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Buying from Canada a hassle for you too?

I have had 3 nightmare transactions from Canada.
This ,I hope is not a reflection on Canadian Agon members,however, issues exist like never before.
I had a CD PLAYER held up at customs for 1 month by the FDA claiming it contained consumable goods.
I know the US does not want our senior citizens getting discounts on prescription drugs they need,therefore,everything must be getting delayed.

I can ship/get shipments from/to China,Russia and the Middle East easier and faster than Canada.

I guess it shows where our security priority is.

It's okay to mess with us just don't mess with those Pharmaceutical companies.

There is one common thing that does seem to occur with shipments fronm Canada.

And that is, they definately take their time shipping things to us.

I think most US Agon members try to ship the item as soon as they are paid or maybe a day or 2 later.

Canadian members like to take a week or so and then ship the item in a different manner than arranged.

These have been my experiences anyway.

I need to hear other stories,as I soon may not deal with Canada if this is the new norm
darealjaydee

Showing 4 responses by tobias

tobias
1,534 posts
 
I'm a Canuck. I don't think it's the weak dollar that provokes anger. Instead I think the weak dollar provokes acquisitiveness in many Canadians these days. But if I had felt myself to be tarred with the OP's brush (Canadians are slow, casual, self-centred shippers), I would be a little miffed. Fortunately my feedback bears witness to a different attitude on my part.

As Mang53 says, cheap shipping gets you extra fees and border delays. FedEx and UPS give you tracking for your dollar but they claw it back in fees. To repeat: anything shipped by ground transport with FedEx or UPS will generate a processing fee. If it is not made in a NAFTA country it may generate duty. One more thing: border fees will be billed automatically to the SELLER in many cases, even if the "bill the receiver" box is checked! Please get this straight with your buyer and make the necessary arrangements before you close your deal.

2nd day air is the way to go if you must have tracking. If not, both postal services can do a great job, especially if you pack like a maniac. And if you live anywhere close to the border, consider taking the item through customs yourself and shipping from the country of destination, like Brianhutch.

Every country has its own import/export twirks. Zenieth, thanks for talking about friends up north. In return, I might mention our much-admired neighbours south of the border.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Canada Post is the best bet if you want a shot at a duty-free transaction. The other carriers are sure to charge you any applicable duty (about 6 per cent) plus fees. Ground shipping will delay your package, though. Be prepared to practice patience.

If I can, I always use express service. It often does not cost much more and it means the gear spends less time shaking around (on a truck), as well as getting there faster.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Riffer, I can bear witness to an American buyer's being charged on a shipment from Canada. The items in question were a pair of monoblock amps and the charges, which included duty, taxes and brokerage, came to about 10% of the sale amount. The carrier was FedEx Ground and the broker was FedEx Trade Networks.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Riffer, my experience is quite similar to yours. Postal shipments seem to get through with fewer fees and hassles, sometimes none at all. Ground courier shipments (I have only used FedEx) get delayed and dinged.

Courier shipments by air seem to be fastest and most fee-free of all. However they are also the most expensive.
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