Cyclocross - Can I rant?

I started to build up my Cross Check into a Cyclocross bike. I got a few items off of eBay, but now I am worried about taxes. I thought used items weren't charged taxes at customs, but I am wrong. :cry:

I got my Dura Ace brifters today and I was charged $24.50 for federal and provincial sales tax and service fees from the post office.

So, my "deal" I thought I got for the brifters, I paid $145 ended up costing me 203.90. I always forget about the exchange on the U.S. dollar, shipping and taxes.

Why the hell do I have to pay in U.S. finds when I buy off of eBay Canada? Also, why are people so damn greedy when it comes to shipping charges? I saw a set of Ultegra brifters that went for $169. I was interested until I saw the $60 shipping to Canada.

Even people in Canada are greedy with the shipping charges.

I have 5 or 6 items coming in from the states and I wonder how much I am going to get dinged for taxes and duty.

Why the hell should I pay taxes on something I bought in another country.

Crap, Crap, Crap, Crap, Crap, Crap, Crap, Crap, Crap, Crap, Crap, Crap, Crap, Crap, :mad:

That sounds completely frustrating. Thank you for supporting our failing economy, I can't do all by my self. :)

i use sram. They dont tax me on that. Just Shimano. :)

Only buy from the US if they will ship by USPS.

You need a reality check. When was the last time you mailed anything other than an envelope?, especially to another country. Shipping packages is costly. Did you just move to Canada?, have you purchased anything lately in which you were not charged sales tax??

Like a previous poster mentioned buy from the U.S only if it can be shipped USPS. Expect to pay the sales tax. Bike parts are duty free.

I was warned about a year ago, (by my local UPS Store), that UPS-Canada sticks the recipient with outrageous fees, and they strongly recommended not using UPS for shipping to Canada.

>Also, why are people so damn greedy when it comes to shipping charges?

Because people are dumb enough to pay them.

It typically costs me $25-30 to ship priority mail to canada when it only costs @5-10 in the US. Its just the way it is. Some people will try to make some money off of shipping but I frown upon this practice. If I do make any money, its a few bucks I may have over estimated.

Only buy from the US if they will ship by USPS.

It was shipped by USPS.

You need a reality check
Why?
In reality people are cheap money grubbing as*h*les who screw one another for every penny they can get their hands on. I know this and have come to expect it, but I still have the right to complain about it.


When was the last time you mailed anything other than an envelope?, especially to another country.
I have been shipping things all across North America for over 15 years. Just recently I mailed a set of pedals to a member of this forum in Illinois. It cost $7.50. Also, I mailed a bicycle seat to Marstons Mills, MA and that only cost $13.06, oh, what about the Brooks saddle I mailed to Toronto? That cost $12.56.


Did you just move to Canada?, have you purchased anything lately in which you were not charged sales tax??
I have been living in Canada for more than 47 years. My first day here was the same day I was taken from my mothers womb. I have spent a lot of money on taxes in these 47 years and as tax paying citizen of Canada, I am allowed to b*tch about it.

Why should I be charged sales tax on something bought outside the country?

As a 47 years person in a democratic society with free speech, I have the right to vent and ***** about things I don't like. All these things I have absolutely no power to change, so I b*tch about it.


Like a previous poster mentioned buy from the U.S only if it can be shipped USPS
It was shipped USPS, the Canadian Post office charged a $5.95 fee for something dealing with the taxes that were paid at customs.

My version of the Serenity Prayer?

Democracy allows me to b*tch about the
things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.

uhh import taxes and duties are charged by YOUR country. Its Canada thats screwing you. They're getting their tax money since you didnt pay it when you bought it. But normally, you shouldn't have to claim/pay duties if its under a certain amount.

I lived in Australia for awhile and they only charged import/customs if it was over $1000.

Its Canada thats screwing you.

I am fully aware of this. Did I mention in my first post it was the U.S.?

See, they are charging a sales tax, but it is really an import tax because I didn't buy it here.

If I think shipping charges are over inflated on ebay (which they almost always are) I email the seller before placing my bid. It doesn't hurt to ask them to give you a detailed breakdown of the shipping cost. I shouldn't have to pay for the pain in the ass factor. They are after all the ones who decided to use ebay. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't.