Problem shipping parts to Canada

[Greg L.]

I was just wondering if anyone knows of the "hassle" involved in shipping parts to Canada? The reason that I'm asking is that I wanted to bid on a part on Ebay but the seller said that it was to much of a hassle to ship international. I know that many sellers on Ebay say they will not ship out side the US but once they see that it's only going to Canada they have no problem. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[William C.]

Re: Problem shipping parts to Canada

If it is small enough to ship US postal, it is not really a hassle, but the shipping cost goes up dramatically for any shipment outside the US. I ship internationally, but at the buyers expense. Most International customers are aware of the shipping costs, but not all. Some sellers just don't want the (minor) hassle and ignore a significant market segment on eBay.

[Rob M.]

Re: Problem shipping parts to Canada

Hi,

I buy appr. 3 items a day from the States and/or Canada and get it shipped to the Netherlands. For as far as I know it it almost transparent for the seller to either ship within the States/Canada or outside. Indeed the cost are higher (but this on my expense) and I the price is above 50 euros I have to pay custom taxes but that is all my problem, for the seller it should have any impact. I'm very surprised that a lot of people from the States (and maybe Canada) are so reluctant to ship abroard because I haven't figured out what the problem is. As long as the buyer pays in advance you can't go wrong...

greetings,
Rob Musquetier
The Netherlands

[A L.]

Re: Problem shipping parts to Canada

I have shipped several parts to Canada using the US Postal Service. Had to fill out a small declaration form. My parts were not big, under 12 pounds in most cases. The price is generally very reasonable and requires no more than stopping by the local post office. Some eBayers have preferred shippers(UPS, Fed Ex, ect.) and ways of doing their business, to change can be a problem for them. Shipping out side the US to most other countries can be a hassle because of long forms and getting them filled out properly. The whole process can be lenghty because of dealing with shippers who are not close by ect. For me it is not worth it unless the buyer is willing to make all shipping arrangements and have the item picked up at my door and then, I have to arrange being there for the pick-up which could be any time during the day regardless of the time agreed upon.
A.G.

[William C.]

Re: Problem shipping parts to Canada

Agreed, I have always welcommed customers outside the US, and have found them to be very good customers indeed!

[Craig S.]

Re: Problem shipping parts to Canada

Greg - I have both purchased and shipped to Canada on eBay. Buying from Canada I would not suggest using UPS...they are very thorough about adjusting for duy etc. I purchased some audio reel to reel tapes, the UPS shipping was $19 and I later received a duty bill for $55 on a $120 dollar purchase.....soured me a bit on the transaction to say the least. Apparently, if you stay with the USPS, this doesn't happen much at all. UPS is a sticker about paperwork and declarations. When I sold to someone in Canada, the only hassle I has was the UPS paperwork for international shipment was somewhat more involved to fill out, I have no clue if the purchaser had any duty issues later but never heard. I think many folks just don't want to deal with the extra paperwork involved.....I usually say US only, but if someone is interested and emailed me, I would probably work with them....Cragi

[Wayne M.]

This guy ships worldwide EXCEPT Canada or Germany

Check out this eBay item. Must have a bee in his bonnet (hates the beer ?).
Click on link




Something against Germany and Canada

[Greg L.]

Re: This guy ships worldwide EXCEPT Canada or Germ

Well thanks for your input guys. I guess in the end it's up to the seller to decide if they want a sale or not. I just thought it was odd that this guy would not ship up here after I've had many items shipped up here over the years.

[Steve G.]

Re: Canada shipping, lots of experience

I buy & sell hockey memorabilia which causes me to do a great deal of business with Canadians. The issues with shipping TO Canada are when you use US Post, you have to fill out one more form. (Customs Declaration CN 22) Also, that form asks you to claim "gift" or "commercial sample" or a couple other choices. Depending on how you declare the item and the value you state, its possible the receiver could be charged an additional fee by Canadian Customs. This is only going IN to Canada. Ive had customers throw a fit over this, and I always tell them thats between them and their government.
Packages over a certain total inches measurement will NOT be accepted US Post to Canada... causing me to have to use UPS for larger boxes and fill out THEIR extra Customs forms.
One issue Ive had with Canadian sellers is some of them find out the Canadian shipping charge in Canadian dollars and then ask me for that amount, only in US dollars.
This is why I always state a flat fee for shipping up front on all items, and of course make it higher for the coasts and Canada.

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: Problem shipping parts to Canada

I sold a few things on Ebay and it does require some paperwork and is spendy to ship US post but no where near as costly as shipping UPS to Canada. As long as it is small, like a pound or two US post will be the cheapest way to go.

[Grant M.]

Re: Problem shipping parts to Canada

I agree with the advice re: USPS vice UPS (or Fedex, etc). From my experience, the real cost increase occurs when the express companies use a 'customs broker' to clear the package through Canadian Customs. I believe these brokers have a basic fee (seems to me it starts at about $40.00(Cdn)). It may go up from there on a percentage basis; I'm not sure. If your shipment is of limited value (such as a bunch of small fasteners/parts), that $40.00 hit makes this method of shipment unattractive really fast! Whereas ther are no 'duties' payable on old car parts anymore, Canada Customs does apply the 7% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST), and, depending on the province of importation, a provincial sales tax (PST) as well (currently 8% here in Ontario)...along with our gasoline taxes, now you know where our 'free' medicare comes from.

There are two ways I use to lessen these impacts: consolidate small orders into one large one, to get the most for the brokerage fee charged; or, as I often do (and this assumes that you live near the US border), plan a weekend in the US and have the parts shipped to the hotel where you'll be staying (marked "guest-and the applicable date(s)). Allow enough advance notice to the supplier to ensure the parts get there in time and call the hotel directly to advise them that you're exepcting a package before your arrival. Then you can take the parts home with you, claim a 48-hour ($200.00) exemption, and if the value exceeds that amount, only pay Customs the GST/PST on the excess. Often a declared minimal excess won't be bothered with.

Be aware that some vendors will NOT ship to an address other than the billing address on the credit card used to pay for the item; but others will do so. I used Eckler's to purchase door panels this way a couple of years ago and had them shipped to a Holiday Inn in Syracuse...no problem!

grant