Question about cross border shipping and duties
 

Hi
i want to buy some scooter parts from an online store, the total will be around the $100 range,

my question is what sort of charges am i looking at?
it's $15 for shipping, and i know i'll probably pay duties, but should i expect anything else?

thanks

Totally depends on the courier, but duty/taxes for sure.

Depending on the shipping company, expect to get raped on brokerage.

FedEx and UPS are notorious for it.

I hope, for your sake, it's getting shipped USPS.

not as many places are willing to ship via USPS though. I believe DHL global express is better on brokerage as well.

If you're willing to drive down - send it to one of the post office receiving companies in Pt Roberts or Blaine. Probably cheaper shipping, and if it's only $100 or so - you might get off scott free and not have to pay duty and/or tax.

It's a lot simpler if you just ship it to point roberts. (shipping is usually cheaper and you don't have to worry about unexpected fee's)
At least you'll only be charged tax on it.
They have never charged me or my friends duty ever.
Sometimes they let you go.

www.thelettercarrier.com
^ use them if you decide to do it that way.

But, if the online retailer ships USPS then you're good to go. Chances are you won't even be charged taxes.

If they only ship by UPS or FedEx, upgrade to the Express service to avoid brokerage charges.

O'rly?

Never knew that.

You could call up Fedex or UPS and tell them you want to process the customs yourself. They will hold it at their warehouse - you speak to the customs agent there and pay them directly. But I think this is only a M-F 9-5 kinda thing.

your friends are my friends :)


yea i'll just pick it up at pt roberts, thought i could lazy out of this one.