What do I need for customs if purchased in Canada & ship to US?


If I buy a component from someone in Canada and want them to ship it to me in the US, what should I have the seller do to get it through customs?  I'll probably tell them to use the Canadian Mail to USPS.  
Are there forms to be filled out & maybe attached to the outside of the box?  A copy of the receipt attached to the box?   Something else.  My total purchase amount would probably be $1,000 or less.
How expensive are the US customs rates?
Thanks,

toolbox149

Showing 1 response by chayro

I recall when I bought a pair of Coincident speakers from Canada, UPS called and needed my SS#.  At first I thought it was a scam call, but I was told when anything over a certain value was shipped to the US the Patriot Act, or something like that, required the recipient's SS#.  Turned out it was true.  I don't know if it's still true.