Ordering goods online from the US

[Flakkarin]

Hi,

I want to buy a new camera, and have found the one I want is $100-$150 cheaper on US websites than in Canada. However, I'm worried about all the possible import taxes and customs charges that may apply. I've tried to make sense of it all, but I still can't work out if it's cheaper overall from the US!

The item in a Panasonic camera, value about $350 CAD, the shipping service is UPS (ground I think) and I live in Alberta.

Thanks for any advice!

[mediajunkie]

You are responsible for any taxes. If the shipper includes a receipt or declares the value (as they would with UPS), customs will know the exact value of the goods.

UPS is very good at declearing and charging those taxes, and sometimes it can amount to more than the 12-14% charged by your province. They are less likely to charge if the item is shipped by the United State Postal Service (USPS).

The only way to avoid taxes is if you buy an item, get the shippers to declare it as a "gift" or a "sample" with no discernable value. It will depend on how coorporative the retailer is.

Beware that some US sites may be dubious too though, a friend of mine bought a camera off a site once and only the camera was included, no charging cables, no original box, no batteries, etc. which could be why the cameras are that much cheaper. You have to pay more for everything else. Also if you want to return the item you will also incur additional charges both ways. Look for some reviews of that retailer before you purchase.