Canada post from states customs duty over 50 rates? clearance?

Question

I want to buy smth on ebay

UPS lists something like under 20 for free clearance

Is it really true or under 50 is duty FREE as well?

Answer 1

Most things you'd buy on eBay are duty free but you still have to pay 5%GST on anything you import into Canada. You should know that UPS screws Canadians by charging a minimum amount (maybe $50.00) to process the paperwork on shipments from the US - even if you only paid 99 cents  to buy it! This amount is in addition to the actual shipping charges.

Fedex charges MUCH less for paperwork than UPS for things that have a value under 100.00 (usually about $7-$10.00)

But the cheapest way for small parcels is through the post office (Total is postage + GST + flat 5.00 charge). I've never had a problem with either the post office or Fedex.

If the seller only uses UPS, call UPS and ask them how much the "Brokerage Fees" for your shipment would be. You'll be amazed at their answer.

I always email the seller and explain that I'll bid as long as they will ship some other way than UPS. Usually, they're agreeable.