General Forum

So I had a parcel today and it was from Mark (avsbruins). He and vrooomed had some of my Ranfords sent to them to save on grotesque postage being asked for on eBay.  When she grabbed it she says Oh Oh you owe me some money. Here it is in a sealed plastic bag from customs asking for $12.76. There is a $9.99 handling fee and then GST and PST for the contents of package itself. Mark listed the package at $10 US value, Customs has determined the package is worth $25.52 CDN (how I have NO clue), they have vaived the duty fee but not the GST and PST on $25.52. Then to top it all off my package was not even opened!?!?!  Still cheaper than what all the postage would have been so I am still ahead. Just never seen it before, anyone else have this happen?

That's why I never send "packages" to Canada.  As long as I keep my photo mailers to less than 1/4" in thickness all I need is a Global stamp ($1.15) and sometimes an additional ounce stamp (21 cents).  As you will soon see. ;-)

I have had bubble mailers arrive in trades from the states with a lot larger declared value and never been asked for duty. The only time I can remember it happening, when it does, is when I have been shipped a box. With a declared value, even with our crappy dollar, I have no idea how they get $25.50. And $9.99 handling fee....never ever heard of this. Honestly something sounds fishy.

I try to use the photo mailers also as much as I can.  If I do have to use a bubble mailer and fill out a customs form, I always say it is for $5 and it is a gift.  I hope I haven't caused any of my northern friends extra postage for Taxes or Handling fees.  I also go straight to the post office with my item and there is one near my office where the clerks are great and don't hassle me about scanning the item into their app.

The only time I've had to pay duty on anything was on orders from COMC, but they include it into the shipping costs.. 

Never had to pay duty or anything from a trade package.. Then again, most of my values either way are $5-10

Hmmmm, so how should I label them from now on? I thought I did it right? Heck did you have to pay anything on the package I sent earlier this year?

Odd, but glad you got the cards you ordered and the few extra I sent. 

First one is of Mark's package just as it arrived and the second is the plastic bag and form from Customs ..... can anyone say money grab ?!?!?! =/

that is so odd, how do they determine a vaue when they did not open?