Help? Purchasing clothing from the US.

[Lynn49]

Hello...I hope this is the right place to post this...I'd like to purchase some clothes from the US, but am curious about what I'm going to get dinged for, re duties etc. If anyone has any experience with this sort of thing, I'd love you hear about it. Rather green about the gills as far as this matter goes...
Appreciate any help, thank you!

[couponhelp]

It depends on the company, some include all duties and taxes, while others don't. The information should be posted on their website, sometimes in the FAQs. I try to order from sites that list the all inclusive price (aka you would won't have to pay anything additional upon receipt). That way I know the total cost

[GracieAnne]

Every single time I've ordered anything from the states I always get dinged for a COD charge from the postman.

[Lynn49]

Thank you...the site I want to order from is Venus, in the US. This company doesn't include the extra charges, and I'm just scared that once it crosses the border it'll cost me as much as the items cost.
Gracie Ann...how much did CP charge you? Was it just a straight delivery charge, or was it based on the amount of the articles?

I wonder if a call to whatever duties people I can get hold of would give me some information....?

[r0c0upons]

is it made in the usa (or mexico)? that might be different

[Lynn49]

I think I asked my question in the wrong thread, so I'm trying here, although I did receive two replies....what is your experience with shopping online from the US re duties charges, etc. I know taxes, of course, but what about duties?

I saw this on the Canada Customs site...am I correct in assuming that there are no duties in Category 2?
http://www.crossbordershopping.ca/du...iffs-and-taxes

The company I want to order from doesn't include any Canadian taxes, so that's fine, they do include their shipping, but....no duties when it comes to me?

I've never done this before, so I hope someone can lead me in the right direction.
The company is Venus.com; I was looking thru the catalogue with my DD and we were commenting on some of the clothes, and I'd like to order a few things for her that she liked...but, just a little apprehensive.

Thank you for any help....

[GracieAnne]

Thank you...the site I want to order from is Venus, in the US. This company doesn't include the extra charges, and I'm just scared that once it crosses the border it'll cost me as much as the items cost.
Gracie Ann...how much did CP charge you? Was it just a straight delivery charge, or was it based on the amount of the articles?

I wonder if a call to whatever duties people I can get hold of would give me some information....?

It seemed to be usually 25-30% of the cost of the items. I stopped buying online from USA sites, I stick to Canadian sites now.

[torontogal12]

It depends on where the product was made. Here is a customs calculator http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/mobile/est-cal-eng.html

find out what company they use for shipping. If they use UPS you will most likely get some additional charge.

Try to look for a company that has a warehouse in Canada so they can ship from here and there's no nasty surprise. Some of the American websites will actually calculate duty for you in your shopping cart. I think Macy's.com does that.

[olivercat]

It can be hit and miss. The actual import duties list is about 20 pages long with all the 'codes' for duties. How the item is described in the product description on the customs import form. BIG issue is your shipper! If they are using UPS, plan on import duties, taxes and brokerage fees. If they use the postal system then, only a $9.95 brokerage fee if it is assigned duties or taxes. Not every item gets assigned duties and taxes. I am not trying to say do not import, but just be aware of potential fees. I have ordered the same item twice-- taxes on one first order, nothing one the second!

[ottawa]

as per their website

• Standard shipping is via the U.S. and Canadian Postal Service. A fee of approximately $8.50 is also charged by Canada Post in addition to the duties and taxes.
• Priority and Rush shipping are provided by our partner Landmark Global Commerce. Orders ship through Landmark Global, and all duties and taxes are paid to them prior to delivery. There are no additional fees for this service. When your order ships from our facility you will receive a shipping confirmation from Venus. The e-mail will contain a link to the Landmark Global Commerce website as well as details regarding your order. You will need to click on the link to pre-pay your duty and taxes. Once this has been completed your order will be on the way!
• All duties and taxes are the responsibility of the customer. Duties and taxes are not collected by Venus, nor are they included in the order total.

[ottawa]

i ordered from elf(i think it was) once, makeup brushes were 4$ each so i ordered 4 of them, got hit with almost double on duties and fees. i never paid attention to what the breakdown was but just felt it wasnt worth it to ship from the states. my order was almost triple after fees/duties

[Lynn49]

as per their website

• Standard shipping is via the U.S. and Canadian Postal Service. A fee of approximately $8.50 is also charged by Canada Post in addition to the duties and taxes.
• Priority and Rush shipping are provided by our partner Landmark Global Commerce. Orders ship through Landmark Global, and all duties and taxes are paid to them prior to delivery. There are no additional fees for this service. When your order ships from our facility you will receive a shipping confirmation from Venus. The e-mail will contain a link to the Landmark Global Commerce website as well as details regarding your order. You will need to click on the link to pre-pay your duty and taxes. Once this has been completed your order will be on the way!
• All duties and taxes are the responsibility of the customer. Duties and taxes are not collected by Venus, nor are they included in the order total.

Thank you,Ottawa...I'd go with regular postal shipping....so the 8.50 charge would be worth it. Our DD has ordered all her swimsuits from them (hard to find 'boy-style swimsuit bottoms' up here) and I'm sure she said extra duties, fees weren't a problem, but I don't want to ask her now or she'd know she'd be getting the sweaters for Christmas, lol.
I may be brave and order at least one to start with...it's early enough, I hope!...to order others later.

Thank you, Ladies....yes, I'll definitely order one to start with.......I think.....

[Lynn49]

There is NOTHING in Canada that compares to what she likes in the Venus catalogue or website!!
I think I'm forced to order at least one item and see what happens...

[Lynn49]

Gah. I just spoke to a Canadian customs guy and unless the item is manufactured in North America, there's an 18% duty fee on it, plus the 13% tax, plus Canada Post charges $10 to deliver the item.
I have NO idea how our DD orders things from there without paying a fee, unless she just absorbs the costs without breaking them down.
I'm sad now.

[lecale]

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