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Shipping to Canada? Don't use UPS

Shipping to Canada? I strongly discourage anyone from using UPS. They will try to charge outrageuos sums for 'brokerage fees' etc. at point of delivery when the package is within reach and a mere VISA swipe away. They know few can resist the anticipation of a package arriving, so most people just surrender their cash and pay their fees - no matter how outrageous.

They charged me 37$ in fees for a 50$ CDR-Drive, last week they wanted 22$ in brokerage fees for speaker cables worth 19$. Last year when my Linn amp arrived, they wanted 120$ to release it into my hands. I paid the fees because I didn't want to refuse the shipment and risk damage to the amp, annoyance to the sender, and further shipping expenses. UPS will do this every time.

Fedex on the other hand recently delivered a bike worth $750. It arrived in 4 days from California with no charges, just a smile and a thank you. And that's how they are every time. Same goes for USPS, - just perhaps without the smile.

I have no affiliation with any of these companies.
neubilder
plato
1,543 posts
 
Neubilder,

I think you may be on to something. Last year, I paid UPS in full for an amp to be delivered to Canada. Then, at the last minute, because I forgot to check some box on their paperwork they charged the recipient an extra $30 for no good reason. I was not pleased and neither was the buyer although the deal went through as planned.

Since then, I've been reluctant to have dealings with anyone in Canada just because you never know what Customs delays or brokerage fees you'll encounter. These guys (maybe Customs and not UPS?) really do hold your goods hostage, knowing they've got you over a barrel.

I've also noticed on ebay that whenever I see a good deal from Canada the items seem to sell for much less than they would in the case of a strictly US domestic sale.

From what you say, maybe by using the USPS or FedEx, dealing in Canada could be less of a hassle.

Thanks for posting.
tomho
3 posts
 
True for UPS, but be careful with Fedex, their bills usually come 1 mth later, they still charge the brokerage , just matter of time, USPS is the best way to ship to Canada.
jw61
5 posts
 
Fedex is just as bad.Just last week $42.50 brokerage and fees(not including taxes) on a 400 dollar processor.You will probably get a bill in the mail.USPS is always a $5 brokerage fee.
dtsag
119 posts
 
I think you have to educate yourself there are UPS Standard, UPS Express, Postal, Fedex and Fedex Ground. You have to learn when to use which service depand on the weight, size, distance, tracking and the declared value of the package you are shipping.

If you do not have the knowledge, you better do your trading within Canada. Good luck.
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