Getting Bass Shipped from Canada

[Jason Hebert]

Has anyone bought a bass from Canada lately? A forumite has one that I'm interested in, but I've never bought anything from outside the US, and I understand the fees can be rather pricey. I can't find any really solid numbers online to help make a decision.. Anyone done this lately?

 

[Holdsg]

I have bought a couple, one from a forumite. And I've sold a few to Canadian buyers.
Shipping fees were similar, as I can recall, to US. Sometimes takes a bit longer, but fees were similar.

 

[Jason Hebert]

I have bought a couple, one from a forumite. And I've sold a few to Canadian buyers.
Shipping fees were similar, as I can recall, to US. Sometimes takes a bit longer, but fees were similar.

Did you have to pay any customs or duties, etc.?

 

[Holdsg]

nope, I don't think they can collect those on used instruments.

 

[2ndBassGuitar]

Jason: We have done business before. There is no tax or duty payable on your end, because of the North American Free Trade Agreement. There is no Canadian sales taxes payable on items shipped out of Canada. I have shipped hundreds of instruments using Canada Post and have never ever had a damage claim during shipping. I typically pay about $80 to ship to the US. Canada Post does not charge brokerage fees either.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I know that FedEx and UPS do tend to charge "brokerage fees" that seem quite high when shipping over the border. No, there should be no customs or duties on American and Canadian made equipment from the North American Free Trade Agreement. I always try to use Canada Post / USPS whenever possible. Otherwise, I try to use an express level of shipping which generally has the brokerage fees built into it so you know what you're paying up front.

 

[Jason Hebert]

I know that FedEx and UPS do tend to charge "brokerage fees" that seem quite high when shipping over the border. No, there should be no customs or duties on American and Canadian made equipment from the North American Free Trade Agreement. I always try to use Canada Post / USPS whenever possible. Otherwise, I try to use an express level of shipping which generally has the brokerage fees built into it so you know what you're paying up front.

Yeah, the brokerage fees are what I've heard are unpredictable and can get crazy, stupid expensive. I've read UPS is the worst followed by FedEx. I usually don't like using USPS to ship/receive, but I may have to go that route. Thanks for the input everyone.

 

[grumpyoldman]

Sometimes, when possible, some Canuckleheads will go across the border to ship directly using USPS, and remove any brokerage fee possibilities altogether....

 

[2ndBassGuitar]

Yeah, the brokerage fees are what I've heard are unpredictable and can get crazy, stupid expensive. I've read UPS is the worst followed by FedEx. I usually don't like using USPS to ship/receive, but I may have to go that route. Thanks for the input everyone.

Jason - I repeat. If the seller ships with Canada Post, there will be no duty and no brokerage fees payable. I have shipped this way hundreds of times. USPS will deliver the bass to your door or leave a pickup up card if you are not home.

 

[Jason Hebert]

Sometimes, when possible, some Canuckleheads will go across the border to ship directly using USPS, and remove any brokerage fee possibilities altogether....

Ha! I didn't even notice that you were the one posting this John.