best way to ship Canada to US?

[dreilly]

Hi all,

Since we have so many Canadian members, and so much business across borders, I thought I'd ask this question. How do you ship cameras back and forth, and what's your experience. In most of my dealings with folks like Jan Normandale or Back Alley Joe it's been USPS and very smooth, no customs duties. I heard from someone early on to avoid UPS because the customs forms are a nightmare and it's very, very slow across the border. I'm interested in the fastest, cheapest and the route of least red tape.

I just won an auction on a Rolleiflex SLX (one lens too few to post this in the TLR section) and I'm very excited, but neither the buyer (in British Columbia) or I are quite sure of the best way to procede. Thanks!
doug

 

[greyhoundman]

Have him ship through Canadian mail.

 

[greyhoundman]

Note:

It is not the fastest, but cheap and easy.

 

[rover]

Canadian mail has always been fine for me.

 

[dreilly]

I just did a thread search for UPS and got an earful (eyeful, okay). I guess that little voice at the back of my mind was not leading me astray.

cheers
doug

 

[dcsang]

I concur - Canada Post baby!!

I, usually, ship via Canada Post "Express Post" - sure it costs a bit more but what the hey... I get a tracking number and insurance and then feel a bit more comfortable shipping to the states.

I'm not so sure why some U.S. sellers feel awkward shipping north of the border - I've not had any big issues on my end if they ship via USPS.

Only when I order from B&H do I use UPS (Expedited) and it's not been an issue.

Dave

 

[haagen_dazs]

one point to share
do not EVER ship UPS ground from USA to CND
the canadians will have to pay alot alot of fees/duties on the package

 

[Peter_Jones]

How about a "cloak and dagger" midnight cross-border delivery, or a "Smokey and the bandit/Dukes of Hazzard" style car-chase delivery ? Might be more costly but would be fun !

 

[BSchall]

I've never had any problems shipping to Canada with USPS Air Post. I've been waiting over 3 weeks now for a package shipped from Canada to me Regular Canadian Post. Both the sender and I are starting to get worried.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I guess that little voice at the back of my mind was not leading me astray.

Just as long as it doesn't tell you to do other things, you're ok

 

[dreilly]

Cloak and dagger sounds good. Thanks for the tips, all, I think we'll try Canada Post expresspost...that sounds simliar to ems global express...

 

[somecanuckchick]

Hi all,

Since we have so many Canadian members, and so much business across borders, I thought I'd ask this question. How do you ship cameras back and forth, and what's your experience. In most of my dealings with folks like Jan Normandale or Back Alley Joe it's been USPS and very smooth, no customs duties. I heard from someone early on to avoid UPS because the customs forms are a nightmare and it's very, very slow across the border. I'm interested in the fastest, cheapest and the route of least red tape.

I just won an auction on a Rolleiflex SLX (one lens too few to post this in the TLR section) and I'm very excited, but neither the buyer (in British Columbia) or I are quite sure of the best way to procede. Thanks!
doug

Best way and the only way to go, really... is Canada Post.