On Mon, 23 Aug 2004 22:09:39 -0400 Eric Dunbar <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Hi all, I've got a question on a topic that's caused me headaches in > the past. > > I'm trying to get an $850 USD laptop shipped from the US but am > fearful of the customs crap that the likes of FedEx have a tendency of > pulling (I don't ship FedEx anymore b/c you can be guaranteed that > they try to milk you for another $50 _or more_ even for little > packages. Once I ordered a $20 7600/180 and was hit with $25 CAD worth > of "extra" fees that FedEx decided to tack on). One thing everyone who has responded seems to have missed is that these extra custom clearance fees (which I agree are extravagant) =only= apply for ground service. UPS or FedEx, same deal. With their air service (at least with FedEx, I know), clearance fees are included -- you only pay the tax, and sometimes a small fee for them to pay your GST up front. My experience with FedEx air from the US has actually been =great=, but you do pay a fair bit more for it (unless the shipper has a commercial account). Personally, for an expensive laptop, I would pay the extra money for FedEx air. But most of the time, I use USPS/Canada Post air, which, as most know, generally results in a flat $5 charge on top of GST on imports. It is pretty reliable, but slower. Your choice. On the "gift" topic, while it is generally true that the recipient won't have to pay any taxes, it is quite possible that the shipper/customs broker will come after the sender for the taxes, in that case. So think twice before doing someone a favour, as it may cost you. -- Michael -- Mac Canada is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Shop Canadian, visit Mantek Services <http://www.mantek.mb.ca> Low Prices That Will Keep YOU and Your MAC Smiling Educational discounts are now available Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> Mac Canada info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/mac-can.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/mac-canada%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
