Buying an item from Canada

I purchased a 4K preamp from a Audiogoner who lived in Canada. There was no duty tax and it went Canadian Post and then on the the USPS. It took 5 days from Vancouver, Canada to me in New England. I also purchased a CD player from another Gentleman in Canada. It took like 3 days via Canadian Post.  This past Summer, I purchased a new cartridge direct from the Canadian Distributor and I still didn't pay any duty taxes.  It came via UPS and took 4 days.  Easy Peazy.

In my experience, from a private seller, shipping takes double the normal time to go through customs and such.

I purchased a used amp for approx. $2,650 that was made in the US, but I still paid customs clearance fees of approx. $70 and had to fill out paperwork faxed (yes faxed) from US customs.   It was a hassle.  YMMV.

Be careful though, i bought a $1200 CD player from Canada and UPS wanted COD of $295 upon delivery.  I almost paid it but when refused they left a phone number to call, well the next day i called the ups 1-800 # instead and it was explained to me that custom hold fee is only $53 and that delivery person didn’t always have the latest info.  Upon showing payment confirmation # to the same delivery person the very next day, it was released.  SCAM?  Just to add, The second time around the older delivery person brought a ups partner so i couldnt help think it was a body guard.  😏. Did anyone else have this inflated COD charge experience?  

The only way to go is Canada Post. If you use UPS etc. the brokerage fee’s are outrageous. I live in Canada and only buy from the US if it is through the USPS for the same reason.