Tips for Canadians buying parts from U.S.A

[duallymanca]

1. Keep good communication with seller. I have had to wait up to 3 weeks for an item. It's not the sellers fault, so don't get POed at him.

2. Try to have seller use USPS. But remember, that is a hassle for them. Someone has to go to Post office and drop off your parts. Don't expect seller to drop everything and take your parcel to the Post office.

3. Avoid UPS in particular and other Couriers in general. Sky's the limit for them when it comes to brokering your parts across the border. Very often their fees turn a good deal into a bad deal. Example: Bought a used SLP airbox from Washington State shipped UPS. Shipping $20.00
Brokerage fee $39.00. Bought a V.Escape seat last summer shipped USPS from Montana. Shipping $30.00 Brokerage fees $5.00. Not bad for a seat!. Never paid more than $8.00 for extra fees at Post office.

4. Be prepared to pay the TAXES! I don't like them anymore than you do. If you live here that's how it works. Remember that our Customs guys are really tax collectors in uniform, so when you buy a $2500.00 engine and the declared value is $10.00 there might be some questions. If they start asking questions, there might be alot of them. You could find you engine sitting in a warehouse with taxes and penalties waiting for you. Bad for seller and buyer. USE COMMON SENSE!

5. Know how much it's going to cost before committing. Cost of part, shipping, brokerage fees, paypal or bank fees, taxes, exchange. Example: Was going to order rings for my 900 from an online dealer in U.S. Great price, but $118.00 shipping quote from UPS. Would have been here in 4 days but to pricey for me.

6. Finally! Don't get all POed when courier arrives at your door with a huge bill and refuse to pay, then send back the part. All you are doing is hanging your seller out to dry because you didn't do your homework. Chances are the next time you want to buy something, seller will refuse shipping to Canada because of the hassle. Suck it up, pay the bill and call it a lesson learned. I have bought over 50 items from the U.S. and have never had a problem.

No, I don't work for the Post office!

 

[Lunch_Box]

I have bought a lot of car parts from dealers in the US and some of them have specific companies they ship with and UPS is the worst one. I bought a $75 part and had to pay $40 in brokerage fees.

USPS is one of the better ones but packages can take longer to arrive.

If you do use UPS, FedEx, DHL,... it helps a lot to use your own broker.

 

[Blk88GT]

Great post. I get stuff shipped to the border if they'll only ship UPS. I drive down and bring it back myself. Some of those brokerage costs scare me.

 

[racingpit]

I don't mind shipping products to Canada. I did learn that it is not wise to ship to Canada (via first class int.) during December LOL...it took more than a month to get a package to a customer. The customer thought I was trying to rip him off...but he was happy when his package arrived.

I always ship via USPS.

If you are in Canada, and you order from the USA, please be patient.

 

[Rotax_Kid]

Good post.
If you use UPS, make sure you grab a case of vaseline when the package is delievered..you'll need it!
Had a MTB frame that had to be sent for some warranty work to Colorado, paid all the fees first time around. Got the frame back as a warranty replacement, insured for $1000, ende dup paying $403 in brokerage alone to UPS...that's absolutely criminal.

 

[Jaynelson]

For The Love Of God.....don't Use _ups_ When Shipping From The Us To Canada!!!!!

 

[99rmk700]

I've actually had some good luck with UPS, as well as some horrible luck. In the end it all depends how the shipper fills out the paperwork. That said, I try to get them to use USPS if at all possible.

 

[Blk88GT]

If you want to roll the dice, have it shipped as a gift and a value of $20 with UPS.

Zero brokerage charge, but also zero insurance.

 

[Insaneboltrounder/sjohns]

F*^K UPS. They are the worst rip offs Ive run across. Not only do you get robbed but anything big you send is often smashed and then they tell you you didnt package it right. USPS works great. sj

 

[rednytro]

bought my whole turbo kit from the states and shipped part of it ups and part usps global express . they were both the same price but all my parts i sent usps were at my door next day every time , killer service . plus the boxes were in way better shape from usps! UPS was crap the boxes never showed up on time even though they were garenteed ! Like others said too ups always has a better up front price but askes you to bend over when they show up at the door !