Import duties and taxes from US to Canada on receivers [Archive]

Rike255

01-27-2008, 02:03 PM

I'm looking to buy an Onkyo TX-SR805 receiver from ebay and the seller will be shipping from the US, I'm curious if anyone knows a ballpark figure of what I can expect to pay for duties and/or taxes, etc? I've never imported anything this expensive before so I've never had to pay duties but I'm sure I will this time.

Not sure what imformation is needed to figure it out, the shipment will weigh 51lbs.

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

dorokusai

01-27-2008, 03:12 PM

Your best bet is USPS, not UPS.

Midnite Mick

01-27-2008, 04:32 PM

I second Doro's advice ten fold.

polkyspeaker

01-27-2008, 04:55 PM

Try www.myborderpro.com

If you are buying it on ebay; just type in the item number. If not, just find the Onkyo TX-SR805 on ebay and type the item number in to get the results.

I'm looking to buy an Onkyo TX-SR805 receiver from ebay and the seller will be shipping from the US, I'm curious if anyone knows a ballpark figure of what I can expect to pay for duties and/or taxes, etc? I've never imported anything this expensive before so I've never had to pay duties but I'm sure I will this time.

Not sure what imformation is needed to figure it out, the shipment will weigh 51lbs.

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

ShinAce

01-27-2008, 05:02 PM

Plain old ground mail(USPS) is generally cheaper.

Customs charges per $ value. The most cost effective is just under 250$ worth(canadian worth) of goods, netting you about 40$ customs.

I remember buying 2 plate amps and 2 transformers that they lacked. Total value was 80 $US. Came out to about 120 $CAN plus shipping and customs --> 160 $CAN.
A 40 $ amp ending up costing me 80 $ a piece. Still not bad considering I've benched them at 170 WRMS(5% harmonic distortion) bridged at 8 ohms.

Rike255

01-27-2008, 05:10 PM

Try www.myborderpro.com

If you are buying it on ebay; just type in the item number. If not, just find the Onkyo TX-SR805 on ebay and type the item number in to get the results.

Wow that's handy thanks. So I typed in the product number of the receiver I ordered and it said "duty free" so all I pay is the GST then?

That's great thank you so much.

I heard USPS was better but the seller only offered UPS for shipments across the border.

polkyspeaker

01-27-2008, 05:25 PM

I have found UPS to charge unreasonable fees when importing products. It may not hurt to contact the seller and ask if they would consider shipping USPS. After a few bad experiences, I have refused to buy anything shipped UPS (unless it is so cheap that it offsets the extra fees).

Wow that's handy thanks. So I typed in the product number of the receiver I ordered and it said "duty free" so all I pay is the GST then?

That's great thank you so much.

I heard USPS was better but the seller only offered UPS for shipments across the border.

Rike255

01-27-2008, 06:01 PM

Sorry I'm not exactly sure what you mean. UPS charges fees on top of shipping, duty, taxes, and/or postal fees? Why the hell do they do that? How much is it?

Wait is "UPS Standard To Canada" the same as USPS? That's what the seller is using to ship it to me.

polkyspeaker

01-27-2008, 06:09 PM

I cannot find my receipt, but I believe it was like a brokerage fee. I had to pay a $60 dollar fee on a $220.00 camera lens. I was not aware of the extra fee until it was delivered. I have not had anything delivered UPS since.

Sorry I'm not exactly sure what you mean. UPS charges fees on top of shipping, duty, taxes, and/or postal fees? Why the hell do they do that? How much is it?

Acadian

01-27-2008, 06:36 PM

Wait is "UPS Standard To Canada" the same as USPS? That's what the seller is using to ship it to me.

No.

USPS = United States Postal Service
UPS = United Parcel Service (or something like that)

UPS (and Fedex, i heard) can sometimes charge extra FEES which can be ridiculous amounts. I have never ordered myself, but i would never ever take a chance on UPS or Fedex.

GV#27

01-27-2008, 06:47 PM

but I believe it was like a brokerage fee. I had to pay a $60 dollar fee on a $220.00 camera lens. I was not aware of the extra fee until it was delivered. I have not had anything delivered UPS since.Yes they call it a brokerage fee.The charge is for clearing parcels through customs.,

hypertone

01-27-2008, 06:50 PM

It'll be 101% of the value of the item with UPS.

polkseller

01-28-2008, 12:11 AM

very expensive.. a friend of mine got a 300$ receivers and paid 120$ customs taxes..

If you order the onkyo, expect to pay 13% taxes ( canada) plus shipping plus 8% more taxes for customs... so add near 20% taxes plus shipping charges..

so your 800-900$ receiver will cost you 160-200$ more plus shipping.. so around 1100-1200$...without warranty.

you can get it in canada for around 1100-1300$, with warranty, I think it's not worth it.

check this website.... 1100$ CAN 15$ shipping.
http://www.onlybestrated.com/

jayman_1975

01-28-2008, 12:15 AM

The last thing i bought out of the states was my used dvd player. I paid $700 shipped for it. Seller shipped via USPS. I never paid a nickle of duty or GST.

Demiurge

01-28-2008, 07:26 AM

The last thing i bought out of the states was my used dvd player. I paid $700 shipped for it. Seller shipped via USPS. I never paid a nickle of duty or GST.

The common scheme is to claim it isn't worth anything or put a reduced value on the item so there are less fees. My customers in Mexico ask me to do it all the time, of course, I don't -- because you'll be neck deep in shit if you ever get caught.

I don't know about UPS/USPS/FexEx in Canado, but in South American countries the USPS moves at a snails pace, which is why the parcel carries charge more.

jayman_1975

01-28-2008, 03:21 PM

I was quite surprised that there were no other fees as i fully expected to pay GST. I still don't know how it happened cause he had the parcel insured for the full price so i don't see how he could have put a smaller value on it. Oh well...probably only a fluke thing but none the less...i will use USPS over UPS any day of the week.

Lasareath

01-28-2008, 03:22 PM

yes)

Rike255

01-28-2008, 03:26 PM

The last thing i bought out of the states was my used dvd player. I paid $700 shipped for it. Seller shipped via USPS. I never paid a nickle of duty or GST.

See that's very close to what I'm doing. A $750 shipped receiver. So similar price for similar electonics equipment. I'm being cautiously optimistic.

http://www.myborderpro.com/2006/ says that I won't be paying any duties on the item when I get it. Is this site actually telling the truth? Is it reliable all the time?

By the way the ebay product number is: 140201122630
Shipping to: Alberta

polkseller

01-28-2008, 11:19 PM

usually you dont need to pay taxes on used item

jayman_1975

01-29-2008, 10:10 AM

Just have your seller send it USPS and cross your fingers. Make sure he claims the maximum allowable as "gift", not sure how much that is...think maybe around $80-$100. That's what my seller did, but it was on the up and up cause he did insure it for the FULL amount.

Whatever you do....DONT use UPS. I had a $450 amp sent to me from CA to Sask and i had to give the UPS guy $80 at my door. Man i was pissed. He said it was to cover duty/brokerage fees/taxes.

ViperZ

01-29-2008, 01:12 PM

As many people said, NEVER use UPS (FedEx is almost as bad in some occasions). I had $200 DVD player shipped from Buffalo to Toronto (1 hour drive, really). UPS originally wanted ~$140 in taxes/duty (that's on top of shipping). Their retarded charge was based on some 'retail' value. I showed them ebay auction / paypal receipt, and ended up paying around $70, which is still way too much!

BeRad

01-30-2008, 01:32 AM

I order from the states all the time. I live less than 45 minutes away from the border and there is a border store there on the American side that holds parcels for people. I make about 3 trips a month to pick up parcels so I deal with the canadian customs all the time. (some of whom are good friends of mine).

Here's the skinny: Anything made in the USA, Canada, or Mexico is subject to only taxes and no duties. Same applies for ANY electronics. So you are only going to have to pay GST and PST (if you have pst). Ok That covers bringing parcels across yourself.

If you have something shipped to you, ask the person to fill the customs form as GIFT. Anything shipped as a GIFT is subject to NO taxes and NO duties. Some places that deal on ebay will not do this for you even if it is a used item. This can be the case when you are buying from an actual business and not just Joe Average E-bayer. You can always ask them to tell the shipper that it is for a lower value. You will be taxed on whatever value is shown on the customs form. As mentioned in other responses there may be a brokerage charge from the carrier but it shouldn't be much.

I have been buying from the USA for as long as I have owned a credit card and not once have I paid more than applicable taxes and a very small brokerage fee.

If you live near the border and could make a weekend road trip, you are allowed 400 dollars worth of items to bring back duty free and tax free after 48 hours. 750 dollars after one week. In those cases you only pay the tax and duty (if applicable) on the overage.

Duty doesn't really apply to much. I have never paid it. Just taxes.

BeRad

01-30-2008, 01:47 AM

Just checked... Gift only applies for 60 dollars and under. You pay applicable taxes and duties on the remainder if it is over. (but really, who is gonna know?)

Here is a good page to read that is not dumbed-down in the slightest. (Bloody government)
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html#P031

Rike255

01-30-2008, 02:29 AM

Have you ever ordered anything like this before? A $700 Onkyo receiver (I assume it's made in Japan although I don't know).

I doubt he'll put it as a gift on the package as I did buy it from a type of ebay "company". Also, he'll probably put the whole $700 on for value.

I'm not too worried, even if the duty is applied and is 13% I still come out over $400 ahead at least. Prices in Canada suck.

BeRad

01-30-2008, 02:43 AM

There is no duty on electronics. You will have to pay taxes the same as if you bought it in canada. Plus any brokerage fees that the parcel carrier charges.

I have got from the USA (recently):
300 Dollar digital camera
500 Dollars in accessories for it
Xbox 360
8 home theater speakers (god I love polks!)
2 DVD players
various xbox games and DVD movies
All of my home theatre Cables

and I only paid GST and PST when bringing them across the border (I didn't ship any but made the 40 minute drive to get it myself) No Duty at all.

Over the years I have saved thousands by shopping in the USA. (amazon, ebay, etc)

I have only had a handful of things shipped directly to my house, (held at post office for payment) and they were all USPS. I never noticed a large brokerage fee that made the item more expensive than buying local.

Ask him if he can fill the customs form out as "USED electronics, 200 dollar value" but have 700 dollars insurance. Slim chance but you never know until you ask.

Rike255

01-30-2008, 02:49 AM

Sweet deal I'll try that. So that means only the 5% GST and brokerage fee and I'm all set! Thanks for the help.

I'll talk to him but I believe the package has already been sent...at least I hope so I really don't want to wait longer for it.

andrew_mac

01-30-2008, 07:10 PM

I just had to pay $90 for taxes and brokerage fees on a New Csi5 from Crutchfield.com. Plus $60 shipping! Pissed.....

I dislike UPS to say the least.

Rike255

01-30-2008, 09:04 PM

I'm expecting something similar in fees for mine. That's actually not too bad either. The $60 shipping is a really good deal for me. Taxes are only $35 so the brokerage fee is all that's left hopefully.

zeppelin2

01-31-2008, 10:17 PM

Hi Rike255,

If the item were shipped UPS Standard to Canada, then from my experience you'll be asked to pay $109.51CAD directly to the UPS guy at delivery.

Here's the breakdown, using the current rate of $700USD = $701.42CAD:

$35.07CAD in GST
$51.25CAD in Entry Preparation Charges
$18.94CAD in Bond Fees
$4.25CAD Collection Fee

That's assuming I didn't miss anything :( That is why I NEVER ship to Canada with UPS or FedEx!

Rike255

01-31-2008, 11:13 PM

Oh really? Can you tell me how you figured that out? (The tax one is simple)

The actual price was $674.90 USD. That will probably only change the tax amount though and only a couple of dollars.

Even though that seems like a lot, UPS had by FAR the cheapest shipping. This is a 60 pound package going all the way across the country. Other carriers were well over $100 for shipping while I spent $60. Taking that into account the costs are roughly the same. (Tax counts for all carriers).

zeppelin2

02-01-2008, 12:39 PM

Sorry, I should have posted the UPS link:
http://www.ups.com/content/ca/en/shipping/cost/zones/customs_clearance.html

The reason why it kills me and so many others to ship with courier companies across the border is that with cheaper and/or smaller items, USPS (which gets transferred to Canada Post on this side of the border) only charges a $5CAD processing fee plus applicable taxes (assuming that the item is duty free ie. electronics or made in NA).

Rike255

02-01-2008, 01:00 PM

I think the reason UPS pisses people off so much is because after you pay for shipping, there are all these extra fees added afterwards. If UPS were to charge those included with shipping costs, even though it would come out to the same, people wouldn't be so pissed off.

I'm not too worried about these fees. All that, plus shipping will be about $100, a similar package shipped via USPS or other cost me roughly the same. The only difference is that they charged it all up front in the shipping fee.

Either way I still come out about $500 below what this receiver would cost in Canada.

Rike255

02-01-2008, 03:18 PM

Here's a troubling question. My receiver comes with a free HDMI cable from the seller. But he sent it as a seperate package to me. Does that mean I'll have to pay fees on the HDMI cable shipment as well? I'd be pissed if that's the case.

Rike255

02-06-2008, 03:53 PM

Just as a follow up. I ended up paying NOT ONE PENNY for anything upon arrival.

Here's a breakdown of the costs:
Cost: US $674.90
Shipping & Handling: US $62.40
Total: US $737.30

I didn't pay anything for import duties, taxes, brokerage fees. Nothing. I'm so happy!! Shipping through Fedex from Buffalo, NY US to Edmonton, AB CA by the way!

Thanks for the help everyone.

BeRad

02-06-2008, 07:00 PM

Rike255

02-06-2008, 07:17 PM

Sweet deal. It is nice when things like that work out in your favor. It always makes me truly appreciate a seller who is willing to fill out forms in a way that saves me money and I tend to go back to those sellers whenever possible.

Congrats, and enjoy.

I'm not sure what he wrote. But it obviously wasn't a used item as the box was sealed. Nor did he lie about what it was cause it shipped in the original box with nothing covering it up. I find it odd that I didn't even have to pay taxes...

Imperitor

02-06-2008, 07:37 PM

I'm think of buying an onkyo receiver off ebay. this is very good information to know! No tax with fedex? how is this possible?

BeRad

02-06-2008, 08:10 PM

It is all in how the seller fills out the customs forms

Imperitor

02-07-2008, 11:27 AM

shawn474

02-07-2008, 12:36 PM

I guess the question is what happens if the receiver is damaged and you need to file a claim? Do they void the claim if it wasn't accurately represented on the initial bill of sale?

Shawn

Rike255

02-07-2008, 01:52 PM

Nice. May I ask what reciever you bought?

I got the Onkyo TX-SR805 and I'm loving it. It's a huge beast!

I guess the question is what happens if the receiver is damaged and you need to file a claim? Do they void the claim if it wasn't accurately represented on the initial bill of sale?

Why would I go to the shipping company for a warranty claim? In any case, we have no idea if the seller misrepresented the product in the customs form. From what I can tell I don't see any way he could have lied about the product, it's value (to an extent), or it's condition (new). Marking something as a gift only goes so far ($60 US).
The chance I took in saving $500 on this receiver is that shipping through ebay voids the onkyo warranty. Luckily the ebay store I bought it from has a one year "warranty" with it. Whether or not this warranty can be trusted is the chance I took.

Imperitor

02-07-2008, 02:42 PM

I just bought an 805 off e-bay, probably from the same guy you did. It was too good of a deal to pass up! It's good to know I won't have to pay extra shipping fees.

Rike255

02-07-2008, 03:10 PM

I think his name was e_warehouse. A great seller if you ever see a product he's selling, I recommend him for sure. Shipped fast, great price, answered all my questions, he was great. Lots of other products too including Polk speakers.

michael_w

02-07-2008, 04:50 PM

Rike255

02-07-2008, 05:36 PM

Oh damn. Now I'm going to worry about it for a while.

michael_w

02-07-2008, 05:38 PM

Didn't mean to rain on your parade. Just to warn you so that IF something does happen it doesn't come as a huge shock (and you're prepared financially?). For me it was an unexpected cold slap to the groin, but also a good lesson and eye opener.

andrew_mac

02-07-2008, 11:09 PM

Does anyone know if you ship a used receiver from US to CAN if you have to pay customs and brokerage fees?

If so do you know the best way to avoid?

michael_w

02-08-2008, 02:29 AM

That's pretty much what the whole thread is about...

SKsolutions

02-08-2008, 02:36 AM

Naftafarious

Acadian

02-08-2008, 10:47 AM

Keep in mind you may still not be off the hook. My speakers arrived from just across the border and I too was surprised I didn't get billed -- month and a half later I received a bill in the mail for about 75% of the cost of the item.

I have no experience with importing (except relatively small items from Monoprice), but i was also under the impression that the "bill" comes later in the mail...based on a few threads i read.

Maybe others who DID paid import fees and duties could clarify how it happened?

michael_w

02-08-2008, 03:02 PM

It depends on the courier. USPS - you pay before you even get to receive the item. UPS, they bill you later. I'm not sure about FedEx, but I would assume they also send it in the mail if applicable.

Rike255

02-08-2008, 03:26 PM

Well damn here I thought I was off the hook. I guess we'll see in a month or two.

Imperitor

02-08-2008, 03:29 PM

zeppelin2

02-09-2008, 01:27 AM

Hi Rike,

Me again. The last item I had shipped from the US was by FedEx Ground and although I didn't get charged at the door, I did receive the nasty bill almost 2 MONTHS later! I actually had another same item sent by FedEx International Express and they collected the money up front.

Again, it all reiterates why I don't ship couriers 'cross border' unless it's I that come out ahead.

BeRad

02-09-2008, 09:18 AM

Wow. I never knew people were actually having such problems with importing big-ticket items from the states. I guess I've been taking for granted the fact that I can just drive over there to pick up my stuff myself and pay the taxes at Canada customs myself. Hopefully you don't get too nasty of a surprise in the mail.

Willow

02-09-2008, 09:28 AM

It's hit and miss. I have purchased lots from the US. A HK 340 (didn't pay anything) tons of cables (only paid once on 1 set of cables (all used BTW)) A panamax 1000+ (nothing) recently I bought a bunch of cables from Signal and I had to pay around 30$ at the door. Now I just won a Monster 3600 which is being shipped ground Fedex, I asked him to put gift on it he refused as he said he is running for office and he didn't want it to come back to him. He marked the parcel value as 100$, I should find out next week if I'll have to pay extra on that...:mad:

Rike255

02-09-2008, 12:55 PM