Originally Posted by Maelstrom
Santiago, so does that mean it is more efficient to do larger purchases from the states. It doesn't sound worth it to buy from the states if you can't get to clear customs yourself (which is impossible for me)
And is 35$ the max they charge or just what you are saying?...so
100$usd -> converted to cdn + pst (they shouldn't charge gst as it is a bike item) + brokerage fee = total cost
Just checking because my online shop has gone to the crapper and I need another source
Mael,
I'm not sure how UPS calculates its brokerage fee. I have been clearing my own customs for the last few shipments so I don't know how this is worked out. It can be expensive especially if your item costs $50.
Actually I have a package I need to pick up that I was told had a "Brokerage COD due" of 72.61. I think these are the bike racks for my car. Since I'll be clearing my own customs, I'll know how much Canada Customs will charge me on taxes. The difference is how much UPS would have charged me. Don't forget, there's taxes on the brokerage fee too so it pays to avoid it.
BTW, when I picked up my Crank Brothers Candy SLs, I was charged both GST and PST.
One thing to do is to buy large items or do a group buy with buddies. There's a discount car dealer I buy parts and accessories from in the U.S. and it pays to get together with a few people and buy tons of product. Even if you get dinged $35 brokerage fee but your total bill is $900, it hurts a lot less.
As Darkmother said, you can have it shipped USPS and you might get lucky. If the product is identified as a gift, it comes through for free. If it's identified as a product sold to you, you'll pay GST/PST on the declared value + $5 handling fee. If you have a good relationship with your seller, have them lighten the declared value. Helps a lot.
On the other hand, some of the biking stuff is SOOOOO cheap from the U.S. I saw the orange Camelbak MULE going for $40 USD at PricePoint. Even with $13 shipping and possible taxes, by clearing your own customs, it's tons better than the $120+ I saw the same bag at a LSB.
One question, you said your online shop has gone to the crapper. Are you talking about Bikeroom.com? I just ordered stuff from them but haven't seen a credit card charge yet.