I am considering a purchase of a used amp from Canada, value about US$4000. If I had it shipped UPS to the Canadian border, picked it up in Canada and carried it through US Customs, what kind of fees would I expect to pay to Customs (duties, taxes, etc)? Thanks.
If you decide to ship across the border, the key is to make sure that the seller specifically writes on the declaration papers (vs the ups or fedex documents) that it was made in Canada or the US (assuming it was) and that it will be used for personal use. For heavy speakers I recently used fedex international economy air and all went very well doing the above.
I just had a DAC shipped from Canada, by UPS, and UPS sent me a bill for $29 for "brokerage service charges". UPS is notorious for padding their profits in this way, and should be avoided like the plague in cross-border shipping, IMHO.
Tom is correct - use FedX. USPS insured parcel post won't ding you either. er, Canada post that is... Do a search of the forum archives - this topic has been covered quite exhaustively.
Thanks for the responses. Actually this is a specific topic that I have not seen discussed on this forum. I will restate the question. I am asking about carrying and declaring used, private sale items across the border from Canada to US (ie in the back seat of my car). If I purchased a used audiophile item with value of US$4000 (made in Canada), what fees if any should I expect to pay at the border crossing? I guess this question is directed at those of us who live near the border. Thanks again.
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.
