Shipping to Canada

[Turdus]

Before the board crashed, I posted about my experience in shipping to Canada, after obtaining what I thought was an International Money Order. The original post appears to be lost after the rebuild.

For those of you that remember this one, the bank ended up deducting the Canadian Postal Money Order from my account, claiming it was a foreign item, and had to be sent for collection.

I have talked to my bank. They say it will take 3 to 4 weeks to clear, and that they are going to deduct a $10 colleciton fee, LOL. I asked if a Canadian Postal MO is an International MO. The answer was yes, but since it is drawn on a Canadian bank, it has to be sent out for collection.

I had to open a Fedex account (billable to my credit card) in order to ship Fedex ground to Canada. I still have not seen those charges.

I shipped the amp to the guy on July 27th. The Fedex status as of today is: " Tendered to authorized agent for final delivery". This status has not changed since 8/04. I wonder if the guy will ever get the amp?

[serial]

Another reason why all of my eBay listings are strictly LOWER 48 ONLY. The first freaking thing I ever listed was a 1980 Hamer Special and being new to the game, I didn't list that. High bidder was from Japan (the nightmare begins). I needed the $$ within a short period of time to acquire another guitar I really wanted, so when this thing started to take a turn for the worse, I was fortunate that the runner up bidder wanted an '80 Sunburst and I happened to have another (one that I wasn't really keen on selling since I liked it a lot) that I had to sell quickly. It took more than 6 weeks to GET the payment and another four or five for it to clear my bank. No way ever again. Shipping cost a fortune too.

[straightblues]

If it makes you feel any better, I had a similar experience. However on top of the problems your having, I used my employers Fed Ex number and he got the customs charge. I can tell you the Boss was none to happy with me!!!! I won't do business with Canada again, unless it is an extraordinary deal that I just can't live without. It worked out in the end but what a hassel.

[GusS]

dude, cash the postal money order at the post office.

[cmatthes]

The USPS will not cash a non-USPS Postal Money Order.

They're funny like that!

On the other hand, with 2 minor exceptions, I've never had a problem buying or selling north of the border. Just as long as the terms were discussed/clear beforehand. When they're not, the problems can start.

Chris, I'm sorry to hear you're having problems with that amp sale - that sucks.

[Turdus]

Chris, I'm sorry to hear you're having problems with that amp sale - that sucks.

Thanks Chris, but I took the chance, knowing that it may not go smoothly. That said, I am glad that it was an inexpensive item. So, while it will probably cost me more than originally anticipated, I will never do it again.

[edgar_allan_poe]

My bank did the same thing, but didn't charge me the $10. Evidently there is a rash of fake MOs comming from Canada that forced banks to take this action. The only payment I take from non HFCers from Canada is a USPS MO.

[GusS]

The USPS will not cash a non-USPS Postal Money Order.

I think there are some HFC'ers who can vouch for USPS cashing Canada Post M/O's.

Also, Canada Post offices do cash a USPS postal money orders.

[chunst]

Any Canadians reading this and feeling unjustly excluded from these guys dealings? Here's how I got around it. You need a car and a friend south o' the border. I just bought a Standard from a guy in Indiana, and I live in Vancouver Canada. I went to the post office and bought a US money order for the amount he wanted. Then I phoned a buddy in Seattle, and had it shipped to his house. Then I drove down when it arrived, and told the customs dude on the way back that I was down working at a friends studio on some recordings, and now I'm goin home. It worked, and all transpired in 2 weeks.

[Turdus]

Any Canadians reading this and feeling unjustly excluded from these guys dealings?

I would not call this "unjust". When I sell an item in the States, I get payment, and I ship the item.

In this case, the guy emailed in advance asking if he could bid. I said "no", and he bid anyway and won. I did not get payment for 2 weeks after auction close. I had to make 2 trips to Fedex. The first time, I was told that I needed to open an account online, as the depot could not process the International shipment. It had to be done online. I have no real idea how much shipping is going to cost, and if I will ultimately get stuck with customs. To top it off, the payment has been withdrawn from my account, and I will ultimately be charged $10 to process the collection.

In summary: 8 weeks after the acution closed: The amp is somewhere in transit. I have no idea how much the shipping charges are. I do not have payment. He does not have an amp. I have no idea when this will be finalized.

Makes me want to do it all over again, LOL.

[Brooks]

i didn't have payment probs, but a speaker i shipped to canada took weeks and weeks to arrive, i was about to send the buyer his $$ back when it finnaly trickled in. cont usa only for now on when i sell.

also had paypal probs, won't use them again either.

[serial]

I've had several unexpected issues when purchasing a USA Hamer from Canada. One of the "services" got a hold of the package each time and charged an import duty, despite the fact that I was purchasing a USA made product, which has no incoming duties and that fact was clearly marked all over the outside (and inside) as well as on all shipping docs. I had a real hell of a time with it the first time and finally, they removed part of the charge, but still hit me with "handling fees". That's crap and I'd rather not deal w/the headaches again, my time is too valuable for what ended up being wasted on the deals.