How long do I have to wait for customs to send my parcel from the US? I'm from Canada...?

Question

I ordered an item off of Ebay and the seller sent me a tracking number a week and a half ago, but theres no updated info on the items shipping. I contacted the seller, and she said its because its being cleared by customs...how long will that take? The items worth is $106.

Answer 1

I'm a US citizen who spent a year and a half in Montreal. I often ordered things from the States, and I'd have to say that there is no clear cut answer.

I've placed two orders - from different companies, within the same US region - at the same time. They were both shipped on the same day. One item took two weeks to arrive, the other took almost a month. I've had personal items sent from family members (no customs fee) that have taken up to two months.

If I really needed something urgently, I'd have it sent by UPS. But then the customs fee is significantly higher than regular post air mail. On a $30 package, I paid almost $30 in customs fees to UPS. Shocking and true!

So don't worry just yet. You may (or may not) have a long wait ahead of you.

Answer 2

"The U.S. Postal Service was electronically notified by the shipper on June 16, 2008 to expect your package for mailing. This does not indicate receipt by the USPS or the actual mailing date. Delivery status information will be provided if / when available. Information, if available, is updated every evening. Please check again later."

This means the package was NEVER SENT by the shipper. Nothing to do with customs. A tracking number was generated by the shipper online BUT the US Postal Service was never given the package. You are being lied to and defrauded. Contact eBay's customer service to initiate a claim.

Answer 3

I agree with the previous poster - items coming into Canada from the US can vary in shipping time. It is not customs that is holding it up though, it is actually UPS themselves as they are the ones who do the customs clearing for you.  I own two businesses and I purchase many things for them and myself personally from ebay and other US websites, and generally receive the item within 2 weeks.  The UPS site is very good for allowing you to keep watch on your parcel.  Just be patient.  As long as UPS is showing that they have it, you should see it shortly.