i was going to get 2 subs shipped from philly but im getting charged 150 tax on them . any one know a better way to shipp. i was going to get them from ups 400 shipped.

 

Get the sender to list it as a gift rather than a purchased product. Then they dont tax it. (At least not 3 years ago)

 

you might be able to get away with them sending it back as a repaired item. meaning that it is not for resale(should say that on paperwork) or you might be able to get away with as the other person said, a gift(also not for resale) i send units back across customs all the time, and as long as you put it as a return and not for resale, then they will charge you the minimum. probably a frieght tax and hopefully that's it. also try different ways of shipping it. maybe purolator, bax global, canadian frieghtway, fed ex, etc

 

Customs likes to watch for these gift labels from repeat senders.
The only other resolution I could give is if the receiver lives close to the Canadian/US border that he can get it shipped to a US address just across the border, like a mini-storage place. That might save a bit of grief.

[ June 24, 2003, 12:36 PM: Message edited by: Chadxton ]

 

According to Canadian Customs, gifts can be a MAXIMUM of $60 canadian

 

Some provinces you have to pay GST + PST, others only GST. So if it cost you $400 CAN then you can pay that amount. However, if its $400 U.S. of course they will convert it before chargin you tax. Also, if you ship ground, you will pay a brokerage fee, usually around $75 CAN. If you ship it air, even 3 day air by UPS or FEDEX the brokerage charge is included and you only pay tax. Fianlly cheapest way might be to ship it to a location near the border, and bring it in yourself. If honest pay the GST + PST (if applicable), or install it in the
U.S. and drive back. I don't think the customs guy is going to notice two installed subs.

 

Definately watch out for customs. I just bought a $50 US Cap from an ebay seller and I had to pay $56 Canadian for customs!!!

 

I have a cabin that is about 2 km across the border. I ship my stuff there then bring them back. If anyone has any smaller items they want crossed like caps, speakers, or small amps, I can get them across and reship them from my place, just north of the border. Big subs and stuff is too suspicious though.

 

Ship via US Postal service. Have the item value listed as $60 USD. You'll be paying minimal fees on the item that way. Only negative thing is that you cannot have insured the item for more then the listed value............. so if something happens to it, you're only going to see $60 at best. Mind you, if the guy packages it up REALLY well, shouldn't have any issues. Just make sure he has the cones supported properly so they don't bang around and that the box is well padded with a firm packaging material (not foam chips) so that if the box is banged around, the packaging material will take most of the impact instead of the baskets.

It's a risk, but I've not had too many problems. Only issue is ensuring that the person takes a bit of extra time and care to package it up. Maybe throw them a few extra bucks to do so.