OT - Shipping/handling/duties when ordering from US

[calena]

What experience do people have with shipping/duty/handling charges when ordering online catalogue stuff from the US. I quit ordering a couple of years ago because of the extreme handling charges. The duty part wasn't so bad, but it was these custom broker charges that were a killer. Anyone had recent experience with this? Or what do you do about it? Thanks. Deb
Considering ordering stuff online from US!

 

[mommytodarlings]

I order quite a bit from the US (Ebay mostly) and it depends on how the item is shipped.

If it is shipped USPS then the fee is $5 through Canada Post. Whether you are even charged is hit and miss, depends on person processing. I have been charged for items that were marked with a value of $22 and then I wasn't charged on a $200 camera. Who knows the process behind it.

Anything that comes UPS, Fedex, DHL, etc, you will be charged. I had an Ebayer ship UPS to me and the fee was $50 then add duty and tax. I refused the package and emailed the seller. He apologized and resent with USPS.

I just received a package from a US store shipped FedEx, the fee was $7. The package value was $54 CDN.

HTH

 

[sean-1966]

Stick with USPS. UPS is simply nuts about broker charges. It's a deal breaker for me. I refuse to pay for them to fill out a couple forms. My last shipment from Fed Ex I wasn't charged anything.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I try to have things shipped through USPS because Canada Post charges a $5 brokerage fee + taxes/duties (only if your package gets stopped). I know a lot of companies in the US like UPS Ground because it's cheaper but you will get hit with a brokerage fee + taxes/duties. If you ship UPS Air, I don't think you'll pay the brokerage fee. Here's a link to see what you could be charged:

http://www.ups.com/content/ca/en/shipping/cost/zones/customs_clearance.html

Another alternative is to have the item shipped to a friend or family member in the US and have them bring the item to you or have them mail it through USPS.

 

[Best_Vacation_EVER!]

Definitely we decide whether we'll buy from a US online store based on the shipping options they offer.

We had a bad experience with UPS --- ordered just over 40 USD worth of baby toys and the only shipping they offered to Canada was UPS standard. When UPS came to deliver I was totally shocked to find that the customs brokerage fee they charge was over $30 CDN. If I see the only option is UPS standard there is no way I'd purchase from the store no matter what.

I don't think the brokerage fees for the other couriers are quite as insane but I always check with the couriers current website to see what the fees are with before ordering. Generally I prefer the US stores use the USPS option as well. They can still insure or purchase tracking options but the only brokerage fee is the $5 customs fee that Canada Customs charges which some of the other posters have mentioned.

 

[calena]

Thanks all for the info! I ordered my package. They send USPS so that should work! Will let you know. I have ordered before and had things sent by a parcel service (probably UPS) and I paid an outrageous amount when you look at the value of what was sent! Hurray for cross border shopping.
I usually have things sent to my parents who live in the US when I order, but this time I sort of want it 'now' so I have ordered for here. Let you know how it works out. Thanks again! Deb

 

[pxlbarrel]

Just a little tip....

When I write somebody about how I want it shipped...I always right US Postal Service as opposed to USPS.

When somebody is in a hurry, what they may see is UPS when it's actually USPS. It just makes it a bit clearer for them and also makes them know that it's not a typo that I want that 100 lb gorilla sent by postal service and not UPS. No excuses if it's written out.

 

[KerriMc]

Anyone know about Land's End? I'd like to order a swimsuit but I am afraid of all the charges that could possibly be incurred

Thanks
Kerri

 

[Newcastle]

I buy stuff from Lands' End all the time. The shipping rates vary depending on the amount that you purchase but I think that the rates are reasonable (I believe that the maximum amount that you would pay is $14.95). They send the items via Canada Post. They also include duties and taxes in the final total and if I recall correctly, you can view these amounts prior to processing your order (assuming that you order online). It is also very easy to return items if you need to!

 

[KerriMc]

Thanks NewCastle ... I think I'll go ahead and order it!! I really need one and I like the number of options, plus I even made a model of me Have you ever ordered children's clothing from them? Are they just a mail order clothing company or do they have stores in the states?

Kerri

 

[Newcastle]

Hi Kerri,

That's actually the only thing I order...children's clothes! I absolutely love their stuff not only for the style but also because the clothes are very durable and comfortable. It can get a bit pricey with the exchange, duties, etc. but I don't mind paying a bit extra for the quality, not to mention the convenience of shopping from home. I had actually purchased a coat from them one year and my son wore it for the entire winter season and then lost a snap/button closure. He still had lots of room to wear it the following season so I called them to ask them to send me a new snap. They told me to send them the coat and they actually sent a brand new one in exchange, no charge (even though it had clearly been worn throughout the winter)! As far as I know, they do have some stores in the US and even sell some of their line at Sears (only in the US I think). If you haven't already, request a children's catalogue. For whatever reason, I like to look at print pictures of the clothes as sometimes my computer settings can be a bit wonky and the colours sometimes appear different online!

 

[calena]

I did order my stuff and it came in. No extra charges! It took about 10 days to arrive. The only downside is I have to pay the postage for returns. I usually order and have it sent to my parents in the USA and they include a free return postage mailer. But anyway, it worked out well and I would do it again. Deb