I too, have become a victim of the "HIDDEN CHARGE". I recently purchased a pair of cables from a gentleman in Canada. He agreed to ship Canadian Post, since he did not have confidence in UPS, nor did I, having some bad experiences in the past. Upon receiving his final e-mail, he included tracking numbers for the package....shipped Purolator Express!! I did not question this, as the gentleman was paying for the shipping.BIG MISTAKE!!! On Oct. 27, I received an invoice From PBB Global Logistics, apparently a Customs broker representing Purolator, stating that I owe $49.00 ($19.00 brokerage fee and $30.00 for Surety Bond Fee!). I could not beleive it. A $49.00 fee on a $275.00 purchase is ridiculous!! I've e-mailed the gentleman I purchased the cables from to see if he could clear up some of this confusion. He has had all positive feedback on this site, and our deal went smoothly also. I guess I'll just pay the bill and shut-up. I just hope that this post will help someone else make a better informed decision than I made. This experience, unfortunately, has left me with negative feelings toward pursuing any more cross-border transactions.
Canada UPS delivery
I received a pair of interconnects from Canada a week or so ago. Shipping cost were $20.00 for UPS ground. Today I get a bill from UPS for another $19.00 Listed as "Entry prep fee" under brokerage service. Funny how this stuff gets swept under the carpet till after the sale is complete. Does that sound about right? $39.00 to ship a ten-pound item from Canada to the US insured for $500.00. Where did I go wrong in this deal?