US shipping questions

[ryguy]

Hey guys,

Just wondering how any of you that order from the states go about it to ensure that it is the cheapest possible. I've ordered stuff from Lifereef and other companies and have been taken to the cleaners with "brokerage fees" and the likes....

What's the most inexpensive way to receive a shipment from the US?

Thanks in advance.

Ryan

[Veng68]

US postal service $5 brokerage fees

Cheers,
Vic[veng68]

[Squiddy]

Remember, you are also going to have to pay tax on top of that.

[TheReefGeek]

Yes, USPS is the cheapest, because it is government to government brokerage, so it is 5 bucks. UPS, Fedex, etc. are according to value, ranging anywhere from 30+, usually around $50 for the type of stuff we bring in.

You always have to pay GST/PST on the declared value of the shipment.

[howdy20012002]

the only thing wrong with USPS is that they don't do priority overnight
unfortunately, the only options for overnight stuff is FEDEX, UPS or commerical flights...all of which are going to cost u an arm and a leg.
USPS is definitely the cheapest way to go if not priority..i find that with lower value stuff, u don't get dinged for anything when it gets delivered.

[TheReefGeek]

Anything less than $10 goes through for free.

For small stuff, you can try Puralator envelope, I just brought in a DIY auto top off worth $30 US that went through for free, Im guess because it was envelope and not package, but Im not sure.

[Quinster]

A lot of courier companies offer a pre brokerage fee, it is an extra form I believe on the shipper’s part but it greatly decreases the fee, usually by half.

[dirtyreefer]

I was told by UPS that if the package is shipped via airmail, you will not get charged brokerage fees but of course the airmail is alot more expensive than ground. If they need to bring the package through the border via ground, then there are brokerage fees involved.

I hate UPS btw, I will only use USPS and FedEx. Been screwed by UPS too many times with their outrageous prices and crappy service.

[vanreefer]

get a post office box in the states... I got one in Blaine

[TheReefGeek]

Dano, some more details?

[mr_alberta]

The only problem with getting a PO box is the drive, depending on the poster's location. I think its about 8-10hrs from Edmonton to the US border?

[muck]

The only problem with getting a PO box is the drive, depending on the poster's location. I think its about 8-10hrs from Edmonton to the US border?
7 for normal drivers Harv.. :razz:

[TheReefGeek]

And the cost of gas would be far more than brokerage and GST, unless you are close to the border.

[vanreefer]

Dano, some more details?

I live about 30 mins from the border and the mailbox is just accross the line.

No brokerage... if made in the states no duty.... just GST.... usually if less than $50 they just let me go through.
Works good for me plus a lifetime membership was only $10 us plus $2 per package

[Willow]

I live about 30 mins from the border and the mailbox is just accross the line.

No brokerage... if made in the states no duty.... just GST.... usually if less than $50 they just let me go through.
Works good for me plus a lifetime membership was only $10 us plus $2 per package


whaaa, i used to have a mailbox down there and it was 160 a year. what is this 10+2 deal you speak of! details man.

[untamed]

Do you think I could have 600lbs of LR delivered to your Blaine PO Box?

[vanreefer]

John,
The address is 250 H st... It cost me $10 for a lifetime membership... plus its not a po box ( most people are wary of shipping to a PO Box) so my shipping address is My Name 250 H st Blaine WA and it costs me $2 us per package.. pretty sweet deal :wink:

[Richard_Dicosimo]

what sites have you guys found that ship to canada without a specific request? all the sites i have found say they wont ship here. i found one but he told me that he wouldnt ship unless your order is over 400 us$

Richard

[mr_alberta]

Premium Aquatics, Reef Geek and Aquatic Eco Systems are a couple that ship to Canada.

[Samw]

what sites have you guys found that ship to canada without a specific request? all the sites i have found say they wont ship here. i found one but he told me that he wouldnt ship unless your order is over 400 us$

Richard


Also, Ocean Encounter, Nano Tuners, and DIYReef.

[TheReefGeek]

www.saltycritter.com

[Richard_Dicosimo]

apparently i havent been looking hard enough for theses sites. thank you guys very much im going to check all of thsoe sites out.

Richard