Official Luthiers Forum!

Over the years I have learned to loath getting goods shipped from the US to Canada via Fedex or UPS.
The reasons were mostly because of the surprise "Brokerage Fee" of $50 on top of the GST that arrived in the mail a few weeks later.

I very recently needed some parts quick, so I ordered through LMI via Fedex.
The USPS and Fedex costs were very close (Fedex was marginally cheaper), but Fedex would deliver in a few days and USPS...3 weeks or so.
I bit the bullet and went Fedex.
The parts arrived to my door in 2 days - simply amazing.
Today I got the extra invoice in the mail.
It was a surprise all right - it was for the expected GST and a $10 processing fee.
Canada Post is now charging a $10 processing fee on top of the GST.

So I got my parts in 2 days for the same cost as going through USPS/Canada Post and saved 3 weeks of waiting time.

Hmmmm........

Rob

Thanks Rob, that's good to know. I'm just putting a SM order together and I will check out all the options now.
Cal

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Remember, there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers!

I really like the fact that LMI and SM both offer Fedex express service. It means I get stuff next day in most cases from both these suppliers. Having access to all those products and being able to get them next day is huge! I find I usually get dinged for a lot more than $10 + tax (size of the order being a factor), but the quick shipping in most cases is worth the extra cost.

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Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
http://www.canadianluthiersupply.com
https://www.facebook.com/canadianluthiersupply?ref=hl
House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
http://www.houseguitars.com

That's interesting.
I just ordered a Liogier rasp from France. (they are swamped, and it took about 2 months for them to get it done) But once they shipped FedEx, it was here in Pa in 4 days, for total shipping of $15. Amazing tool, by the way!

That would be a different story if ordered from Canada, I'm sure. Anything by Fedex or UPS over somewhere around $30 incurs the dreaded brokerage fee. I once got dinged for around $80 on a $300 item. From the U.S.A , I will only have items shipped by USPS.

Alex

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"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker

Thankfully I am in the states about three times per year and try to save my US orders for those times. Ship to the hotel for cheap. No extra fees.

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Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

I ordered some golf grips from a supplier in Ottawa on Tues. evening, and got them this morning! $14 shipping via Canada Post. They are getting much better than they used to be.

Alex

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"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker

That was my point Doug - I have been used to getting the dreaded brokerage fee ($40 - $80) ordering from the US into Canada using Fedex a/UPS and would only ship USPS and wait 10-21 days.
In this instance, no such fee, just GST and a $10 handling fee - same as USPS/Canada Post....