Hey Friends, I just wanted to toss this question out to see why almost everybody refrains from shipping to Canada ? Especially the members who offer to pay ALL the shipping costs. I've don't this a few times with our Canadian friends and the only hassle is signing a few forms and it only takes a few minutes. Now before this thread gets CRAZY I fully understand that is costs quite a bit more and maybe a hassle to dealers who ship from their businesses but it's the regular sellers that have to take the package down to the shipper that this question is met for. So please fill me in on why you won't ship to Canada if the buyer pays all the fees ? Is it cause you don't have the time to fill out the forms ? I mean your standing there at the counter for shipping it anyways so why not do it for our Canadian members ? Just curious and would like to hear why it's frowned on. It's not a bomb your trying smuggle through customs and it takes less than ten minutes to fill out the forms so what's up ? Happy Trails to All of us North and South and In-between ! Woodstock
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Why not ship to Canada ?
- Thread starter Woodstock
- Start date
Wow...this is the first time I posted a good question expecting some feedback why members won't ship to Canada and yet know one has yet to post any reason why they don't... very strange because I expected something to be said or some reason why they won't. If it's because you will if the buyer pays all shipping costs then post it for members in Canada to read. A very honest and good friend of mine in Canada has been getting snubbed every time he tries to make a deal because he lives north of the border even when he offers to pay all the extra shipping expenses and all I want to know is why not ? But now it seems those who won't won't tell why they won't so should I and he assume you will ? It's not a hard question to answer, so why the silence ??? Happy Trails to All North and South...Woodstock
i almost did a deal with guy from Australia, but decided against it due to not know how good their shipping is and to get any kind of justice if deal went bad would probably not happen. I also would not be too keen on shipping to Canada, would rather sell to U.S. residents. I live in GA and farthest I buy or sell would be CA. Now if I lived close to where the buyer was such as NY state or Michigan, ND, would be different if I was within 200 miles of buyer. MB
OK but what's the reason besides being close ? I insure and trust that things will arrive and they have every time without any problems...even to Hawaii. But I wouldn't ship over sea's so I understand that point. But USPS and UPS ships to Canada and they use the same methods and care as if you'd shipped across town. Sure it has to go past customs and they might open it to inspect the contents but it still gets there undamaged. And as far as justice I just declare upfront that your not going to be responsible for any shipping damages and if that's understood then all is well. Just like selling electronics on Ebay..sold as is. I consider Canada as the lower 48...the life and the people are the same as in the lower 48...same shippers are use and I trust them.
But hey...different strokes for different folks and I thank you for you reply. and your feedback...but I still don't see a difference if they pay all the costs...Thanks again ! Woodstock
But hey...different strokes for different folks and I thank you for you reply. and your feedback...but I still don't see a difference if they pay all the costs...Thanks again ! Woodstock
[size=large]I ship to Canada unless the particuliar company doesn't allow it. Priority Mail International Insured.. Customs usually holds things up a week or so but not a problem. Some Canadians that live close to the border, ship to a place right inside the states and come there an pick up the package. Richard.[/size]
I make my living selling online and after some bad experiences I now refuse to ship any high value items oversees (Even to Canada). I have multiple reasons for doing this, but mainly because of being burned many times by oversees buyers. They have claimed to have never received an item, refuted the charges on their credit card because of customs delays, or used stolen credit card information to place an order leaving me without the item and without the payment. For most items there are plenty of American buyers willing to pay my asking prices, and therefore there is little incentive to offer international shipping. Another reason is the cost of returning an item is much greater and credit card companies and Paypal will almost always force a seller to eat the cost of the initial shipping charges.
I think a better question may be why would one be willing to ship oversees? I understand if they need the open market to increase sales and profits, but for a private seller just trying to unload something there is little incentive to do so, and the risks normally outweigh the rewards.
I think a better question may be why would one be willing to ship oversees? I understand if they need the open market to increase sales and profits, but for a private seller just trying to unload something there is little incentive to do so, and the risks normally outweigh the rewards.
I fully agree with you about anything overseas. To much hassles and Paypal and Ebay side with the buyer most of the time. But Canada isn't overseas... in fact I live close to Canada. And I respect your decisions not to do anything overseas but I have no problems at all shipping to Canada or Alaska if the buyer pays for the shipping up front, period. And I've sent costly items to Canada tracked, insured and with confirmation or signature of delivery either UPS or USPS because then they can't deny receiving an item they signed for, period. But like I said before " different strokes for different folks " and what your choice is your choice. As for me I can see no reason why you or anyone shouldn't ship to Canada or Alaska when your protected by Tracking / Confirmation / Signature / and Insurance through USPS and UPS . Thanks for your input !
And again " Happy Trials to all our Brothers and Sisters both North and South !"
Woodstock ~aka~ Jeff
And again " Happy Trials to all our Brothers and Sisters both North and South !"
Woodstock ~aka~ Jeff
And I agree but again that's not a good reason or even a reason not to ship to Canada. And shipping costs about 40% to 50% more based on the package. The USPS Priority Mail takes 6 - 10 days and averages 8 and the same goes for UPS. Forum members who live in Canada realize this and will understand and put up with the extra time. If someone from Canada wants you to ship to them and doesn't know how long it takes or how much it costs either they can look it up or we can based on both area codes and then they can make a educated decision if they want to proceed with the purchase. So therefore there is no logical reason nor excuse not to ship to them if they pay the costs and are willing to wait. But again I have to say " different strokes for different folks " and in the end it's all up to members in the lower 48 if they want too. Because as I see it based on this threads replies so far there isn't any good reason unless they ship having their packages picked up by the carriers, and those carriers drivers even carry the proper forms for you to sign. Thanks for adding you opinion on the time issues even though. And again... " Happy Trails to All Our Brothers and Sisters both North and South " Woodstock ~ aka ~ Jeff
That's great new's to hear knowing there are others like myself but they're a thin group indeed. Just like I have no problem with EBAY or Paypal fees ( but that's a different subject ) that many others find hard to swallow. I think it's well worth the exposure and gets Nation wide sales and doesn't expose you to the forum low-ballers ( again another subject ) so those fees don't bother me a bit. And I never deal with oversea's although I have bought items from China and only had an issue one time of many. In fact I've even had more issues with U.S. buyers than Canadian even though I've sold and bought less to them it's still a good point to bring up. Thanks for adding weight to this forum and shinning a light to help guide others to offer shipping to Canada that might not have felt safe doing it before. They all should know that if the buyers there will pay the extra costs they are as welcome to buy from us down here in the lower 48. And once again " Happy Trails to All our Brothers and Sisters both North and South ! Woodstock ~aka~ Jeff
I've shipped to Canada and to Italy and in between and have had no problems .I just make the buyer aware that things happen that are out of my control and I am doing them a favor by shipping to them. Also they pay for all shipping and insurance. With that said they either agree or not and we go our merry way. Most of all just try and document everything and keep a line of communication open in case something goes wrong. It's worked for me so far. HH. Al
Lipservice
New member
I read this somewhere else....
How to ship to canada w/o hassles
The Canadian government doesn't like us citzens buying from the US, as it takes away from their tax revenues. So they charge "duty" at the border. Here are the best ways to avoid getting burned.
1) Do *not* send through UPS over the border. They charge blanket duty fees, take your money, and then speak to the government about what the fees should be and pay the government. Tracking numbers can be used.
2) USPS ships over the border, but only takes it to the border, where Canada Post takes over. Therefore tracking numbers cannot be used.
3) FedEx does ship over the border as well, and is a little better about duty fees. They also offer tracking numbers.
4) Boxes *can* be opened at the border. I had 2 packages sent the same day from the same person, one came 1.5-2 weeks later than the other, due to the fact it had been opened.
And now for the best process to follow when sending items:
Send through USPS or FedEx. USPS is cheapest, FedEx is somewhat faster, and FedEx gives tracking numbers. They WILL ask you to mark information on a little sticker they add to the box. It will ask what the items are, how much they are worth, and if it is a gift or not. Mark the package as a gift (I suggest throwing in a little fake note saying "congratulations, hope you enjoy this" to the box), and where it asks for the contents of the box, mark it as "used computer parts".
Nop, the very important step: The value. Anything marked with a value that translates to more than 60 Canadian dollars (which is about 35 american dollars) is charged duty. There is an automatic 5$ handling fee, then a percentage, usually around 7% (representing our federal tax). I do not however suggest lying about the price of items (unless just a little) as if you try and make a claim for a lost package, they take that value. Catch you coming and going
Duty is paid by the buyer, and is charged on the doorstep (similar to COD). If ther person refuses to pay the duty, the package is sent back to the sender, and I believe they have to pay the duty (I've never not paid, so I'm not positive)
USPS offers two types of money orders. A domestic one and an international one. The international ones are pink, and these are the ones that need to be sent to pay Canadians in .
How to ship to canada w/o hassles
The Canadian government doesn't like us citzens buying from the US, as it takes away from their tax revenues. So they charge "duty" at the border. Here are the best ways to avoid getting burned.
1) Do *not* send through UPS over the border. They charge blanket duty fees, take your money, and then speak to the government about what the fees should be and pay the government. Tracking numbers can be used.
2) USPS ships over the border, but only takes it to the border, where Canada Post takes over. Therefore tracking numbers cannot be used.
3) FedEx does ship over the border as well, and is a little better about duty fees. They also offer tracking numbers.
4) Boxes *can* be opened at the border. I had 2 packages sent the same day from the same person, one came 1.5-2 weeks later than the other, due to the fact it had been opened.
And now for the best process to follow when sending items:
Send through USPS or FedEx. USPS is cheapest, FedEx is somewhat faster, and FedEx gives tracking numbers. They WILL ask you to mark information on a little sticker they add to the box. It will ask what the items are, how much they are worth, and if it is a gift or not. Mark the package as a gift (I suggest throwing in a little fake note saying "congratulations, hope you enjoy this" to the box), and where it asks for the contents of the box, mark it as "used computer parts".
Nop, the very important step: The value. Anything marked with a value that translates to more than 60 Canadian dollars (which is about 35 american dollars) is charged duty. There is an automatic 5$ handling fee, then a percentage, usually around 7% (representing our federal tax). I do not however suggest lying about the price of items (unless just a little) as if you try and make a claim for a lost package, they take that value. Catch you coming and going
Duty is paid by the buyer, and is charged on the doorstep (similar to COD). If ther person refuses to pay the duty, the package is sent back to the sender, and I believe they have to pay the duty (I've never not paid, so I'm not positive)
USPS offers two types of money orders. A domestic one and an international one. The international ones are pink, and these are the ones that need to be sent to pay Canadians in .
Thanks for the information, I guess some will follow it but I'd think about it very hard before I gave ANY false information to ANY border officials period, so count me out on any little white lies. It's one thing to pull the blanket over the eyes of Paypal by saying everything is a " Gift " as some due to avoid the 3% fees they charge but sooner or later they'll get wise and start to charge 3% for that too. It's just a matter of time before they do.
Now as far as telling them it used computer parts I'd avoid that as well seeing that they have the right to inspect the package in any situation and with any markings. Now let's say they do open it and find they are not what you claimed the contents to be, you'll either hold up the package or take the chance of it not being delivered at all, due to false information. Then you also " red flagged " your own name and address and any other information you might have given the shipper. In today's world you'll then be placed on a list of suspicious mailers and have every package you send be held longer and every package opened. Keep in mind that not all packages are opened. You can write what you will on the package but most people sending " gifts " put their " congratulations " or " notes " inside the box and not on the outside or at least everyone I know that well including myself does. In fact, that to me puts a even bigger reason to inspect the box contents, after all these inspectors have seen it all and I'm sure are fully " aware " of parlor tricks done to avoid inspections and fees. And if your sending a MO's your info is correct and they don't cost any more. But I wouldn't call mailing an envelope or letter to Canada suspicious and they have not opened any of my letters sent anywhere in the past no matter where I mailed them.
And the same holds true about the Canadian post. They will provide their tracking numbers you can follow until it crosses our border and the USPS takes the package and there is no tracking either. I guess when you sent two packages the same day they might have got suspicious and then crossed up or mixed up, who knows ? But I can add to the fact that even I've had USPS Priority mails take many days longer than they PO said they'd take and I've had USPS parcel post take almost 6 weeks to get delivered four or five states away.... I could have sent it by carrier pigeon faster.
So I'm sticking to an honest game plan and will require the Canadian buyer to pay me ALL shipping fees UPFRONT and I will sleep better for it and not worry if they "caught on" to my deceptions. But that's the way I role and others may take your advice " different strokes for different folks " but for me " honesty is the best policy " and I'll sleep better just for that reason. But thanks for letting us know the information and sharing it with us. For some it maybe " what to do " but for me it's a lesson on " what not to do ". And I know my shipments will always get there safe and sound... opened or not.
Again " Happy Trails to All My Brothers and Sisters from North to South or South to North ! ( in some cases. )
Woodstock ~aka~ Jeff
Now as far as telling them it used computer parts I'd avoid that as well seeing that they have the right to inspect the package in any situation and with any markings. Now let's say they do open it and find they are not what you claimed the contents to be, you'll either hold up the package or take the chance of it not being delivered at all, due to false information. Then you also " red flagged " your own name and address and any other information you might have given the shipper. In today's world you'll then be placed on a list of suspicious mailers and have every package you send be held longer and every package opened. Keep in mind that not all packages are opened. You can write what you will on the package but most people sending " gifts " put their " congratulations " or " notes " inside the box and not on the outside or at least everyone I know that well including myself does. In fact, that to me puts a even bigger reason to inspect the box contents, after all these inspectors have seen it all and I'm sure are fully " aware " of parlor tricks done to avoid inspections and fees. And if your sending a MO's your info is correct and they don't cost any more. But I wouldn't call mailing an envelope or letter to Canada suspicious and they have not opened any of my letters sent anywhere in the past no matter where I mailed them.
And the same holds true about the Canadian post. They will provide their tracking numbers you can follow until it crosses our border and the USPS takes the package and there is no tracking either. I guess when you sent two packages the same day they might have got suspicious and then crossed up or mixed up, who knows ? But I can add to the fact that even I've had USPS Priority mails take many days longer than they PO said they'd take and I've had USPS parcel post take almost 6 weeks to get delivered four or five states away.... I could have sent it by carrier pigeon faster.
So I'm sticking to an honest game plan and will require the Canadian buyer to pay me ALL shipping fees UPFRONT and I will sleep better for it and not worry if they "caught on" to my deceptions. But that's the way I role and others may take your advice " different strokes for different folks " but for me " honesty is the best policy " and I'll sleep better just for that reason. But thanks for letting us know the information and sharing it with us. For some it maybe " what to do " but for me it's a lesson on " what not to do ". And I know my shipments will always get there safe and sound... opened or not.
Again " Happy Trails to All My Brothers and Sisters from North to South or South to North ! ( in some cases. )
Woodstock ~aka~ Jeff
Mike Hillis
Well-known member
Woodstock,
I have no problems shipping to Canada via USPS Priority Mail. I've done so a few times.
I've shipped overseas a few times without any issues, either, mostly Western and Eastern Europe and New Zealand / Austrailia via USPS Priority Mail.
Just a little extra paperwork.
I scan all the documents/reciepts and email copies so they know I've upheld my end of the deal. For the overseas buyers, I let them know up front that I'll pack it properly for international shipping but that I'm not responsible for it once it leaves my hands. They can also track their package by the custom number, so they know where it is at. Mostly the only issue for the buyer is the custom delays. Usually only a couple of weeks but I know one guy in Spain that had to wait about a month for it to clear. But he knew what was going on, had a custom number to track it with and was ok.
HH
Mike
I have no problems shipping to Canada via USPS Priority Mail. I've done so a few times.
I've shipped overseas a few times without any issues, either, mostly Western and Eastern Europe and New Zealand / Austrailia via USPS Priority Mail.
Just a little extra paperwork.
I scan all the documents/reciepts and email copies so they know I've upheld my end of the deal. For the overseas buyers, I let them know up front that I'll pack it properly for international shipping but that I'm not responsible for it once it leaves my hands. They can also track their package by the custom number, so they know where it is at. Mostly the only issue for the buyer is the custom delays. Usually only a couple of weeks but I know one guy in Spain that had to wait about a month for it to clear. But he knew what was going on, had a custom number to track it with and was ok.
HH
Mike
Hi Mike ! That's definitely a fact because I know that your one of the good guys and everyone knows this as well. Now that you've added to this tread I will definitely consider overseas shipping as well. And the paperwork doesn't bother me and it shouldn't bother others if the want to do things right...thanks for passing on your knowledge and adding to this thread. I'm glad to see it hasn't got out of line and now I see that lots of us do ship at least to Canada and now they can consider overseas as well. You helped take the fear out of shipping overseas for me at least and maybe others as well. Thanks Again for your insight !
And Again Happy Trails to All Our Brothers and Sisters North and South and Overseas as Well ! Woodstock ~ Jeff
And Again Happy Trails to All Our Brothers and Sisters North and South and Overseas as Well ! Woodstock ~ Jeff
I do ship to other countries occasionally but I am very cautious. I only deal with individuals who have "established" themselves on a forum or website. Sadly, a package going out of the country was broken into between here and Memphis. (Fed-Ex terminal) I have had a problem or 2 with the the carrier playing football with my boxes. So if you do ship overseas, wrap the product extremely well.. Richard
Yes Richard... 100% correct. But you know how I package up my stuff when I send it to you... overkill to the max... double boxed, bubble wrapped, and triple taped. And when I ship to you in TN it's only from Wisconsin. But I know how those employees play basket ball with the packages and you can never be lazy when shipping a package no matter if it's going just here in the states, Canada or overseas. And I to look for creditability and a established buyer before I move to the next step... Great Advice Richard ! Happy Trails, Woodstock ~aka~ Jeff