AlienBee customs into Canada

[D1337]

Has anyone on here from Canada bought AlienBee lighting?
I've been thinking about getting a few lights, and I like the reviews I've heard about AlienBee lighting. BUT, I have also heard that the customs to get them into Canada is quite the cost.

I was just wondering what people on here from Canada bought, and how much the customs were to get them shipped to Canada.

Thanks a lot for all replies!

[malcolm027]

I think on their site it says that if you order the more expensive shipping that you will save on brokerage fees. I have never heard of any problems, but let me know because I'm about to order about 500 dollars worth of stuff.

[Marloon]

hey guys... your best bet is to find a postal service near the border and pick up your gear from there. after which, you cross the border, pay your taxes (make sure you do), and go home.

customs charges 15% for tax and stuff as oppose to the 12% we have here in BC. its really odd but its the way its done.

[[godfather]]

Wont you end up paying almost same the amount as taxes in case you drive down to border?

[malcolm027]

That's a pretty good idea.

[quijibo69]

I've purchased a fair amount from them.... If you choose "worldwide express saver" as your shipping option, you only pay GST & PST (or HST) at the door. However, the "express saver" is quite expensive shipping!

I have complained to PCB on more than one occasion as to why they do not ship USPS, especially for small things like cybersyncs, but I always get some bull.... answer.

A cybersync is 60.00.... shipping Via UPS is $40.00, I'm sorry but that is just stupid, you could send that USPS with tracking for under $10.00!

Their ridiculous shipping charges have stopped me from buying new from them on more than one occasion, maybe if enough of us complain about their lack of shipping options to Canada they might change (but I doubt it).

You can save yourself a lot of S/H charges by buying used on these forums.

[Car2n]

I just recieved a shipment the other day. A $245 order and I choose the world saver plan at $45 I believe. Sounds high but,
Here's why,,, regular shipping would probably have been in the $15 range and I'd get hit with an unknown amount of a brokerage fee at my door. I'm sure the brokerage would have been $30 and very well may have been more. World saver had the order at my door practically next day shipping.
PST & GST still remain as is to be paid at the door.
Kinda expensive but took the guesswork out of the shipping expense.
I was all WTF?? when I saw the world saver shipping at $45 on the order form but rolled with it and would do it again if the order was large enough.

I agree that for small purchases there should be a USPS option though. (it takes longer but it's my preference too.)

[kenyee]

I agree that for small purchases there should be a USPS option though.

USPS sucks for tracking and insurance when going out of country. AFAIK, that's why they don't use it (not my preference either because I can never get insurance to work right shipping out of the US but have luckily not had a problem)...

[BCRose]

Go with the expensive shipping they suggest. I tried it both ways and trust me you don't want to pay the brokerage fees that the UPS driver will be asking you for if you chose the cheap route.

Try to wait until you can order everything you need, shipping is quite a bit less for multiple items. I learne dthe hard way and made two orders just days apart.