Shipping to Canada

Any but UPS (the brown  truck guys.) They really stick it to us with a brokerage fee clearing customs . What does your customer say?

Mike, I shipped some switches and other items to Canada a couple of months ago using USPS International Priority (I believe that's what it's called) and it went fine.  I did declare a modest valuation for customs purposes and identified the items as gifts, which they were.  You can do everything you need to do on-line at USPS website.

I have no problems with USPS priority mail. Basically it's about $35, until you get some real weight.

I think it takes longer from the border to the recipient that anything.

I declare them as toy trains or toy train parts with the replacement value used for insurance. It doesn't add that much.

if you ship anywhere in Europe, use the brown truck.

Just shipped to Ontario recently. USPS Priority. Fill out the customs form. Said it was a gift. The form requires an email or telephone number for the addressee. Not sure if that's enforced but I always try to have it.

From the mid-Atlantic region delivery was 4-5 days.

I shipped some Fastrack switches to Canada a couple of months ago using USPS International Priority. It was smooth and easy, and much less than what I initially thought it would cost. 

Just was on the receiving end of a UPS shipment and the entire fiasco was not pleasant.  If not for the persistence of Joe C. the parcel they lost might never have been found.  Their cheaper than USPS shipping charges are a giant scam when it comes to delivery drop off.  The customs and shipping totalled out to over $225 on $500 worth on merchandise.

Ship USPS which is in conjunction with FedEx and if possible list it as a gift.  The shipping cost might initially look hefty for the buyer but he won't take an even bigger hit when it comes to duty.

Bruce

I shipped to Canada one time only. I used USPS computerized label maker. it was totally wrong.

It took over a month. I was on the verge of refunding the buyer's money when he emailed me it had arrived.

Get the exact way it is to be addressed from the buyer. Then do it that way. Our postal service does not know what the address is supposed to look like. Then allow longer time for delivery, and it should get there.

Not much different than a domestic shipment except for the customs form which is a cinch to fill out. As stated above address the parcel exactly as your customer wants it and don't use the brown truck.

Jim McC

Some Canadians live close enough to the border to use a US shipping address and pick up items personally. Customs is dealt with when they cross back home.

US items usually ship from EE Bay into Canada with no problem, for example. EE Bay sellers won't be willing to mark things as gifts as they may get that request too often. I for one haven't used that site for several years, so things may have changed. Private sales of items don't usually see a flag. 

There can be a problem if any kind of express shipping is used. That's where the Canucks see the customs broker fees that pop the eyeballs. Regular plodding normal shipment is the way to go, just like when you were a kid and ordered those sea-monkeys by mail-order. It's hurry up and wait.

Just my experiences and $0.02 or less.

Nothing really hard about shipping to Canada.....just costly and a few forms.....as stated...all online. Never had any issues other than SLOW customs....not sure whos fault.

I'm in Calgary, Ab and buy quite a lot from E Bay and the forum.  USPS is the only way I will accept a purchase.  Anything less than 75-100 in value seems to be coming in without customs getting into it. No fees, no Federal Sales tax (5%).  E Bay sellers now use a feature that costs us a little more but allows US Shippers to Have Pitney  Bowes arrange the shipping for them  Customs clearance is also pre-arranged.  I am very happy with their  setup.  UPS is a no -no for me. They charge a fee of up to 10% on the value  plus adding the Federal Tax.

It would be worth while for you to drive to border and pick it up even if a full days round trip drive will save a ton on ship cost and customs waits and hassles and chg.

As others say do it with USPS not UPS will be cheaper and easier, will com through with Canada Post on your end.

If a good sized order you will be paying a broker to do the customs for you, and taxes.

If a large order they can set it aside and do a full inspection. Have in the past had friends wait a couple of months while package sat in customs waiting to be ripped apart and inspected.

Easier with track then an expensive steam engine that they take apart and handle and can damage in customs.

USPS is the best way to ship an item I always use them shipping engines it get there in a week and the price is lower then you think check it out 

I agree as well with the USPS shipping. USPS is a Government service and when it crosses the border into Canada it is passed to OUR Government Postal service which is Canada Post.

This also eliminates the brokerage fees. Only the couriers charge them because they have to clear it through customs.

With the Government carriers, customs is also Government run, hence no fees.

But you will pay duty if over a certain value and taxes will be assessed.

Sometimes the smaller packets just slip through and arrive at my door With no charges.

I love those ones.

A shipment I made to Canada via the US Postal System was a cinch.  No different from domestic, except for filling out the customs form, which was easy.

I'm fortunate to live so close to Lynden, Wa - just a 20 minute drive or so from Langley (very close to Vancouver, B.C.). I keep a PO box there and seldom get asked to poney up with customs. Mind you, my ordered stuff (mostly) is humble and far from high-end, but if you can afford high-end, you can afford modest duties. If you get to know someone in, say, the Canadian Toy Train ***'n. (formerly TTOS), they often cross the line for shipments, etc., and may do you the occasional favor.

Well, I live in Calgary, AB and get items from the USA often.  The best way I found out is USPS Priority /Canada Post.

Most items take 7 to 10 days as customs clearance is usually only in Vancouver, BC and toronto area.Once an item leves Vancouver it is usually delivered in 2 days and Toronto 3 days.  Most items by mail marked toy trains do not get opened by customs and it seems only items over $ 80 or  $ 100 are subject to our GST ( 5% goods and services tax).

When I sell here or E bay I always send by Canada Post up to about 44 lbs.

I d notice that it costs quite a bit more for you to ship here, than it costs to ship from here to you.

I have gone to the USPS  site and priced some shipments from USA to here and it astounds me sometimes.  I E  2 K line switches Florida to Calgary $ 45.00. Calgary to Florida $ 42.00 CANADIAN