Is UPS our only method of getting things across the border into Canada? At least as it relates to oversized items like exhaust systems?

I want to order an exhaust from the US, but I'm concerned about UPS brokerage fees. How bad are they?

 

Real bad! Avoid UPS like the plague. Trust me, i learned the hard way.

 

That's what I figured, but what are the alternate options? I'd like to go USPS but USPS isn't used for oversized items.

 

I don't know why people fear buying things from the US. I've bought almost everything including wheels and tires. The fees you will pay is usually the 15% sales tax you pay here anyway, plus 2% to 7% for foreign goods (ie. made in Japan), plus depending on the value of the goods the brokerage fee is anywhere from $20 up to $200 for most things related to mods. Unless you clear your own goods (I usually do) there is no way around it.

The benefit I find buying from the US is that selection is a lot better, vendors tend to know more about the product and the car your buying for and prices are simply way cheaper...even after paying for the above.

 

Well, the fees are based on the value the vendor places on the item right?

I talked to UPS and to customs and here's the figures

UPS - $63.25 + 2.7% of value + $4.25 delivery
Customs (for duty and taxes) - 6% of total + GST/PST (15% in Ontario)

That's steep.

BUT, the vendor said they list the item as a gift with a value of $60. I don't see how they can do that, but whatever.

 

I think that is reasonable. Unless you can find a Canadian vendor that can get you what you want for less money then I'd say go for it. Either way good luck.

 

I'd imagine that duty and taxes would be scrapped for an item that is listed as a gift. Thoughts?

 

You may need to provide a valid receipt to prove the worth of the merchandise.

 

Be careful...customs officers are no dummies. They will see the shipper is a company and if the paperwork is done as a gift...it will be redflagged and they will inspect the goods and see it's brand new. That will **** them off. Only when it is a private individual shipping to another private individual that will work.

 

I have heard if you can get the shipper to use USPS than that will eliminate the brokergae fees all together. I havent done that but I know a few people that have, so I would look into it.
Using any other carrier you will get screwed with those fees.

 

they suggested to mark the exhaust with a value of $60?!? Or are you talking about something else now?

 

Yes, but you can't use USPS for oversized items. That's the only problem.

 

Yes, I think that's kind of ridiculous and is going to be a red flag.

 

My thoughts as well.

What do you think a reasonable figure would be? I could just request they put a more reasonable figure on it.

 

Well, I've bought stuff on clearance for 50% off. Maybe this muffler will be on sale soon.