Canadians buying items from the U.S.

Not really sure to post this, so will try here.

In the past, when I have purchased items from the U.S., I would have to pay extra for duty or customs fees when it was delivered. For example, about 2 years ago, bought some software from the U.S. for $99 USD, and it ended up costing nearly $250 CAD after exchange and custom fees.

Has anyone experienced this with buying lenses from the U.S. and having them shipped to Canada?

Thanks in advance...
Al

ya, because stores always ship securest way, and marking retail cost...

you just need to make a friend in usa who can ship things cheaply with gift/low value on customs forums

offering 10-20% gratuity is customary

http://www.photoprice.​ca

" Most photographic equipment is duty free, when imported from most countries, including the States."

http://www.photoprice.​ca …/duty-on-camera-equipment

There are a few KEY things to note when buying from the States:

1. UPS and FedEx charge brokerage. (for the cheaper options.) That is, they charge a fee for bringing things across the border. And they usually don't tell you when you accept the package, they'll send you a bill for $50 for a $200 item a month later.

2. USPS and Canada Post don't charge brokerage. When possible, always try to get your items shipped by USPS. (Or if they do charge it, it's only like $5 flat rate)

3. If you buy from a reputable online store, they usually will NOT declare an item as a gift for you. They will say it is merchandise, which almost always gets taxed/dutied.

4. Depending on the item you're buying, you might get just taxed (GST + PST) or dutied on top of that with an extra percentage.

5. There are limits for how much a gift can be valued before the government starts charging duties. For Canada, the limit is usually $60. I've gotten away with $200 though. For items brought into the USA, the limit is typically $200, but the US seems to be more lenient.

6. If you live close to the border, try finding a shipping depot that will accept packages. A lot of depots make money near the border by doing this. For example, near Vancouver we have Point Roberts (which is only about 40 minutes away from downtown and is actually disconnected from the USA mainland, and the only people that go there are people picking up an item from a shipping depot or to sail their boat.

7. When you're bringing something across the border, border guards are usually pretty strict on big ticket items. (Now this is technically illegal) but you can usually get around this in a few ways. Buy two items. The "real" item and a cheap item. And when you cross the border show them the real receipt for the cheap item and say it's what you came here to get, and a lot of times because you're being "honest" and actually declaring something, they'll just let you go on through.

So if you're buying something from the States:

1. Ship by USPS.
2. Declare it as a gift.
3. Declare it at as low a value as possible (but not being ridiculous, because if it's opened and checked then you could get busted.)

To Op, I ordered some stuff from B&H, cost me 1350 CAD + 40CAD for shipping, when I got my package delivered, I have to pay UPS for about 150 CAD for GST + PST and brokerage fees...
that being said, its still cheaper compared to buy it from my local camera store..

For some stuff it is cheaper... but I have found that for many once you factor in all of that its within a few dollars to buy in Canada (not necessarily locally). I have had a few bad experiences with buying mail order from the US with UPS fees etc.

There are no import duties if you buy a lens from the US. Also, if you buy from B&H Photo they recommend using UPS EXPEDITED for shipping. With UPS Expedited you get your goods in 3 working days after you receive a tracking number and all brokerage fees are built into the upfront cost. For something like a lens shipping by this method can cost $25 to $35 US. I usually ensure I get all my small item purchases in the same order (batteries, CF cards, a filter) because they add almost no weight and the size of the box doesn't increase ... so shipping cost stays the same.

By the way, for 3 working days you need to take into account stat holidays on both sides of the border. And for B&H you really have to note the dates the store is closed so you can figure out when the goods will get into the courier's hands.

I've had a few dozen orders from B&H since 2005, all using UPS Expedited, all flawless. Also, if you do an internet search there is a Gov't of Canada document called "Customs Tariff Departemental Consolidation" which is 1724 pages long an tells you what you need to pay tariff on and what you don't for every item that can cross the border. There's a lot more than camera equipment that can be purchased without duty.

Bob... do you have to pay tax (or taxes) on the purchases? Or is that all worked in the fees as well? Thanks.

trophy_23 wrote in post #8088556
Bob... do you have to pay tax (or taxes) on the purchases? Or is that all worked in the fees as well? Thanks.

You still have to pay PST and GST (or HST in some provinces).

Bob_A wrote in post #8088257
There are no import duties if you buy a lens from the US. Also, if you buy from B&H Photo they recommend using UPS EXPEDITED for shipping. With UPS Expedited you get your goods in 3 working days after you receive a tracking number and all brokerage fees are built into the upfront cost. For something like a lens shipping by this method can cost $25 to $35 US. I usually ensure I get all my small item purchases in the same order (batteries, CF cards, a filter) because they add almost no weight and the size of the box doesn't increase ... so shipping cost stays the same.

By the way, for 3 working days you need to take into account stat holidays on both sides of the border. And for B&H you really have to note the dates the store is closed so you can figure out when the goods will get into the courier's hands.

I've had a few dozen orders from B&H since 2005, all using UPS Expedited, all flawless. Also, if you do an internet search there is a Gov't of Canada document called "Customs Tariff Departemental Consolidation" which is 1724 pages long an tells you what you need to pay tariff on and what you don't for every item that can cross the border. There's a lot more than camera equipment that can be purchased without duty.

Thank you Bob_A. It is good to get this type of info from someone who has gone through the process.

I just purchased two 32GB Lexar 300x CF cards from B&H delivered by USPS to my home in Ontario. Price was less than half the best Canadian price, even after paying $43USD for shipping. No extra charges for HST, duty or brokerage. Delivered in 6 days. Great service & no surprises.

Thanks Good information here.
I objected to high cost of shipping for some Domke accessories. Adorama--specifically, Helen and Fred, came through. They shipped USPS to reduce the cost to me. It took a little longer, but it was worth it.
In this case wasn't concerned about tracking or delivery time. Domke accessories (Postal Pad) Cost over $40 Cdn plus tax; Adorama was $12US plus shipping and...that was $19. So I bought 2 (2 Domke bags.)
Be careful buying from US vendors and make sure you know the total cost.
Hat's off to Adorama, Helen and Fred!

DaveL

I'm buying quite a bit in the for sale forum from guys in the states. Here is my experience:

1-Forget Ups, got charged 120$ of fees for a 70-200 I paid 500...
2-Tell the seller to ship it in a box as small as possible. I bought a 17-50 and he shipped it in a box more than triple the size of the lens box... Bigger box = Higher shipping price.
3- Gift or not,you will pay taxes on items over 60$.
4-Usps/ Canada post, never had any fees exept taxes, which is normal.
5-Check your local add, sometimes it's worth paying 20% more locally than on potn. You will save shipping + taxes + any chance of duty fees + long wait time. Here a used 17-50 sells for 400$. I bought one from here for 300$. Add paypal's 3%, add the extra shipping cost, convert that to Canadian money, add taxes, believe me or not it made a total off 399$

6- With that said, generally it's still cheaper to buy from here on potn than local adds or canadian store