I'm an international shipping noob with a couple of questions.

[AaronB]

This is concerning an Ebay transaction if that makes any difference.

When shipping to Canada via UPS, I assume that UPS in Canada makes the delivery and the tracking system tracks it like any other package. Correct?

Is there any reason not to use USPS Airmail Parcel Post to ship to Canada or any other country for that matter? Is delivery confirmation available for this? I did look at the USPS site and I think it says that there is no delivery confirmation for this option. I say "think" because I'm not sure I'm looking at the right thing.

Bonus question for the Canadians. How much tax do you have to pay for an item with a declared value of $1000 (canadian dollars)

 

[syee]

Firstly, I probably wouldn't ship UPS. Both the big courier companies charge a "brokerage fee"...usually in the vicinity of $30-$40 for their brokerage services. This is on top of the taxes you'd pay on the item. I'd have to guess you're paying 6% - 14% depending on what province you're shipping to.

To avoid the problem of the brokerage fee, I'd go USPS. However, with a $1000 item, maybe it's a good idea to go with something trackable (like UPS or Fedex and just split the costs). DC isn't offered on international shipments. Maybe registered mail might be your best option? If the guy you're sending to is close to the border, you might be able to convince them to send it to a mail service near the border (that's what I do) that accepts packages and have them go down and pick it up. That way you don't have to deal with the brokerage fees and taxes.

 

[FoBoT]

use USPS to ship to canada, much less chance of it getting stuck up in customs for 49 days

buy all the insurance and tracking/signature/whatever extras they offer

*edit*

it is a $1000 item?!?! :Q

go with Global Express Mail®, it'll cost more but you get real tracking and junk
http://www.usps.com/global/globalexpressmail.htm

 

[Feneant2]

Don't use UPS for god sakes, they rape canadians on broker fees. I've never had anything pricey shipped by them (thankfully) but for a 1000$ item with UPS the person at the other end stands to pay hundreds of dollars to get the package as they charge a % on the value + the taxes I believe (but am not 100% sure).

 

[Firebot]

Expect to get a big fat negative on your account if you decide to ship UPScam. They often charge well above the cost of the item itself in terms of 'brokerage fee'.

Use USPS. The package transfers over to Canada Post once it crosses the border and Canada Post is actually quite reliable.

 

[mrrman]

yes....use USPS to Canada