Brokerage Fees China to Canada?

[Cartographer]

Hello,

My friend introduced me to online shopping in 2011 (I was skeptical about buying online) and I have henceforth been using it to receive incredible deals otherwise impossible to do without the Internet.

There are flashes I want to order for my DSLR camera on eBay from a seller in China. I’ve read the ad and his shipping policies (he doesn’t charge for shipping but he does charge for a tracking number) and he ships via couriers like UPS, EMS, TNT, DHL, etc.

I read online that I should beware being “r***” by brokerage fees from these couriers, because I have only ever received parcels from USPS/Canada Post from the United States.

Can someone tell me more? I’ve heard that UPS doesn’t charge brokerage fees for air shipments, which is what it would be from China to Canada, and other such advice. Can someone explain this to me so I can make a decision?

Thanks :).

[woof]

UPS brokerage rates:

http://www.ups.com/content/ca/en/shipping/cost/zones/customs_clearance.html?WT.svl=SubNav

On top of that of course you will have GST/PST/HST plus any duties, usually zero on electronics, very high on clothing stuff.

It is worth noting that for any shipment under C$ 20.00 there are no duties, taxes or brokerage charges from any carrier, no matter which country the item is coming from.

[Cartographer]

Is there an alternative method? Is EMS, DHL, FedEx, TNT, Purolator, or anyone else cheaper? And does the UPS link brokerage fees based on the duty value or the value of what I ordered? It says: "Value for Duty"? Can USPS or Canada Post handle a parcel from China to Canada or do they operate only within their respective countries?

Thanks.

[Cartographer]

Also are those fees applicable to air shipments? I've read online brokerage is applicable to ground shipments only?

[bman77]

Go with ems because canada post finishes the delivery and canada post charges less duties (if any) than the other couriers

[Cartographer]

Go with ems because canada post finishes the delivery and canada post charges less duties (if any) than the other couriers

Do you mean that since EMS hands the parcel to Canada Post I don't need to pay an outrageous brokerage fee? (I've used Canada Post/USPS for shipments of parcels several times.) Canada Post charges almost nothing for brokerage. It's like $5.

[woof]

Do you mean that since EMS hands the parcel to Canada Post I don't need to pay an outrageous brokerage fee? (I've used Canada Post/USPS for shipments of parcels several times.) Canada Post charges almost nothing for brokerage. It's like $5.

Flat rate $8 now. It went up a few months back.

[Thai]

General rule of thumb when shopping online: AVOID UPS AT ALL COSTS!

Their brokerage fees involves bending you over and violating you in every way possible. Seriously.

[bman77]

Do you mean that since EMS hands the parcel to Canada Post I don't need to pay an outrageous brokerage fee? (I've used Canada Post/USPS for shipments of parcels several times.) Canada Post charges almost nothing for brokerage. It's like $5.

yes, that's what I'm saying, I had jerseys delivered by ems once, took 4 business days and I had to pick them up at canada post.

[KDSet]

Go with ems because canada post finishes the delivery and canada post charges less duties (if any) than the other couriers

This. Go with whichever courrier that transfers the package to Canada Post for final delivery, as it will mean minimal broker/handling fees ($8.50).