Problems with shipping to Canada

I am Canadian and I had many items bought in the USA and shipped by Fedex, and never had any problems, I did pay duties and taxes as I should. Here is my story, one day I get a item delivered to me at home which I bought in the USA delivered by fedex. They want me to pay them a broker fee for clearing the package, I had ask the seller to put on the package that I would clear my own customs, and he did. I questioned the issue with fedex and they told me that I couldn't clear my own package. They told me that they had an agreement with the Canadian goverment that they would clear all packages coming into Canada. I replied I don't think so, let me look into it. Let me just say that the price of clearing items going to Canada is very expensive, and I found out that fedex had lied to me, and did let me clear my own items. I think the item cost $35.00 and the clearing cost for customs was as much. Also many poeple don't know how to use the free trade agreement between USA and Canada. If the item is made in the USA the trade agreement may apply, which means no duty just provincial taxes apply. For the Canadians who are not paying there share on these transaction shame on them, they should be reported to the gon and suspended. Seller should not have to pay any duties no clearence fees or taxes, why should they. I now reside in the UK and I have to pay all the same here, clearence fees, vat 17.5% taxes and duties and I do.

I just bought an amp from someone in Canada and everything was smooth, 3 day shipping, through customs via FEDEX, no problems. Dealing with the exchange rate was a small hassle.

All you friendly, acommodating Canadians are making it tough for me to freeze out of future sales. Not only do you guys have great audio manufacturers north of the border, you're true audiophiles too!

Dean (Gunbei), nice that all of us nice, friendly "Canadians" were able to convince you to keep shipping things north of the border. I would be a true loss to Canadian Hifi if the access to the US market would be closed due to couple of bad experiences. Pre-living in Canada I have always shipped things cross borders if people were interested. One can have bad experiences on either side of the border, and of course many more good ones on both sides as well.

One can have bad experiences on either side of the border, and of course many more good ones on both sides as well.

Restock, while this is true, what protection does one have from a Canadian not paying their import duties?
Yes, it seems that other more expensive shipping options would rectify this situation. Is the answer to charge Canadians more for shipping, and not allow them the cheapest form of shipment (Fed Ex Ground)?

I have learned enough from this thread that I MAY ship to Canada again, but a Canadian will have to pay more for shipping than a USA buyer. I will try USPS, which is more $$$, but I'll never ship Fed Ex Ground to Canada again.

I will never accept a lowball offer from Canada again, that's for sure.

John