|
Re: Shipping to Canada and Customs
I broker stuff for my business across the border all the time, so I can say that it's not that difficult to do and often worth it, but you have to keep a few things in mind. If you're not close to the border to begin with, is it really worth it after gas? Also, I would never recomend doing it for just one item unless you live within a half hour drive from the border. Also, if the item ships via USPS, the brokerage fees are minimal. Like someone else already mentioned, I do believe they are about $5.00 per box. However, if the company only ships via UPS, Fedex or some other courier like that, the fees can be astronomical since they use their own brokers. In this case it often depends on the total cost of the item as much as it does on the size and wieght. I've heard of packages from $80.00 -$100.00 costing $30.00 plus in brokerage fees from Fedex. This is why I do what I do.
It looks like there is a lot to think about, but there really isn't. Since you're not a US citizen you shouldn't be charged any taxes except for when the item crosses the border, and since there are no duties on most toys like someone else mentioned (I believe the big exception is large wheeled toys like electric kid cars and things like that), the only big numbers to keep in mind are shipping costs and brokerage fees.
If anyone has any specific questions about what the paper work is like or any other issues with this, just pm me and I'd be happy to help. I do this at least twice a month, so I know how it works.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by Wing Leader; 02-21-2011 at 09:55 PM.
|
