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03/20/2005 05:52:37 PM · #1 |
| Has anyone in Canada ordered lenses from the US? I am looking to purchase lenses through an American retailer, but I am unsure of the associated duty costs. I am looking at the 70-200L f4 for $579us. Any idea what the duty would be? |
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03/20/2005 05:58:30 PM · #2 |
There is NO duty associated with such a purchase if the lens originated in the USA. You will have to pay the PST & GST, the shipping fee and possibly a brokerage fee if the retailer uses a broker.
Check with the retailer. I have my stuff shipped to either a PO Box I have in upper state NY, or to "The UPS Store" in a small town located right across the border.
Hope that helps you.
Ray |
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03/20/2005 06:02:56 PM · #3 |
| I appreciate your quick response. You mentioned that you don't have the items sent directly to your home. What fee (if any) does this avoid? What are brokerage fees? Do you feel that you are saving money after it is all said and done? |
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03/20/2005 06:22:06 PM · #4 |
You can have the items sent to your home, but if your dealer deals with a broker (a person or company that brings things across the border) you will have to pay an additional fee. You can check this out with your retailer.
If you can have the items mailed to your house direct from the seller via USPS and Canada Post, that would in all likelyhood be the cheapest way to go.... again check with your retailer. If you do this, Customs will no doubt look at the contents of the package and send you a bill for the taxes (ie: PST & GST)
I have purchased several items in the USA, and all factors considered, I always find a better price in the USA, but then again I am very patient when it comes to buying things.
Should you happen to visit the USA in the near future for 48 or more hours, you can bring back $750.00 worth of goods, (just make sure you declare them).
Hope this helps.
Ray |
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03/21/2005 03:52:31 AM · #5 |
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03/21/2005 09:51:50 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by lawless:
Has anyone in Canada ordered lenses from the US? I am looking to purchase lenses through an American retailer, but I am unsure of the associated duty costs. I am looking at the 70-200L f4 for $579us. Any idea what the duty would be? |
I have ordered all my L-lenses from B & H and the only tax was the PST and GST, there was no brokerage fee and they were sent by UPS. If the total value is under a certain amount they will charge you brokerage fee. There is no question that with the great US$-C$ exchange rate it is MORE than worthwhile buying from the US.
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03/21/2005 10:12:38 AM · #7 |
It's all about the taxes and the stupid UPS/FedEX brokerage fees. Both UPS and FedEx have their system set up so you have to pay. You can either go "ground" which is cheaper, but you end up paying a brokerage fee. If you ship "express", it's more expensive, but there isn't any brokerage fee. The kicker is that "ground + brokerage fee" is almost as or just a bit more expensive as "express". They get you either way.
I only have photo stuff shipped from the US using USPS air insured. It's a little cheaper and Canada Post only charges a $5 CAD handling fee. Way cool. I don't buy from US sellers who refuse to ship USPS air insured. Screw 'em. I'll take my money to their competitors.
Like others have said, you have to pay GST and PST when buying from the US, even on used equipment bought from a private, non-commercial source... which I consider to be a total crock of horse poo-poo.
EDIT
Made an error earlier. The $5 CAD handling fee is charged by the Canada Border Services Agency, not Canada Post. I stand corrected.
Message edited by author 2005-03-21 12:50:39.
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03/29/2005 10:48:37 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by doctornick:
Originally posted by lawless:
Has anyone in Canada ordered lenses from the US? I am looking to purchase lenses through an American retailer, but I am unsure of the associated duty costs. I am looking at the 70-200L f4 for $579us. Any idea what the duty would be? |
I have ordered all my L-lenses from B & H and the only tax was the PST and GST, there was no brokerage fee and they were sent by UPS. If the total value is under a certain amount they will charge you brokerage fee. There is no question that with the great US$-C$ exchange rate it is MORE than worthwhile buying from the US. |
Someone has just put the fear of GOD in me to do with UPS and Brokerage Fees...
I'm using B&H with UPS Express to Canada (B&H state that UPS Express includes custom clearance charges (except duties and GST where applicable)).
I have called UPS and they claim that if shipped Expedited and/or Express there are no brokerage fees but there are on GROUND.
Should I be changing my order to USPS that will take longer or stick with what I already picked which is UPS Express?
Any info on Brokerage Fees from anyone that has actually done this?
Thanks in advance guys. |
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03/29/2005 10:51:15 AM · #9 |
I use ups and all I ever have to payu is taxes. PST and GST.
I've used B+H many times. |
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03/29/2005 11:14:58 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by Corwyn:
I use ups and all I ever have to payu is taxes. PST and GST.
I've used B+H many times. |
Thanks for the info; I was hoping someone would say that! I can now stay calm :-) and it's good to know. I mean ordering from B&H is a no brainer, I got the same lens with an extra battery for the XT and a macro coupler with shipping included for the same price as me buying only the lens here in Canada.
There was mention of "If the total value is under a certain amount they will charge you brokerage fee.". Anyone else have info on this? |
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03/29/2005 11:18:31 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by Moose101:
Originally posted by doctornick:
Originally posted by lawless:
Has anyone in Canada ordered lenses from the US? I am looking to purchase lenses through an American retailer, but I am unsure of the associated duty costs. I am looking at the 70-200L f4 for $579us. Any idea what the duty would be? |
I have ordered all my L-lenses from B & H and the only tax was the PST and GST, there was no brokerage fee and they were sent by UPS. If the total value is under a certain amount they will charge you brokerage fee. There is no question that with the great US$-C$ exchange rate it is MORE than worthwhile buying from the US. |
Someone has just put the fear of GOD in me to do with UPS and Brokerage Fees...
I'm using B&H with UPS Express to Canada (B&H state that UPS Express includes custom clearance charges (except duties and GST where applicable)).
I have called UPS and they claim that if shipped Expedited and/or Express there are no brokerage fees but there are on GROUND.
Should I be changing my order to USPS that will take longer or stick with what I already picked which is UPS Express?
Any info on Brokerage Fees from anyone that has actually done this?
Thanks in advance guys. |
I infere from your post that you are not able to find out how much the brokerage fee will be, and perhaps info about when it will be charged is vague. I would avoid this and go with the slower but reliable-cost shipping option.
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03/29/2005 11:21:44 AM · #12 |
In toronto there is no brokerage fee when shipped with UPS it is included in the shipping.
There is no duty on Camera equipment in Ontario. So all you pay is taxes which in Ontario is 15% |
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03/29/2005 12:18:32 PM · #13 |
Let me repeat something that I've heard a few times now, as well as once again in the post above.
UPS Ground will result in ridiculous brokerage fees. UPS Express will not result in monster brokerage fees.
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