Tax + Duty, your experience?
 

I attempted to navigate the governments tax & duty site, but couldn't find anything specifically on car audio equipment. Primarily amps, speakers & HU.

From my experience I know some items have zero, and some are horrendous (free trade & all that). I think PST & GST is tacked on but dont really remember.

I'm talking about shipped items from the exited states here, not "bring back under the seat" items.

For a few hundred dollar purchase i wouldnt evn bother, but when I see a $450.00 difference on a $1400.00 purchase, well....

Thanks

John

wow thas a big difference I will be honest I ave never shipped or gottin stuff from across the border stereo related besides snes that kinda thing I never had a prob, how ever once I bought a 50 dollar battery tie down and I ot naled 38 for brokerage fees, I cant understand where they come up with this stuff!

Brokers can make a few bucks, yeah :)

Just want to mention that I do support my local places where possible. Never go in to pump the guy for advice unless I buy something, etc, but $450.00 buys a lot of 24's you know?

Tried to edit, but it is set for 10 minutes only. Fees aren't too bad actually.

UPS: Rates for Customs Clearance into Canada

UPS will always ding you for at least 50$ bucks for custom fees. That's why I always buy stuff from someone who will ship using USPS. With USPS sometimes I paye nothing, sometimes I paye the equivalent of the taxes (maybe a bit less).

Always get creamed with UPS.

Try to get them to send it USPS air.

I like to use this for shopping on Ebay:

http://www.myborderpro.com/2006/

although it seems more expensive at first, sending by USPS airmail will be your cheapest way to ship, you will get like a $50 customs fee. I hate my american bass XD2000 sent via USPS international and got a $145 fee on it. i paid $400 for the amp shipped and the customs office went by MRSP of the amp

USPS ships via Canada Post meaning a $5.00 brokerage fee, and 15% tax (gst+pst) usually. Occasionally there is a duty charge that's variable depending on place of origin. At the end of the day, USPS/Canada Post will save you the most. Overall, I've saved over 50% on my equipment through online US shopping...that's about $2000.00. It's not for everyone though, as there are risks, you need to be experienced in what you're doing, and it's not fair to expect your local store to help you if you're not supporting them...I don't need or want their help, so I'm good with it.

Yeah I don't think I have ever paid customs or brokerage on anything sent using USPS air.