Shipping from Canada to USA

[AaronChiles]

A seller and I are trying to figure out all the fees/duties I am going to have to pay if he ships me a laptop from Canada to the United States. Has anyone had experience with this and can give me the quick run down on how much in fees/duties I am looking to pay on a $1500.00 item?

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[Abstract]

The situation may be a difference if it's used, and they don't suspect the laptop as being one that was sold to you.

 

[AaronChiles]

Well it will be a used laptop and all that. Thanks for the input.

 

[Leareth]

Depends alot on which shipping company they got with, what kind of priority, how well the customs form is filled out and the general mood of the customs people that day.

I have had $20 items end up with $25 fees,tariffs and taxes , and I have had 1,000's dollar items with nothing.
its a bit hit and miss.

Generally shipping via Canada post with full decleration gets the least fees.

UPS get held up and heavily punished.

Fedex and DHL - are random in my experience.

 

[ajx22]

USA to Canada = PITA (Brokerage fees + duty + taxes, etc.)

Canada to the USA = Just send it insured and declared and it's easy


It's the Canadian government that makes importing goods a PITA due to their need to tax everything, etc. For exporting; so long as it's not a restricted item (ie. livestock, food, etc.) - it's just a matter of sending it.

Cheers,

 

[fishcube]

So, its random to what the duties will be? I have a used UMPC coming from Canada, its insured for $700 and sent Xpresspost. What should I expect for duties if any?

Also it says its guaranteed 4 days, but what are your experiences?