OT - Has anyone used a "proxy" shipping service to buy items from the US

[Hemlock]

I would like to purchase an item (not Disney) from the US, but the company does not ship to Canada. I have heard of these "proxy" shipping companies, but I don't really know of any company names to research. Has anyone used this type of service?

 

[Disney Addicted]

If you find one, please come back and post the details. I would also like to know.

Best I could find a year ago or so, was a place just across the border in Buffalo. I was able to have a replacement battery mailed to them and they held it for me to pick up on our way to the Buffalo airport.

 

[wendinator]

I have used US Address in Buffalo many times and have nothing but good things to say about them.

http://www.usaddressinc.com

Things you should know:

1. US Address likes to know about you before you have packages arrive there. Just fill out the little form on their web site that says "Register as a Non-Renter"
2. They charge $5 per package per week. So make sure that whatever you're saving on shipping to the States doesn't get eaten up in the storage fee, gas, and bridge tolls. They may charge more than $5 if it is an especially large package. For example, when we ordered a set of 4 tires to be shipped there, it was $5 per tire.
3. Note their business hours. If you can only do the pickup on weekends, they're closed on Sundays and open Saturday 9 am to 3 pm.
4. We had to add their address to our credit card as a secondary billing address in order for some transactions to go through. A quick call to your credit card company should take care of this.
5. Take ID with you when you go to do the pickup. If the person whose name is on the package isn't doing the pickup, let US Address know in advance, and/or send a letter with the person doing the pickup authorizing them to pickup on your behalf.

 

[ccudmore]

Probably depends on where you live. I use the UPS Store in Ogdensburg NY which is less than an hour drive from Ottawa. They'll receive any package shipped to them but you have to drive to pick it up. Most border cities has similar services. But I've never heard of any place that will re-mail things to the Canadian address.

 

[Hemlock]

I live too far away from the border to pick something up, so I would need it to be mailed to me. I am sure that this type of service exists, but I can't remember the name of the company.

 

[Disney Addicted]

usaddressinc is who I used as well. But they don't ship to Canada. I'm not sure if this is even allowable but if you find one, please let me know as well.

 

[minnie56]

We deal with a freight company in Lewiston, N.Y
Have used them for the past 12 yrs approx..they charge $5 per pkg and are fine with however long you leave it there. Limited hours..close at 3 and not open weekends but have a storage pod outside that if you give them a heads up they will put the item inside and there's an envelope to leave the cash. It's an honour system that works well. They provide the combination to the lock to you ahead of time. They are nice folks..great service! Half of my streets uses them now..my neighbour had patio furniture delivered there last summer lol...

They are directly behind a Post Office..I am sure they would send if required though we have always picked up ourselves. Heading down there Monday in fact to get the latest haul!

 

[3pletprincesses]

I deal with myusaddress.com. I usually go pick up my stuff but I know they also will forward your mail if that's waht you want.

 

[thehowells]

i cheat cause we have a us customs broker at work, so i just ship it to them and they deliver it for me

 

[pigletto]

usaddressinc is who I used as well. But they don't ship to Canada. I'm not sure if this is even allowable but if you find one, please let me know as well.

I used this one as well, but it's just over the Queenston/Lewiston bridge. I've never had any issues and we have used them many times (more than 20).
I find their prices reasonable.

My sister has used one just over the Rainbow Bridge that she liked as well, but I don't remember the name. I'm less likely to use that one, because I always find that bridge to be a congested mess, so I avoid it when I can.

We're actually closest to Buffalo. I might look for one there to save time.