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[Admin Edit: So as not to distract from the initial post, the commentary on the "Guidelines re Items Being Shipped to Canada" thread have been split off into their own topic. Please, continue to discuss the topic here.]

Comments and addendums welcome!

Just did a trade and apparently the border nazi's are cracking down on everything coming across whether used or not, be sure to put country of origin of the items or else we are now going to get hit with a customs fee on everything. I was told this by customs when I called to dispute a customs charge.

Yeah, safe, convernient and VERY expensive.
Thats why I limit my dealings with Canada. Unless the deal is highly in my favor its just not worth the shipping costs.

I work for a company that provides stone products across the world. Recently there has been a large "crackdown" on packages sent over the border. Our sample box containing 4 pieces of 6" x 6" x 1" stone was recently determined to be "not a sample" and was held up in customs for over a week. It was not until the box was opened, inspected, and the lables stating "These samples are for color approval" did they finally let things go through again.
Make sure everything is accurately described as it is in the box and there should be no problems.
This is a good guide if you actually follow it

*edit*
Sorry should have mentioned that the incident described has only happend (so far) on the Canada Border, by Canadian customs.

Every country is needing more money, from taxes, fines or fees.

Here in the US, the fines and fees are increasing and new ones are popping up every day.

This article is a guideline for shipping to Canada, not around the world. As such, please keep commenting to that topic.

Yes, we know international shipping is a pill, but this guide is to assist and help with making the process easier and smoother in general.

-Porkuslime

In regards to #2 (detailed description) is there a terminology that we can use sending to the US that would create a duty-free, hassle-free transaction similar to the suggestions made by s_o_r_r_o_w ? If someone with, oh I don't know, USPS experience can shed some light on that it would be appreciated???

oAF

***edited as I don't want any trouble from MM***

I've shipped occasionally to Canada, and never really felt comfortable about it, because I can't track except at exorbitant price. It feels like shooting in the dark. If there were a way to ship (with tracking) at a reasonable price, I'd consider Canada trades more often.

As it is, for small international trades, I'm thinking that my responsibility will stop at Proof of Mailing, with assumed receipt after some number of days.

This thread is not about how we feel about shipping outside of our home countries, how hard it is to do so or how easy.

This is an informative thread. It is here to educate those who would be interested in shipping to Canada (and touches a bit on overseas) from the US.

If you don't like to/want to/whatever ship to Canada, then this thread really holds nothing for you.

Consider this a first warning to all. Do not post off topic in this thread, discussing problems or ease in international trades or anything else.

Eric

JohnHwangBT wrote:I've shipped occasionally to Canada, and never really felt comfortable about it, because I can't track except at exorbitant price. It feels like shooting in the dark. If there were a way to ship (with tracking) at a reasonable price, I'd consider Canada trades more often.

As it is, for small international trades, I'm thinking that my responsibility will stop at Proof of Mailing, with assumed receipt after some number of days.

Though I already stated this in the main article, I will address this point again.

Priority International is trackable online. You can follow the progress of the item as it moves from where you send it, to and through customs, and finally to delivery.

There is an increase in price over First Class International, but the small flat rate box is a pretty good deal all around.

oaflord wrote:In regards to #2 (detailed description) is there a terminology that we can use sending to the US that would create a duty-free, hassle-free transaction similar to the suggestions made by s_o_r_r_o_w ? If someone with, oh I don't know, USPS experience can shed some light on that it would be appreciated???

oAF

***edited as I don't want any trouble from MM***

I would do as the OP stated, here's his examples:

Examples:
Space Marine Terminators = Used Toy Soldiers
Space Marine Codex = Used Toy Game Book
Bitz = Used Toy Parts
WHFB Perilous Quest Scenario Pack = Used Game


I would believe, since he's from Canada and has recevied items before, he'd have a better understanding than those of us not in Canada.

Also, remember, customs is part of most countries Bureau of Taxation, or what ever it's called. Not the postal service. That's why each shipping company charges the duty + a fee.

I've usually used used toys or used books. I'll have to remember used toy game book for future reference.

{I just had problems posting and even navagating to anywhere on the site..Is anyone else?}

{I just had problems posting and even navagating to anywhere on the site..Is anyone else?}

Working fine for me.
Please, nobody else comment on this in this thread.


Eric

JohnHwangBT wrote:I've shipped occasionally to Canada, and never really felt comfortable about it, because I can't track except at exorbitant price. It feels like shooting in the dark. If there were a way to ship (with tracking) at a reasonable price, I'd consider Canada trades more often.

As it is, for small international trades, I'm thinking that my responsibility will stop at Proof of Mailing, with assumed receipt after some number of days.

It was my understanding that USPS does offer this to some major cities in Canada, but just to those cities. Example: Vancouver would get tracking, while Chilliwack would not. Also, it is just to those major cities, outlying suburbs do not count.

I highly recommend using the "Used Toy Soldiers" as description. I was having a lot of problems when I used "Miniature soldiers" or "Warhammer figures". and similar descriptions, I had hundreds of dollars in customs fees, but since I have changed I haven't been hit once.

starslayer wrote:Yeah, safe, convernient and VERY expensive.
Thats why I limit my dealings with Canada. Unless the deal is highly in my favor its just not worth the shipping costs.

Didn't see this before, but I've actually shipped some small packages to Canada for far cheaper than some places in the states. Just saying, YMMV.