Any problems shipping a $360.00 book to Canada?

[musicmeta]

I just sold a comic book on ebay for a little over $360.00 to a person living in Canada. Anybody know the best way to mail the book and what problems I might encounter thru customs?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank You,

[bubbles-migration]

 

If he paid thru paypal, check his feedback thoroughly, you might end up with a chargeback if he paid with a stolen credit card. Don't lie on the customs form, and send the package air parcel with insurance. It might take two days to get there , it might take a month. good luck.

[joe_collector]

Don't lie on the customs form, and send the package air parcel with insurance.

 

Now there's some advice you can take to the bank.

[musicmeta]

If he paid thru paypal, check his feedback thoroughly, you might end up with a chargeback if he paid with a stolen credit card. Don't lie on the customs form, and send the package air parcel with insurance. It might take two days to get there , it might take a month. good luck.

 

Thanks for the advice. He only has a feedback of 1, so not much to go on.

Payment has not been received yet. I'm awaiting his actual mailing address to calculate S/H/I. I'll probably send it Air Parcel with insurance.

I guess you write down "collector comic book" on the custom's form?

[joe_collector]

If you're insuring it, put down "comic book" but if you're ever selling a less-expensive comic that's shipped via Air Lettermail or Express, always write:

 

"Used Magazine"

 

On the form. It's correct, and keeps the wondering eyes of the Postal Workers away.

[musicmeta]

If you're insuring it, put down "comic book" but if you're ever selling a less-expensive comic that's shipped via Air Lettermail or Express, always write:

 

"Used Magazine"

 

On the form. It's correct, and keeps the wondering eyes of the Postal Workers away.

 

Great! Thanks for the mailing information. Yes, I don't want any comic collector/investor postal worker to run off with the book.

[musicmeta]

One more note, it is a CGC book that I'm mailing.

[aardvark88]

The Canuck will probably be assessed the gst tax of 7% on the item, unless he lives in Quebec or Newfoundland? where they have harmonized taxes of approx. 14-15% on incoming books.

[BronzeBruce13]

I sent Greggy (in Canada) a CGC book and 15 or so raw comics. I sent it Airmail, insured for $50 (to keep the taxes down) and put something like... "1 comic encased in plastic and

15 used comics" on the custom form (accurate and honest)... It still has not arrived after almost 40 days. The package cost $18.05 to mail.

 

If packages are lost... someone gets screwed. I insured it lower because almost every "overseas/out of the US" buyer wants you to so they save on the unfair fees/duty/taxes they incur (although I don't believe Greggy asked me to do so). I do this automatically if the topic is not discussed knowing that is the preference. Problem is... if the package IS lost or the contents truly damaged, you do not have the proper coverage and someone is out cash.

 

If Greggy never gets this box... I'm screwed, as I can't ask him to absorb it (and feel OK about it). So, I'll reimburse him in full.

 

I HATE CUSTOMS! I always feel uncomfortable sending out of the US. If I had my choice I wouldn't bother and would sacrifice that business.. BUT then you're punishing/excluding people unfairly for where they live and I don't want that either... its a no win situation if there's a problem.

 

I forget how much I owe you Greggy.. LMK

(btw insurance # VB 303 214 635 US.. mailed on 4/16/03)

[musicmeta]

The Canuck will probably be assessed the gst tax of 7% on the item, unless he lives in Quebec or Newfoundland? where they have harmonized taxes of approx. 14-15% on incoming books.

 

Buyer is from Saskatchewan so I'm thinking 7% in taxes.

 

 

[musicmeta]

I sent Greggy (in Canada) a CGC book and 15 or so raw comics. I sent it Airmail, insured for $50 (to keep the taxes down) and put something like... "1 comic encased in plastic and

15 used comics" on the custom form (accurate and honest)... It still has not arrived after almost 40 days. The package cost $18.05 to mail.

 

If packages are lost... someone gets screwed. I insured it lower because almost every "overseas/out of the US" buyer wants you to so they save on the unfair fees/duty/taxes they incur (although I don't believe Greggy asked me to do so). I do this automatically if the topic is not discussed knowing that is the preference. Problem is... if the package IS lost or the contents truly damaged, you do not have the proper coverage and someone is out cash.

 

If Greggy never gets this box... I'm screwed, as I can't ask him to absorb it (and feel OK about it). So, I'll reimburse him in full.

 

I HATE CUSTOMS! I always feel uncomfortable sending out of the US. If I had my choice I wouldn't bother and would sacrifice that business.. BUT then you're punishing/excluding people unfairly for where they live and I don't want that either... its a no win situation if there's a problem.

 

I forget how much I owe you Greggy.. LMK

(btw insurance # VB 303 214 635 US.. mailed on 4/16/03)

 

Thanks for the info Bruce, looks like I will insure for the full amount based on your story. If he has pay a little more in taxes, then he just has to pay.

 

 

[davidking623]

I sent Greggy (in Canada) a CGC book and 15 or so raw comics. I sent it Airmail, insured for $50 (to keep the taxes down) and put something like... "1 comic encased in plastic and

15 used comics" on the custom form (accurate and honest)... It still has not arrived after almost 40 days. The package cost $18.05 to mail.

 

If packages are lost... someone gets screwed. I insured it lower because almost every "overseas/out of the US" buyer wants you to so they save on the unfair fees/duty/taxes they incur (although I don't believe Greggy asked me to do so). I do this automatically if the topic is not discussed knowing that is the preference. Problem is... if the package IS lost or the contents truly damaged, you do not have the proper coverage and someone is out cash.

 

If Greggy never gets this box... I'm screwed, as I can't ask him to absorb it (and feel OK about it). So, I'll reimburse him in full.

 

I HATE CUSTOMS! I always feel uncomfortable sending out of the US. If I had my choice I wouldn't bother and would sacrifice that business.. BUT then you're punishing/excluding people unfairly for where they live and I don't want that either... its a no win situation if there's a problem.

 

I forget how much I owe you Greggy.. LMK

(btw insurance # VB 303 214 635 US.. mailed on 4/16/03)

 

Thanks for the info Bruce, looks like I will insure for the full amount based on your story. If he has pay a little more in taxes, then he just has to pay.

 

 

I sent someone a CGC 9.0 Hulk 181 to a guy that bought it from me on Ebay I insured it full Value and it was mailed to Austrailia It took almost 4 weeks for him to get it.He got screwed there because the book was valued at 1200.00 I felt bad for him but good for me at the same time bcause with being insured for full value I am at peace of mind and at no fault.

 

I decided after mailing a 300.00 dollar book to Canada that took 21 days, about a month ago before the Hulk 181. I was insuring because they are asking you where it is at and at least that way you can say it is insured at full value.I couldnt even say it on that book and decided I didnt ever want to be in that position again on a deal like that.

 

Davidking623

 

I shipped a Marvel Spotlight 5 CGC 8.5 Marvel Spotlight 6 CGC 9.4 and a Ghost Rider 1 CGC 9.2 to a guy in Britain I shipped it Express shipping with almost 600.00 insurance and now feel that is one of the best ways to ship especially with receiving paypal with no confirmed address.I truly beleive now that in big money deals that is the only way to do it.

 

 

Davidking623

 

[THE_BEYONDER]

Just be sure to mark it as a "gift"

[BestOf7-migration]

If he paid thru paypal, check his feedback thoroughly, you might end up with a chargeback if he paid with a stolen credit card. Don't lie on the customs form, and send the package air parcel with insurance. It might take two days to get there , it might take a month. good luck.

 

Dumber than a bag of nails too!

I'm not sure it would be wise for anyone to use a stolen credit card through PayPal because at some point, an address would need to be used to recieve the item. I don't believe it would be possible to send money via PayPal with a stolen credit card anyway because the registrant has to confirm their credit card, and because the payment shows up "uncleared" if its a new member and their trying to make a payment.

[COI]

As most of you know, I'm located in Toronto, and this topic makes my blood boil, especially because most of the stuff I buy are $300+ books.

 

Yes, there can be problems shipping across the border. I have no clue why Greggy has to wait so long for his books. I guess it depends on which province you are in. But I've had many transactions, 95% of which were with the U.S, and I've maybe had 1 or 2 instances where there has been a problem with customs. I've never had to wait more than 3 weeks for a package except for 2 instances around Christmas where the books were sent via Surface mail.

 

I just recieved another of many replies today from an ebayer who WILL NOT SHIP TO ME UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, even though I CLEARLY stated my intent to send instant payment, and to incur any and all shipping fees. So as a result, I don't get to bid on a book that's tough to find and that I'm more than willing to pay for.

 

If you are a US seller, insist on only sending books to Canada Expresspost(or the equivalent of express shipping), and if you're buying, do the same. Ask for EXPRESS Shipping, insist on EXPRESS shipping, and there will be no problems, I guarantee. F%$K Airmail, F&%K surface mail, go EXPRESS. I keep emphasizing it becaue it is the answer to this problem. Anyone who is paying $300+ for a book, should have no problems kicking in a few extra bucks to go express.

 

I sent 2 CGC books to Bruce totalling around $1000, and they got to him in 7 days. I also recieved a book from Bruce that got to me in a week. Whenever I buy books from Comgeek or Jason Ewert, I usually get them within 7 days. The last book I got from Ewert was worth about $300, and got to me in 5 days with no taxes!

 

My advice to US sellers is to screen who outside the US you will ship to. In your auctions, write U.S ONLY unless they email you with intent. And when you recieve an email request from someone like me, check their buying feedback, and make sure they are willing to kick in a few extra bucks for insured express-post. If they are anything like me or Greggy, they won't mind.

 

And one more thing: Books may take ages to get to Greggy, but just ask him about it. You won't see him come on here and B I T C H even if he's waited 5 or 6 weeks. Because most serious buyers will be patient with shipping times, myself included. No offense, but some of you in the U.S don't realize how good you have it. For me(and ;m sure Greggy) it isn't waiting for a package that pisses me off, it's not being allowed to bid like I'm some 14 year old trying to buy porn.

 

I know serious buyers like Bruce would feel really shafted if you couldn't bid on something, even though you were willing to pay fast, and accept charges and lags in shipping times.

 

And to Musicmeta: Sorry about the . Just insist on shipping it express, and you shouldn't have any problems.

[BronzeBruce13]

As most of you know, I'm located in Toronto, and this topic makes my blood boil, especially because most of the stuff I buy are $300+ books.

 

Yes, there can be problems shipping across the border. I have no clue why Greggy has to wait so long for his books. I guess it depends on which province you are in. But I've had many transactions, 95% of which were with the U.S, and I've maybe had 1 or 2 instances where there has been a problem with customs. I've never had to wait more than 3 weeks for a package except for 2 instances around Christmas where the books were sent via Surface mail.

 

I just recieved another of many replies today from an ebayer who WILL NOT SHIP TO ME UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, even though I CLEARLY stated my intent to send instant payment, and to incur any and all shipping fees. So as a result, I don't get to bid on a book that's tough to find and that I'm more than willing to pay for.

 

If you are a US seller, insist on only sending books to Canada Expresspost(or the equivalent of express shipping), and if you're buying, do the same. Ask for EXPRESS Shipping, insist on EXPRESS shipping, and there will be no problems, I guarantee. F%$K Airmail, F&%K surface mail, go EXPRESS. I keep emphasizing it becaue it is the answer to this problem. Anyone who is paying $300+ for a book, should have no problems kicking in a few extra bucks to go express.

 

I sent 2 CGC books to Bruce totalling around $1000, and they got to him in 7 days. I also recieved a book from Bruce that got to me in a week. Whenever I buy books from Comgeek or Jason Ewert, I usually get them within 7 days. The last book I got from Ewert was worth about $300, and got to me in 5 days with no taxes!

 

My advice to US sellers is to screen who outside the US you will ship to. In your auctions, write U.S ONLY unless they email you with intent. And when you recieve an email request from someone like me, check their buying feedback, and make sure they are willing to kick in a few extra bucks for insured express-post. If they are anything like me or Greggy, they won't mind.

 

And one more thing: Books may take ages to get to Greggy, but just ask him about it. You won't see him come on here and B I T C H even if he's waited 5 or 6 weeks. Because most serious buyers will be patient with shipping times, myself included. No offense, but some of you in the U.S don't realize how good you have it. For me(and ;m sure Greggy) it isn't waiting for a package that pisses me off, it's not being allowed to bid like I'm some 14 year old trying to buy porn.

 

I know serious buyers like Bruce would feel really shafted if you couldn't bid on something, even though you were willing to pay fast, and accept charges and lags in shipping times.

 

And to Musicmeta: Sorry about the . Just insist on shipping it express, and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

 

Hey AK,

 

I've taken note of your past rants and you've made perfect sense to me. I know this is a sensitive subject for you, and as such, maybe you've misunderstood my post a little. If you've read all my posts on this topic, you'd know I've showed sympathy for the Overseas/Non-US buyer and the difficulties/complications they must endure compared to US residents... both past and present. My previous post made note of the "unfair" taxes/duty, etc. You'll also note I made it clear I would not feel right excluding someone due to their location, but all the same, I'm still uncomfortable with the whole customs part of it. Your history has proved to be more successful than mine... keep in mind that's possible. I've taken it on the chin several times even if you have not. If I have to pay out for this potential lost package too ($168)...trust me, it will be VERY unsatisfactory overall experience mailing out of the US thus far.

 

As far as patience, you're 80%-right Greggy did not complain much, especially on the forum. He often patiently said "Greggy's not worried" when I emailed a follow up to see if the package arrived, BUT I certainly heard a few "where's my books?" too.. in PMs, forum posts, and email... so you're not quite on the mark there. He's certainly been patient, but he's asking about the books too (as would I). I figure he was just making conversation and/or curious, but it still does add tension when you, as a seller, are concerned about your buyers and their books if they have not arrived yet.

 

I offered to give Greggy a FULL refund on my own (he hadn't asked yet and I don't know what he would have done) because I feel bad, and he quickly accepted... which is OK, but leaves me soured on repeating a similar situation.

 

I think I will insist on Expresspost from here on in and will also make it clear my preference is full insurance and/or a declaration of the full value as well as the truth (merchandise, not a "gift")... or the buyer takes full financial responsibility. I'm less familiar with the shipping nuances to Canada, but I'm trying to find the best methods and with your input I think I have it now.

 

a couple of questions:

 

1. Is 40 days still OK for an airmail package? or should I be worried and pay Greggy a FULL refund.

 

2. Is marking an item a "Gift" a red flag at customs?

 

3. Should I insist on full insurance/declaration value and the truth on the customs slip?

 

4. Generally speaking, if a Canuck asks for the package to be insured/valued for less than it costs, or is worth... if its lost, what should happen?

[COI]

Bruce,

 

Since I've already done business with you, and will do more in the future, it wasn't your post that sparked my post. I understand US sellers preffering to do business within the US, that's just common sense. I'd love it if all my buying and selling could be done in Canada, but it can't. But even if it could I would still(and do) ship internationally(outside of North America) as more or less a courtesy to others. I had literally JUST read an email where a book that I wanted(which clobby just pulled the trigger on) was being sold by a guy who said no shipping outside the US. But I had high hopes because I saw in his feedback that he's shipped to a bidder in England so I emailed with my intent. I knew the book wouldn't stay up long, and I patiently waited, only to recieve the shaft, which puzzled and angered me. Then I saw this thread, and let off some steam. I just read this at a bad time, and apologize if I'm coming off as an a s s. It just get tiring being denied access to books when I'm a 2 hour drive away from the border but am treated like on another planet. Like my other rants, it wasn't directed at you specifically. That being said;

 

1. Is 40 days still OK for an airmail package? or should I be worried and pay Greggy a FULL refund.

 

You have to ask Greggy that since he's on the other side of the country. But to Toronto, 40 days would be ludicrous unless the book was sent during a hectic time(Christmas) or if it was a big parcel and was going surface. The distance between here and B.C is pretty much the same as here and California, so shipping times will vary.

 

2. Is marking an item a "Gift" a red flag at customs?

 

Possibly. Customs may open a package to see if they can find a bill.

 

3. Should I insist on full insurance/declaration value and the truth on the customs slip?

 

This is an individual call. I usually ask sellers to under-declare if it is ok with them, and I've never had a problem with it. But if a seller says he won't do it, I'll respect that. However, I believe if you write "used book"(which technically isn't lying) that may prevent taxing. What pisses me off is not paying taxes, but I've had many instances where I'm charged more than 7% because of some "brokerage" fee or some other non-sense like that. That's why I tend to want to avoid taxes, especially since I am usually over-charged shipping on top of it all.

 

4. Generally speaking, if a Canuck asks for the package to be insured/valued for less than it costs, or is worth... if its lost, what should happen?

 

Try to insure the book for full value, and write down a lesser value on the forms. This is possible depending on your post office. Some workers will write the value for you, based on insurance, others will leave you to fill out the form. If a book is lost, and is not insured at full value, you will only be compensated for the insured amount.

 

 

 

 

 

[THE_BEYONDER]

[quote

a couple of questions:

 

1. Is 40 days still OK for an airmail package? or should I be worried and pay Greggy a FULL refund.

 

2. Is marking an item a "Gift" a red flag at customs?

 

3. Should I insist on full insurance/declaration value and the truth on the customs slip?

 

4. Generally speaking, if a Canuck asks for the package to be insured/valued for less than it costs, or is worth... if its lost, what should happen?

 

1. 40 days is NOT OK for an airmail package.

2. I have not had any problems with packages received as "gifts"

3. If the book is worth insuring, then declare it's FULL value

4. "Canuck" eh?

[musicmeta]

As most of you know, I'm located in Toronto, and this topic makes my blood boil, especially because most of the stuff I buy are $300+ books.

 

Yes, there can be problems shipping across the border. I have no clue why Greggy has to wait so long for his books. I guess it depends on which province you are in. But I've had many transactions, 95% of which were with the U.S, and I've maybe had 1 or 2 instances where there has been a problem with customs. I've never had to wait more than 3 weeks for a package except for 2 instances around Christmas where the books were sent via Surface mail.

 

I just recieved another of many replies today from an ebayer who WILL NOT SHIP TO ME UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, even though I CLEARLY stated my intent to send instant payment, and to incur any and all shipping fees. So as a result, I don't get to bid on a book that's tough to find and that I'm more than willing to pay for.

 

If you are a US seller, insist on only sending books to Canada Expresspost(or the equivalent of express shipping), and if you're buying, do the same. Ask for EXPRESS Shipping, insist on EXPRESS shipping, and there will be no problems, I guarantee. F%$K Airmail, F&%K surface mail, go EXPRESS. I keep emphasizing it becaue it is the answer to this problem. Anyone who is paying $300+ for a book, should have no problems kicking in a few extra bucks to go express.

 

I sent 2 CGC books to Bruce totalling around $1000, and they got to him in 7 days. I also recieved a book from Bruce that got to me in a week. Whenever I buy books from Comgeek or Jason Ewert, I usually get them within 7 days. The last book I got from Ewert was worth about $300, and got to me in 5 days with no taxes!

 

My advice to US sellers is to screen who outside the US you will ship to. In your auctions, write U.S ONLY unless they email you with intent. And when you recieve an email request from someone like me, check their buying feedback, and make sure they are willing to kick in a few extra bucks for insured express-post. If they are anything like me or Greggy, they won't mind.

 

And one more thing: Books may take ages to get to Greggy, but just ask him about it. You won't see him come on here and B I T C H even if he's waited 5 or 6 weeks. Because most serious buyers will be patient with shipping times, myself included. No offense, but some of you in the U.S don't realize how good you have it. For me(and ;m sure Greggy) it isn't waiting for a package that pisses me off, it's not being allowed to bid like I'm some 14 year old trying to buy porn.

 

I know serious buyers like Bruce would feel really shafted if you couldn't bid on something, even though you were willing to pay fast, and accept charges and lags in shipping times.

 

And to Musicmeta: Sorry about the . Just insist on shipping it express, and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

Thank You very much for your post and the shipping advice for mailing it Express.

I guess you mean USPS-Global Express Mail (EMS). I don't know what EMS is.

This is how I plan on mailing the book out with full insurance for the book.

 

 

[bubbles-migration]

[

Dumber than a bag of nails too!

I'm not sure it would be wise for anyone to use a stolen credit card through PayPal because at some point, an address would need to be used to recieve the item. I don't believe it would be possible to send money via PayPal with a stolen credit card anyway because the registrant has to confirm their credit card, and because the payment shows up "uncleared" if its a new member and their trying to make a payment.

 

Paypal cannot confirm addresses for sellers who ship to buyers in Canada. This means Paypal can come to the seller if the buyer's credit card payment did not come through. This is a provision of Paypal's seller protection program. It is irrelevant what you think is "WISE."