Stuart
Yes, I was burned a few times when stuff was shipped via a major carrier. They do their own customs brokerage and charge alot for it. The actual duties are usually quite low, then you have the GST. It's the brokerage fees that kill you on small items. However I have had good results with USPS/Canada post. Brokerage is about $5 and duties are minimal. This works especially when you buy from individuals because they are easy when they fill out the value for customs box on the forms. Companies usually play it straight since they can get in big trouble if caught.
Fedex/ups etc have what they call "expedited" shipping charges that cover brokerage fees. It is good on expensive items.
I once made a mistake: my boss sent us a baby gift, her own personal gift, not a company gift. A month or so after I got a customs/brokerage bill of $40. almost half of what the gift was worth! I refused to pay it saying it was the responsability of the seller. I am not sure if it got back to my boss, but needless to say, she has not sent me a gift since....Moral of the story: When someone sends you a gift, say thankyou, pay the brokerage fees, and shut the hell up!

 

sounds good zoomer! Askfor mike! well the installer mike. We have a few mikes kicking around here, it gets confusing at times!