>I don't know how Canada is different from the UK but the UK customs >service can hurt too. It appears to be pretty random with my purchases >as to whether I am charged VAT (purchase tax) on goods from the US or >Canada. One week a parcel with a declared value of $150 US is delivered >without a VAT claim; next week the postman knocks in the morning to ask >for duty on a $30 US purchase, which adds roughly $10 US for "customs >handling" and $5 US for VAT. Overall, I think it works out that I am >charged about 40% of the time for imports but value does not appear to >be a determining factor. Surface shipped goods are inspected but I >never seem to get charged; air mail goods are never opened but I always >end up paying.
It's the same here, except Canada calls VAT GST. The case I was dealing with the person who sent the item to me filled out teh customs form as "Computer stuff" did not check it as a gift. I paid the shipping for the item about 10 bucks, then approx 10 bucks for handling, then 8% GST on there assumed value. Now I could gripe about the assumed value, but then it will go immediately to the aging centre where I will now have to wait till Christmas for them decide a more appropriate value for the item. They don't seem to tag you so hard on stuff from Europe, especially the UK. Stuff from the states is always the worst. Out of everything I have ordered/received from the I've gotten like one thing with the customs form filled out correctly. Then to add fire to fire, ever since 11 of Sept. the customs people have gone from nailing you around 40% of the time to nailing you about 70% of the time. I've gotten to the point where I just avoid getting anything from the US unless I have no other choice. -- []-[]-[] | []-[]-[] | RedNight+- -- Vintage Macs is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> Vintage Macs list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/vintagemacs.shtml> The FAQ: <http://macfaq.org/> --> 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/vintage.macs%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
