Problems with shipping to Canada

I've been sent alot of packages from the U.S. (I am Canadian) and have ALWAYS paid for the shipping along with the agreed upon price, without exception. I always clarify that I will pay for shiping immediately upon initial contact with the seller (except for one time when a seller/sender refunded the shipping price to me, happy that I didn't try to haggle him from his asking price, a nice surprise.)
I have bought 65lb. amps, 75lb each speakers, cables, c.d.'s, large items, bulky items, heavy items, small items, .... you get the point- I've always used DHL, ground and air, without a dent in my packages. DHL comes highly recommended from my own experiences.
So, perhaps in such situations it's "seller beware" along with "buyer beware". I think it's a good practice to insist pre-paid shipping, too many jerks in this world who are completely ignorant to common courtesy and good business practices.

After one rough experience, I would not buy anything from Canada. Shipping, customs, etc..a pain.

To stop some of the rumours and to clarify some of the things for shipping to Canada:

1) Educate yourself about shipping costs and customs charges with the shipping company:

- basic freight costs
- import taxes (in Canada: between 7% and 15 dependent on the state the item is shipped to)
- import duty (none for items made in North America following NAFTA rules)
- brokerage charges (anywhere between $20 to $200+)

2) The important and difficult charges are the brokerage charges: Usually FEDEX Ground and UPS Ground charge fairly high brokarage charges for their own highly paid lawyer (anywhere between $20 to $200+). Air shipping (FEDEX Air, UPS expedited, UPS Express) are usually free of brokerage charges.

See for example:

UPS Brokerage rates

3) Of course the distribution of all these different costs should be agreed on beforehand and usually the receiver in Canada will pay for it. Just don't sell to any zero feedback members in Canada if you are afraid of being stuck with customs charges.

All cross-border transactions would be so much easier if people on both sides would be aware of the costs and possible problems.

Certainly there is no need for an irrational fear of shipping internationally!

Good luck,

Rene

I'm Canadian and I've dealt with Americans from both buying and selling end of the deals. I've only had positive experiences with Fedex Ground and UPS Ground. Yes, brokerage fees are stupid but what can you do.

Please don't black ball me! I have perfect feedback!