Magic Candle Company - hefty fees/taxes over the border

[trivial]

Hi all,

This isn't strictly Disney related, but for anyone considering ordering from Magic Candle Company (a sponsor of the DIS), I wanted to share my experience. I realized that ordering from the U.S. might carry duties/customs fees, but I was not prepared for how expensive it would be.

Using the DIS promotional code for a 15% discount, I ordered 8 oils. The total cost, including shipping and CA$42.89 in FedEx fees + taxes, was CA$140.

As it turns out, we're very disappointed with all 8 of the scents, but that's the risk you take buying scent unsmelled.

The fees/taxes are of course not the fault of Magic Candle Company, but I wanted to help others make an informed decision. Had I known it would've ended up costing that much, I wouldn't have ordered.

 

[trompettecon]

Sorry you had to go through this. I never order from small US companies. They do not have brokers and the charges across the border are enormous. The only way you can avoid this is to ask for US Postal Service Shipment. The fee will be between $5-$10. Fedex, UPS etc sometimes hundreds of dollars.

 

[bfost87]

Sorry you had to go through this. I never order from small US companies. They do not have brokers and the charges across the border are enormous. The only way you can avoid this is to ask for US Postal Service Shipment. The fee will be between $5-$10. Fedex, UPS etc sometimes hundreds of dollars.

Or get them shipped to a border town where you can have a box setup. I have one in Blaine WA

 

[Minniemoo15]

Yes the fedex fees when I ordered my two candles were ridiculous. I wish they just shipped them USPS.

 

[trivial]

Sorry you had to go through this. I never order from small US companies. They do not have brokers and the charges across the border are enormous. The only way you can avoid this is to ask for US Postal Service Shipment. The fee will be between $5-$10. Fedex, UPS etc sometimes hundreds of dollars.

Yes the fedex fees when I ordered my two candles were ridiculous. I wish they just shipped them USPS.

I asked them about this, and they indicated that they've had problems with USPS in the past, and prefer FedEx and UPS because they handle all of the paperwork/duties/fees for them.

I sympathize, as I realize Magic Candle Company is a small business. I just can't recommend them for Canadians unless customers are fully aware of the exorbitant costs that await them.

 

[trompettecon]

I asked them about this, and they indicated that they've had problems with USPS in the past, and prefer FedEx and UPS because they handle all of the paperwork/duties/fees for them.

I sympathize, as I realize Magic Candle Company is a small business. I just can't recommend them for Canadians unless customers are fully aware of the exorbitant costs that await them.

I would let them know about how this is a problem for their overseas customers...

 

[trivial]

I would let them know about how this is a problem for their overseas customers...

I did, but they didn't seem particularly concerned or inspired to change their process.

 

[accm]

I'll only purchase items from the US if I can guarantee it'll be shipped via USPS after UPS tried to charge me over $75 to act as my customs broker.

My plan is to order a candle and have it delivered to my hotel before our next trip down so we can avoid customs/shipping.

 

[jaceraden]

Yep. I ordered once and liked what I had ordered but not enough for the insane fees I had to pay.

 

[npmg]

We've purchased from Wishes Candle Company a few times. Nowhere near as expensive as those ones, but not cheap either.

 

[Chickinvic]

Sorry you had to go through this. I never order from small US companies. They do not have brokers and the charges across the border are enormous. The only way you can avoid this is to ask for US Postal Service Shipment. The fee will be between $5-$10. Fedex, UPS etc sometimes hundreds of dollars.

Yes, I hate anything that will be delivered from the US by anything other than the postal service for this reason. I've been burned by Fedex, UPS, Purolator, etc. Sometimes the fees are so outrageous you're just tempted to not bother claiming the item and just eat the loss on the price you already paid. I ordered some smoothie powders once and got dinged really badly.

 

[nutsosmom]

I placed an order for $140 with shipping and tax. The bill I received from FedEx was $48 unfortunately. I've been finding that the frequency of getting charge custom fees has increased considerably in the last two years, and the fee the shipping company charges have gone up as well. Not that this is the fault of magic candle company (and USPS to CanadaPost have lost or damaged far more of my packages that FedEx).
That being said - I have the same issues with Disney Store. It's a minimum $25 U.S. (I think) for shipping anything, Shipped UPS (which have the highest customs + fees of any other carrier by far) so usually pay double the shipping to get it here. For example, one Minnie Mouse plush = $85 Can after the shipping, conversion and customs.
It stinks, but if I want it badly enough........................

 

[SaraMc]

I find anytime a thing has a fun name with magic or characters in it or a fun looking box we get hit with duties and texts

 

[jaceraden]

So excited to find one of the shops at Volcano Bay had magic candle company candles this Christmas. Bought a few since I was there anyway.

 

[ellbell]

I find anytime a thing has a fun name with magic or characters in it or a fun looking box we get hit with duties and texts

Either this or they don't ship to Canada at all.

 

[jaceraden]

Either this or they don't ship to Canada at all.

Or the dreaded double whammy of Canadian and a PO Box.

 

[zebsterama]

We had the same experience last year with regards to shipping and duty, but we really did love the scent of the candles.

 

[suse66]

I have it shipped to my US address (I use Cross Border Pickups). I do the monthly subscription box which is $29.95 USD I get a candle, wax melts, room spray, an air freshener disc and a pin. I get notification from Cross Border Pickups when it arrives and have the option to pick it up at one of their warehouses (Mississagua or Markham) or have it shipped to my home. I always have it shipped to my house which with fees, duties and tax comes to $24 CDN. So I end up spending about $64 total once a month which I feel is worth it for a nice Disney pick me up.

 

[ellbell]

I have it shipped to my US address (I use Cross Border Pickups). I do the monthly subscription box which is $29.95 USD I get a candle, wax melts, room spray, an air freshener disc and a pin. I get notification from Cross Border Pickups when it arrives and have the option to pick it up at one of their warehouses (Mississagua or Markham) or have it shipped to my home. I always have it shipped to my house which with fees, duties and tax comes to $24 CDN. So I end up spending about $64 total once a month which I feel is worth it for a nice Disney pick me up.

I'm not doing that till after covid is over the border rules change to frequently and some people waited a year and a half last time. Since testing is back in place it also might be difficult to find a test right now to come home.

 

[suse66]

I'm not doing that till after covid is over the border rules change to frequently and some people waited a year and a half last time. Since testing is back in place it also might be difficult to find a test right now to come home.

You don't go to the States to pick it up. They pick it up for you and ship it to your home. It is SO easy. Totally enabling my Disney shopping addiction, lol!