Importing from Canada

[stanislav]

I would like to buy a used bass that is in Canada. I tried to get some idea of import fees and taxes and just got confused .

Has anyone in the US purchased a guitar from Canada? Would it be easier to fly there and bring it back?

[winston]

Stan,

It all depends on where the item was manufactured and whether or not the USA has a Tariff agreement with that country. If it is a Rickenbacker bass you will discover that you will not pay any duty or brokerage if it is sent to you via Canada Post. That is because the bass was made in the USA. If it is sent to you by UPS they charge a fat brokerage fee. Also depending on the laws of your state you may have to pay State taxes that are applicable in any event.

Make sure the seller clearly declares where the bass was made and declares the value.

Return flights to and from Canada are costly and they will not let you take your bass in the cabin under any circumstances as it is too large of an item. Instruments must fit in the overhead bin or else they go in with baggage. If your instrument goes into baggage make sure it is in a flight case or extremely well packed. Baggage handlers are notorious for damaging bags and contents.

[BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS]

where is it located ? alberta ?

[stanislav]

where is it located ? alberta ?

It's the Shadow that's in Toronto. It's all beat up like my Blackstar. I thought the two of them would make a nice pair!

[winston]

Was my post helpful Stan?

[libratune]

Was my post helpful Stan?

Brian,

Thank you for the advice -- I found your post helplful. I have purchased several items from Canada over the years that were sent to me via Canada Post and did not have to pay duties, fees, etc. upon receiving them. The one bad experience I had was when the item was shipped via UPS and they charged a very steep brokerage fee, notwithstanding that it was a RIC made in the USA. Many phone calls and letters from seller (a forumite) and me did nothing to resolve the issue.

Lesson learned: Ship items made in US from Canada to US using Canada Post.

[winston]

Thanks Ron,

It is also true in reverse.......always mail guitars and basses to Canada via USPS.

I recently got charged a $55.00 brokerage fee by UPS on an item worth less than $100.00 USD because the seller got confused and shipped via UPS instead of USPS.

The initial cost of shipping is similar if you choose to ship by either carrier. In my experience the basic shipping cost is in fact a bit less expensive to ship by USPS. It is that spurious and unnecessary brokerage charge that UPS tacks on that always leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

[stanislav]

Was my post helpful Stan?

Brian,

Yes, that was very helpful, thanks! My question now is, "how fat is fat"? The seller wants to ship UPS. I called UPS and they weren't sure how much their brokerage fee is (stories I read are not good). They knew the shipping price, which wasn't too bad. I went to the customs webpage and got further confused .

Maybe I should check if the seller can ship by Canada Post.

How about driving to Toronto and picking it up? Are there still the customs issues?

Why do I go through all of this for a guitar?

Because I NEED a Shadow!

[winston]

If the seller has an aversion to shipping via Canada Post (usually for insurance reasons) ask the seller to ship via Purolator...........they are a courier that will provide adequate insurance and you will not incur a phony brokerage charge when you ship with them.

Driving to Toronto is cool (but it's a long and costly drive and why would you want to?)...........you will not have any problems crossing the border as the bass will be viewed as goods made in the USA being returned. They (US Customs and Border Protection) may elect to make you pay State taxes though.

I was stung with a $160.00 brokerage charge on a guitar a few years ago...............that is pretty steep considering I paid $1300.00 for the guitar

[stanislav]

Thanks Brian,

I've never been to Canada so a visit could be cool. Besides, I've driven that far (400 miles one way) to see a band, then turned around and drove home. I could stay a day or two. Well, I have a few things to check out now!

[winston]

You are more than welcome. I am always glad to help out with matters such as this Stan.

[BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS]

if you wish , i could bring it back from toronto to buffalo. i'll be going to toronto at the end of april (23-25)and can bring it back to buffalo and ship it from here if your other venues do not work out. just a thought.

[86kubicki]

I'm in the Toronto area Stan - let me know if I can be of any assistance.

[BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS]

i know...i could bring steve's 4001s up to toronto and stan's back !

[stanislav]

Thanks everyone! That's what makes this forum great, everybody works together! Let's see how the auction goes, then I'll post again.