GST+PST and a $5 handling fee. You'll find it's still cheaper than buying most anything up here.
bramfrank
BramFrank
Correct . . . USPS/Priority Post is the answer.
If it is less than $20 and declared as a gift, then there will NEVER be a fee.
If it is less than $20 and declared as a gift, then there will NEVER be a fee.
Bungie
FrostBack #2 - IBA # 44620
These guys aren't steering you wrong. I've ordered a ton of stuff from the States, and except for once through UPS (tires), I won't buy anything unless they explicitly say the will ship USPS. I've never had anything damaged or delayed excessively.
In fact, just yesterday I was going to buy a Cal-Sci windshield, the text said they ship to Canada via USPS.. but the shopping cart only had options for UPS. Slam on the brakes and cancel the order. Got an email from Mark at Cal-Sci (good customer service!) and I'm just waiting to find out if they'll ship USPS or not.
(Edit: Just got off the phone with Mark, they do indeed ship to Canuckistan via USPS. Order sent. Good guy!)
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ShawnKing
Well-known member
Yup - if you're in Canada, do *not* have anything shipped via UPS. Definitely find some other method.
Bungie
FrostBack #2 - IBA # 44620
See edit on original post.
Your right. The joke in Canada about UPS is about WHY they call themselves 'brown'. FedEx is just as bad though.
mattster31
Well-known member
Just to add............
If you are shopping for something online, and they don't give you the option of using USPS, just send the company an e-mail (as Bungie just did) asking them to ship it the way you would like or you will take your business elsewhere (be nice of course). Any shop worth their weight will be happy to accommodate you.
I have used USPS, UPS and FedEx when shipping items within the USA with great success. When I ship items in Canada I have found FedEx ground to be the cheapest and fastest option, and they have come through every time. But when it comes to cross border stuff...............USPS from the USA, and Canada post or FedEx when going the other way.
Just remember the dollar value...... Bramfrank noted less than $20 and there are no fees, which is correct. However, I have had packages worth just under $60 and have not been charged duty. You probably won't be able to have a business fudge the value for you, but if you purchase anything privately, it has never been a problem. I have had a few >$100 items shipped up with $20 marked on the box (be sure it's marked as a used item and it's a gift). That being said, you do take a chance on losing any item you ship. I think it's rare, but it does happen (not to me as yet). Everybody insures shipped items to a value of $100, and charge a small fee for amounts higher. So, if it's worth $200 and you have had it shipped as a $20 item, and it gets lost, well.............you're out of luck. Just FYI, if you are in the US you can ship as many "gifts" as you want to yourself or friends in Canada, valued up to $60 duty free.
If you are shopping for something online, and they don't give you the option of using USPS, just send the company an e-mail (as Bungie just did) asking them to ship it the way you would like or you will take your business elsewhere (be nice of course). Any shop worth their weight will be happy to accommodate you.
I have used USPS, UPS and FedEx when shipping items within the USA with great success. When I ship items in Canada I have found FedEx ground to be the cheapest and fastest option, and they have come through every time. But when it comes to cross border stuff...............USPS from the USA, and Canada post or FedEx when going the other way.
Just remember the dollar value...... Bramfrank noted less than $20 and there are no fees, which is correct. However, I have had packages worth just under $60 and have not been charged duty. You probably won't be able to have a business fudge the value for you, but if you purchase anything privately, it has never been a problem. I have had a few >$100 items shipped up with $20 marked on the box (be sure it's marked as a used item and it's a gift). That being said, you do take a chance on losing any item you ship. I think it's rare, but it does happen (not to me as yet). Everybody insures shipped items to a value of $100, and charge a small fee for amounts higher. So, if it's worth $200 and you have had it shipped as a $20 item, and it gets lost, well.............you're out of luck. Just FYI, if you are in the US you can ship as many "gifts" as you want to yourself or friends in Canada, valued up to $60 duty free.
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WinnipegTechGuy
Well-known member
I agree... To or from the US, UPS is a joke. They actually surcharged J&M Audio an extra $20.00 (which I had to pay) when I had some warranty work done. I had paid the max on the shipping end and then there was "Documentation Fees" when it arrived at J&M Audio. :angry2:
USPS is great. Seems to actually be hit and miss on the duty. Have paid on $50.00 and not on $200.00. Guess it can depend on the alertness of the "Dude" at customs.
Have also had pretty good experience with Fedex and Purolator when I need something quick.
USPS is great. Seems to actually be hit and miss on the duty. Have paid on $50.00 and not on $200.00. Guess it can depend on the alertness of the "Dude" at customs.
Have also had pretty good experience with Fedex and Purolator when I need something quick.
iboldguy
Well-known member
Thanks folks - USPS it is!
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