[illicitstylz]

I frequent the U.S. (once every two weeks) to pick up items I've shipped over there ( clothing, car parts, etc ) as well as filling up on cheaper gas as a secondary reason.

Always been with Hagen's of Blaine but now that they've increased their prices, it's not as competitive anymore, so I'm considering switching.

Hagen's of Blaine

-3.50 / package (up to 50 lbs), includes phone call to notify that your parcel is received and ready for pick up
- top notch quality, maybe it's just because I'm a regular so they let things slide sometimes like not needing to wait till 3PM to pick up the item if it arrived that same day.
-hold for 2 weeks, after 2 weeks, every additional day is $0.50

Pacific Mail and Parcel

- 13.00 / year
- 2.50 / small package ( To be considered a "SMALL" package, it must be...
(A) A Priority Mail type of document envelope, OR,
(B) SMALLER than 9 inches in length and 2-1/2 inches thick. )

-2.90 medium (6-50lbs)
- email notification of a received parcel
- hold for 2 weeks, every additional 3 weeks is $2

note: not considering Pt. Roberts / TSB since all the customs know that when canadians cross to Pt. Roberts, chances are they will be bringing back goods into Canada, therefore higher chance of getting taxed.

I know there has to be other members here that have gone through this or have insight on one or the other, any insight would be appreciated.

[StylinRed]

i prefer package express over at the abbotsford border cross into sumas

might be too far out for you i guess... but the owner lives in abby and he'll even bring your packages through customs for you if you want (there's a fee of course but if your a regular its not all the time)

im not sure about the other places but PE is also able to refrigerate goods for you if its needed (i imagine thats not exactly unique but its good to know) i order wagyu steaks and cheesecakes lychees etc at times from places in the states and they're able to store it in case i cant make it sameday

[syee]

One more thing you might want to consider:
*When are they open? If you can only go on weekends, are they open Saturday or Sundays? If not do they have an option for a drop box where you can pick up anytime?

I'd probably say most packages fit in the "medium" category so it seems maybe Hagens is the better bet. Plus you've used them before and they've been good to you so why switch?

I personally use Security Mail Services in Blaine. They're a little pricier than what you mentioned but I also keep a mailbox with them (for my US mail) which gives me no charge on USPS deliveries and $2.50 on everything else. They charge $5 for larger items like tires, etc. The mailbox costs me $8/mo. They're open Saturdays from 10-2 and offer drop box option for $4 (they lock your items in a larger cabinet and leave a key in your mailbox)

[1BADMR2]

.

[illicitstylz]

One more thing you might want to consider:
*When are they open? If you can only go on weekends, are they open Saturday or Sundays? If not do they have an option for a drop box where you can pick up anytime?

I'd probably say most packages fit in the "medium" category so it seems maybe Hagens is the better bet. Plus you've used them before and they've been good to you so why switch?

I personally use Security Mail Services in Blaine. They're a little pricier than what you mentioned but I also keep a mailbox with them (for my US mail) which gives me no charge on USPS deliveries and $2.50 on everything else. They charge $5 for larger items like tires, etc. The mailbox costs me $8/mo. They're open Saturdays from 10-2 and offer drop box option for $4 (they lock your items in a larger cabinet and leave a key in your mailbox)

Hours are the same essentially.
Economically, prices are better at Pacific Parcel and Mail. Key thing I'm honing in on would be customer service and experience that other people have had. Not talking about the " Hey again, how are you doing?" type of customer service, but in regards to lost packages/damaged goods.



I really like Hagens of Blaine, never had a problem and once they know you, they help you out. By how much have they increased their prices now?
NVM, just read on it.
Still sounds reasonable to me.

It used to be $2 to receive/store for 2 weeks, $1 for the call to notify you personally that you can pick up the item.

Now it's up $0.50 to $2.50 per package, and still $1 for the call. $0.50 seems negligible but adds up.

I have to agree with you that they have a very friendly staff and quick to get your packages so you're on your way asap.

[bootymac]

.

[Gh0stRider]

I always goto Hagens.

wheres pacific mail and parcel?

[illicitstylz]

I don't pick packages up from Blaine that often, but when I do I use Hagen's because they don't have any registration fees. I know they're trying to implement email notifications right now but it'll still cost the extra $1.

If you're picking packages up frequently, there's also SMS near Hagen's:
Do you have experience with SMS? Seems like their rates are the most reasonable, surfed their site but they don't have any notification options, so that's why it's probably cheaper.

Do you know if they allow multiple people to be assigned to one "address" ? I know Pacific Parcel and Mail does not which is one of the reasons I'm not fully convinced to go with them yet since it's usually me and a few friends that will be using it.


I always goto Hagens.

wheres pacific mail and parcel?

No more than a 2-3 minute drive from Hagen's

http://www.pacificmailandparcel.com/BlainAreaMapCLEANedREDUCED.jpg

[shenmecar]

When is the best time to go during the week to avoid traffic at the border?

[smoothie.]

the last 3 times i've picked up from pt roberts + letter carrier, I was completely honest with invoices ready at the window. no tax.

last two trips were $200 and $320

[1BADMR2]

When is the best time to go during the week to avoid traffic at the border?

.

[Amuse]

Pacific Mail and Parcel has a good registration system. Parcels are organized better as they have a section for you. So they won't give them to another person with the same name.

[Amuse]

TSB Shipping in Point Roberts emailed another guy with the same name to pick MY parcel up. Unbelievable.

[InvisibleSoul]

Amazingly I haven't been pulled in to pay duties the last 5-6 times I've gone to Point Roberts. Went today and brought back a pair of shoes and a bunch of novelty t-shirts for like $120, but he just waved me through. :D

[RCubed]

I normally goto TSB at point bob; but when I had a weird work schedule where TSB hours couldn't accomodate me, Hagens came through with their 8PM closing times on Wednesdays.


Edit:
I just realized Pacific mail started opening late on wednesdays too. Started Aug 11.

[Energy]

I use TSB at Pt Roberts and getting taxed is a hit or miss. I've been taxed for items costing $130 (Mugen bushings) and not taxed for items that cost up to $300.

[optiblue]

I just pay the tax at the letter carrier... worked fine for years!

Are Hagens and Pacific Mail and Parcel exactly the same type of service in blaine or do you need to register a box with them?

[illicitstylz]

Don't need to register for Hagens, you do with Pacific Mail and Parcel (PMP) but PMP ends up being cheaper in the long run if you use it frequently

[syee]

Do you have experience with SMS? Seems like their rates are the most reasonable, surfed their site but they don't have any notification options, so that's why it's probably cheaper.

Do you know if they allow multiple people to be assigned to one "address" ? I know Pacific Parcel and Mail does not which is one of the reasons I'm not fully convinced to go with them yet since it's usually me and a few friends that will be using it.



I use SMS. They don't have any notification options but if you call them, they will check if your package is there. Personally, I just use the shipper's website to find out if it has been delivered rather than calling them.

As for multiple people, I don't know for sure. I know they allow other family members on the account but I'm not sure if they'll allow friends on the same account. I'll ask them next time I'm down there.

[illicitstylz]

I use SMS. They don't have any notification options but if you call them, they will check if your package is there. Personally, I just use the shipper's website to find out if it has been delivered rather than calling them.

Well it's different from using your shipper's tracking and it actually being PROCESSED and ready to be picked up at said location.

eg. delivered 8am but it needs to be processed so if you show up at 10am, it might not be ready yet due to volume or any other complications.


As for multiple people, I don't know for sure. I know they allow other family members on the account but I'm not sure if they'll allow friends on the same account. I'll ask them next time I'm down there.

Do let me know, that'd be great.

[skholla]

PMP is run by a nice family, service is great, been using the service for the last 18 mos, no problems what so ever. I've shipped tons of packages there, the email notification is really handy, especially when a package isn't trackable. I've left packages there for over a month, no problems or late fees.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[JBT]

I used Hagen's many times for online purchases without any problems.

[JunFan]

hagens is charging $12 annual fee now

[JunFan]

and hagens just misplaced my package today too! >.<

[ilvtofu]

Now hagen's has some sort of web thing for tracking they gave me a number last month to add to my purchases

If they do start charging annual fee I will be switching for sure

[kayceeee]

http://hagensofblaine.com/receive-with-us.php

Between now and the end of the year we will be transitioning
to automatic email-only package notifications. On January 1st, 2011,
there will be AN ANNUAL CUSTOMER FEE OF $12.00 imposed
that will cover all notifications and access to a website where
acknowledgement of your package's receipt will be available.

THOSE NOT OPTING TO PAY THE ANNUAL FEE WILL BE SUBJECT
TO A $5.00/PACKAGE SURCHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL HANDLING.

looks like i'll be switching..

[illicitstylz]

the new system actually works well, i'm liking it already.
$12 / year, then its just 2.50 per package.
both of these numbers are very competitive with the other places. their customer service is unparalleled though.

[syee]

the new system actually works well, i'm liking it already.
$12 / year, then its just 2.50 per package.
both of these numbers are very competitive with the other places. their customer service is unparalleled though.

Security Mail Services is just a one time only $10 registration fee and $2.50 a package. No special tracking as far as I know but the "Create an account/login" form on their page leads me to believe that something like this is in the works.

[FN-2199]

I've never been taxed crossing the border after picking up parcels from TSB Shipping. Maybe it's been luck so far, but I've had packages going up to $800 in value. Maybe I'll give Hagens a shot :)

[ilvtofu]

Shipping a set of wheels next week which one to go with... hmm

[blkgsr]

package express in sumas is great...no yearly fee and free email notifications

[impulseX]

Shipping a set of wheels next week which one to go with... hmm

well hagens hasnt implimented the annual fee yet, so you only pay whatever they charge for the package..

[CRS]

I've never been taxed crossing the border after picking up parcels from TSB Shipping. Maybe it's been luck so far, but I've had packages going up to $800 in value. Maybe I'll give Hagens a shot :)

TSB at PR?

[Rogue951]

I would think wheels are a garanteed tax so pick closest location.

I've gone to point roberts - the letter carrier a few times and never taxed, always over $250.
but then I have nexus and just roll up, declare what I got straight up and they just wave me by.

and for those who don't know if you have nexus you do NOT have to write up a slip,
BUT when you go up to the window you must declare what you have right away and NOT have them ask you...
Atleast thats what the uptight asian guy told me the first time I tried it without a slip, that or the guy was having a bad day.

It's worked fine for me so far.

[DC5-S]

hagens new system is retarded.. just a new way to get more money outta customers. who the hell needs email notifications? all my packages have tracking #. I don't think ive ever had a shipment that hasnt
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[illicitstylz]

hagens new system is retarded.. just a new way to get more money outta customers. who the hell needs email notifications? all my packages have tracking #. I don't think ive ever had a shipment that hasnt
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

it was 2.50 per package regardless of notification. $1 per notification call per item, therefore $3.50 per item essentially (if you dont always get tracking, plus just because it's delivered doesn't mean it's processed and ready to be picked up)

now it's 12.00 / year and 2.50 per package with FREE email notification and SMS notification available as well (dont know if sms is free notification though).

[CRS]

Any new places that doesn't charge an annual fee?

[Ch28]

Any new places that doesn't charge an annual fee?

TSB Shipping & The Letter Carrier never had annual fees

[s300ae]

ive been using hagens last two years no. you sign up multiple ppl on the account so just split the 12 between your friends or family.

[CRS]

TSB Shipping & The Letter Carrier never had annual fees

Any in Blaine?

[tegra7]

Any update on this topic? Im about to order a header from ebay. Looking to pick up in blaine,

[JunFan]

+1 for Pacific Mail and Parcel.

Hagens lost my package.

[falcon]

I've been using Hagens for about 6 years now and have not one complaint. They are efficient, friendly, well priced and organized. Location is great too since I live 10 mins. from the truck crossing.

[falcon]

it was 2.50 per package regardless of notification. $1 per notification call per item, therefore $3.50 per item essentially (if you dont always get tracking, plus just because it's delivered doesn't mean it's processed and ready to be picked up)

now it's 12.00 / year and 2.50 per package with FREE email notification and SMS notification available as well (dont know if sms is free notification though).

Exactly. I ship tons of stuff on a yearly basis to them and the new method saves me a good $30-$40/yr without dealing with the phone calls.

[InvisibleSoul]

I don't know if they decided to reduce that $5 handling charge, but Hagen's website says the surcharge for no annual membership is $2.50 per package, so it's $5 total for a small package.

[jack_dangerous]

hagens use to be good when they were smaller, now this annual fee of 12$ + 2.50$ each pkg or 5$ non annual fee is stupid. they dont offer same day service anymore either because theyre do busy, i got owned because the tracking said a package was delivered, but when i got there they havent sorted them yet.

try blaine enterprise, they are 2 blocks from hagens. no annual fee and 3$ a package.

[GLOW]

they dont offer same day service anymore either because theyre do busy, i got owned because the tracking said a package was delivered, but when i got there they havent sorted them yet.


learned my lesson on that one too. the kid just looks at me and shrugs and says not here yet.

i just accepted the fact they are bigger now and as such service is not as good due to being busy. i just have to wait for their email.

[ForbiddenX]

I've never had any problems with TSB. Only the last two times I've gone the line ups were pretty long due to it being Christmas time. Waited almost 1.5hours on one of the trips and the other time was about ~20minutes.

They're upping their rates 50c for each package. And they've always had email notification which I find is really useful.

[Limitless]

TSB Shipping in Point Roberts emailed another guy with the same name to pick MY parcel up. Unbelievable.

Wow I'm always nervous about that happening :/ Especially since I have seats that are being shipped to Point Roberts right now, but they're being shipped to TLC. What's to stop them from knowing who's package as long as they have the same name? My only experience has been with TLC and they just take a quick look at your ID to match up the names before giving you the packages :S Did you end up getting your parcel back?

At TLC I went a day or two after boxing day and the wait was only a few minutes at most. The wait for crossing the border back was like half an hour though lol, longest line up I've seen at Point Roberts but still nothing compared to Peace Arch or Truck Crossing

I've brought a lot of packages home over through Point Roberts before, the guys working at the border as you go over from BC to Point Roberts are all pretty chill and funny. The ones on the way back are okay too and if it's busy they let you go with 0 hassle lol. I've brought back packages up to $340 for just myself and haven't been taxed yet. My next package will be about $450 though so I'll see how that goes lol, I've heard as long as it's under $400ish per person you should be okay? Don't quote me on that though

[InvisibleSoul]

Wow I'm always nervous about that happening :/ Especially since I have seats that are being shipped to Point Roberts right now, but they're being shipped to TLC. What's to stop them from knowing who's package as long as they have the same name? My only experience has been with TLC and they just take a quick look at your ID to match up the names before giving you the packages :S Did you end up getting your parcel back?

At TLC I went a day or two after boxing day and the wait was only a few minutes at most. The wait for crossing the border back was like half an hour though lol, longest line up I've seen at Point Roberts but still nothing compared to Peace Arch or Truck Crossing

I've brought a lot of packages home over through Point Roberts before, the guys working at the border as you go over from BC to Point Roberts are all pretty chill and funny. The ones on the way back are okay too and if it's busy they let you go with 0 hassle lol. I've brought back packages up to $340 for just myself and haven't been taxed yet. My next package will be about $450 though so I'll see how that goes lol, I've heard as long as it's under $400ish per person you should be okay? Don't quote me on that though

I've been shipping stuff to The Letter Carrier longer than most. I've been using them for about ten years already. I have never been asked to show ID when I pick up my packages. I've never seen them ask ID from anybody in all the times I've been there. Yeah, it became a problem when they started getting more than one customer with the same name. They have a little list of these names up on the wall by the counter now. Luckily I've never had an issue with a package not being there for me.

To me, it seems like the Canada border agents used to be a lot more strict with making people go in to pay customs. In the early 2000s, I would get called in pretty routinely, even for bringing back like $40 worth of stuff. In the last few years, they seem to waive you through a lot more often. There is no "magic number" that determines whether you get waived through or not... just depends on the border agent.

[Anjew]

i'm still on a roll at pt roberts and have yet to be asked to pay for duty. i used to be constantly hassled by the US border side when doing a blaine pickup.

[tegra7]

Anyone heard of Kinek? They dont have an annual fee.

Shipping to Blaine, Washington | Ship to the Border (http://shiptotheborder.com/shipping-to-blaine-washington?gclid=CKrFh8ye2K0CFQp9hwodwFOFlA)

[Durrann]

Anyone heard of Kinek? They dont have an annual fee.

Shipping to Blaine, Washington | Ship to the Border (http://shiptotheborder.com/shipping-to-blaine-washington?gclid=CKrFh8ye2K0CFQp9hwodwFOFlA)

the hours arent as great as hagens

[ilvtofu]

Both TSB and letter carrier raised their fees by approx 50c

Also noticed this on the TSB website
TIRES W/RIMS $assessed by weight
So I guess average passenger car wheels/tires will be approx $7.50 each (36-50 lbs)

Either way it doesn't really make a difference for the savings that are the reason we choose to buy from the states.

I do appreciate that recycling cardboard is now free though, if you have a small car like me you might have to unpack your packages before you can fit it in.

Does anyone use point to point parcel? It's the first one IIRC when you cross the border, good if you're walking over haha

[UFO]

I've had similar experience with PR Canada border agents. The last 3-4 years, I have not had to pay tax or anything on stuff up to about $400. Before then though, I remember getting pulled in to pay tax on a $9.99 Ebay item, lol. It used to be so bad that anything over $50 I would ship to Blaine because the agents there almost never charge tax on the way back for under $300/person.

I've never used TLC in PR, always used TSB up til about 3 years ago when their rates increased the first time. I've been using the parcel receiving at Shell now www.prshell.com as they are open 7 days a week, and available to pickup as early as 7am. The odd time I've shipped to Blaine, I use Blaine Enterprises (http://www.blaineenterprises.com) they have no annual fee as far as I know.

[ilvtofu]

I've had similar experience with PR Canada border agents. The last 3-4 years, I have not had to pay tax or anything on stuff up to about $400. Before then though, I remember getting pulled in to pay tax on a $9.99 Ebay item, lol. It used to be so bad that anything over $50 I would ship to Blaine because the agents there almost never charge tax on the way back for under $300/person.

I've never used TLC in PR, always used TSB up til about 3 years ago when their rates increased the first time. I've been using the parcel receiving at Shell now www.prshell.com as they are open 7 days a week, and available to pickup as early as 7am. The odd time I've shipped to Blaine, I use Blaine Enterprises (http://www.blaineenterprises.com) they have no annual fee as far as I know.

The Shell fees are cheaper too, and I'm guessing it's lower volume

[danger]

I've been shipping stuff to The Letter Carrier longer than most. I've been using them for about ten years already. I have never been asked to show ID when I pick up my packages. I've never seen them ask ID from anybody in all the times I've been there. Yeah, it became a problem when they started getting more than one customer with the same name. They have a little list of these names up on the wall by the counter now. Luckily I've never had an issue with a package not being there for me.

To me, it seems like the Canada border agents used to be a lot more strict with making people go in to pay customs. In the early 2000s, I would get called in pretty routinely, even for bringing back like $40 worth of stuff. In the last few years, they seem to waive you through a lot more often. There is no "magic number" that determines whether you get waived through or not... just depends on the border agent.

I've been using TLC for over a year now, and so far its the only one in PR that I can recommend. With the exception of the fee increases, I can't think of anything that would make me want to change. I have a friend who uses TSB, and I feel that the system that TLC uses is way better than TSB's. The older man who works there has even begun to start remembering me, so I don't get any hassles.

In regards to the whole border agent thing, I'm always paranoid that I'm going to get called in whenever I cross with goods around 500$, but with the exception of one package costing 500$ I haven't been pulled in once.

I have considered going to Blaine and using Hagens with their yearly service fee, but PR is much closer to me and easier to deal with Nexus as AFAIK they're the only border that'll allow you to verbally declare your goods as a Nexus user.

[syee]

I have considered going to Blaine and using Hagens with their yearly service fee, but PR is much closer to me and easier to deal with Nexus as AFAIK they're the only border that'll allow you to verbally declare your goods as a Nexus user.

You can verbally declare at the Blaine Nexus crossings (Pac Hwy and Peace Arch) as well. Been doing it for almost a year now.

[NNT]

for shipping to Hagen of Blaine, How do you put your customer # to your shipping address when ordering? just put that # after your last name when making online order?

[bobbyhill]

for shipping to Hagen of Blaine, How do you put your customer # to your shipping address when ordering? just put that # after your last name when making online order?

Bobby Hill (1234)
address
address
address

[herragge]

I've also used Security Mail Services, which is pretty good too. Only $10 initiation fee and $2.50 per parcel, pretty cheap.

[jackmeister]

I've never used Hagen's before and I want to try in the future. I don't do much online shopping and mailing to blaine but I have a question. Do I need to pay the annual fee? I read on their website its possible to not opt in?

[InvisibleSoul]

I've never used Hagen's before and I want to try in the future. I don't do much online shopping and mailing to blaine but I have a question. Do I need to pay the annual fee? I read on their website its possible to not opt in?
No, you don't. You'll just pay an extra $2.50 per package.

[GLOW]

i was tempted not to pay the fee this year but i've had a bunch of friends use my account too so i was like screw it, just pay it

[Sky_High]

Used Haagen before....but did not opt for the annual fee this time.

Shipping a tiny package, so should be the $3.50 price...
Any major difference between TSB and Letter Carrier? Or would either one be basically the same?

[UFO]

^I use the Shell at PR. If it's a piece of mail, they only charge $1.00. Their hours are waaay more flexible than TSB or TLC. Overall pricing is better too. www.prshell.com

[ForbiddenX]

How's traffic heading into and back from point roberts at 7 in the morning? I might start shipping to the shell since my hours are 9-5 but I work all the way in port moody -.-

[BaBiE_Bee]

Has anyone tried using Mail Boxes International?

1685 H Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Mailboxes Int'l - Blaine, WA (http://www.mbistore.com/)

tia

[skholla]

Has anyone tried using Mail Boxes International?

1685 H Street
Blaine, WA 98230
Mailboxes Int'l - Blaine, WA (http://www.mbistore.com/)

tia

I used to use them but have since switched to Pacific Mail and Parcel since I did not need a PO Box, only require package handling. The service at Pacific Mail and Parcel is pretty good, their fees are decent and they give you an email every time a package arrives.

[Kaolinite]

i use Mailboxes International all the time. They also email you when your package arrives and its just 2.50 per package to pick up.

[UFO]

How's traffic heading into and back from point roberts at 7 in the morning? I might start shipping to the shell since my hours are 9-5 but I work all the way in port moody -.-

More or less non existant. You may get held up at the Massey tunnel for a minute if at all. The tunnel usually gets quite a bit busier around 8am until the counterflow lane is out.