Buying speaker and amps from Canada to the US.Tax?

I have had a few items shipped to me from Canada. If you use UPS, your asking to be charged. If its a light item use Canada Post as Sean mentioned. If its heavy, use Fed Ex economy international air, its quite reasonable. From what I can tell, the trick is to ensure that the person shipping the item to you fills out the duty papers properly. I was told to use terms such as "For personal use Only". The stereo shop also taped to the box a page of the brochure of the speakers that showed the speakers and also said they were make in Canada. Even then, one of the speaker boxes was opened and inspected, but no duty/other charged.

I bought some expensive interconnects from Canada more than a year ago, and then about 6 mos. after that I got a bill for $80 from UPS! I ignored it and never heard anything again. PLEASE don't forward my post and email address to UPS!

I have both sent items from Canada to the USA, and received items from USA. I have been charged UPS brokerage fees even on items that were produced in Canada. I know that some items have had brokerage fees added on after I have sent them to people in the US. I think UPS is a bit of a rip-off. I have enquired about their brokerage charges, and they say if you use an expedited service such as "2-day", the brokerage charges are included. I have never had any brokerage charges with Canada Post or the US Postal Service.
Duties should only be charged on items originating in non-NAFTA countries.

Thanks a lot everyone... Now I should think if it is really worthwhile to buy gears in Canada... The gears I am interested are heavy ~150lbs (PASS amp and B&W N802) and may require freight service...

I am going through the same consideration. I would get good discount across the border in Canada but I am not sure what to expect on the hassle of duty and paperwork. The speakers are british-made and the components are china-made. Based on my research (checking the tariff schedule downloaded from the US Custom website, chapter 85), I should expect a 4.9% duty of the merchandise. To avoid the shipping cost and the risk of shipping damage, I will probably plan a short vacation there and transport the items back in my van on my return.

Would anyone please share their actual experiences about the duty and the paperworks and the practicality of transporting the merchandise across the border themselve?

Thanks all in advance.