Canada customers get screwed

Carbonator · Mar 10, 2023

Hi @noopsyche

i'd like to make you aware that shipping your products to canada using DHL, UPS, FEDEX etc incurs significant extra cost for your canada customers. For example, i've ordered a k7 mini, which is about 100$ + 11$ shipping. The problem is the import tax. Which isn't bad as we only have to pay federal sales tax, which came out to $6.86, but the real kicker is the brokerage fees. 35$CAD for UPS to pay that $6.86 tax.

I strongly recommend that something be put in place for canadian customers. One solution is to ship using USPS, which forwards to canada post and they only charge $10 brokerage fees. Another solution would be to arrange shipping from inside canada.

I really like your lights. I'm sure others will too, but it really sucks to get a bill of 50% of your purchase value on the day of delivery.

Zach B · Mar 10, 2023

Carbonator said:
Hi @noopsyche

i'd like to make you aware that shipping your products to canada using DHL, UPS, FEDEX etc incurs significant extra cost for your canada customers. For example, i've ordered a k7 mini, which is about 100$ + 11$ shipping. The problem is the import tax. Which isn't bad as we only have to pay federal sales tax, which came out to $6.86, but the real kicker is the brokerage fees. 35$CAD for UPS to pay that $6.86 tax.

I strongly recommend that something be put in place for canadian customers. One solution is to ship using USPS, which forwards to canada post and they only charge $10 brokerage fees. Another solution would be to arrange shipping from inside canada.

I really like your lights. I'm sure others will too, but it really sucks to get a bill of 50% of your purchase value on the day of delivery.

I will look into this today

Zach B · Mar 10, 2023

I'm sure we can find a better solution for Canadian customers

I was unaware of the fees they are charging you

Lowell Lemon · Mar 10, 2023

Zach B said:
I'm sure we can find a better solution for Canadian customers I was unaware of the fees they are charging you

Canadian distribution and warehouse would be the best solution. You might research a partner for Canada that has distribution already.

Zach B · Mar 10, 2023

I think we will be able to use usps from now on if it saves the customer that much

Carbonator · Mar 10, 2023

@Zach B Thanks for looking into this so quickly. Canadians are always getting screwed by customs fees and and overpaying for what is likely an automated process. There's class action suites going back a long time in every province about this but nothing seems to change.

Another option seems to be available where the item is somehow pre-cleared and the import duty + taxes are included in the shipping cost. This is nice because there's no surprises on delivery day.

noopsyche · Mar 11, 2023

Thanks @Zach B

Carbonator said:
Hi @noopsyche

i'd like to make you aware that shipping your products to canada using DHL, UPS, FEDEX etc incurs significant extra cost for your canada customers. For example, i've ordered a k7 mini, which is about 100$ + 11$ shipping. The problem is the import tax. Which isn't bad as we only have to pay federal sales tax, which came out to $6.86, but the real kicker is the brokerage fees. 35$CAD for UPS to pay that $6.86 tax.

I strongly recommend that something be put in place for canadian customers. One solution is to ship using USPS, which forwards to canada post and they only charge $10 brokerage fees. Another solution would be to arrange shipping from inside canada.

I really like your lights. I'm sure others will too, but it really sucks to get a bill of 50% of your purchase value on the day of delivery.

Hi, Canadian shipping rates will be adjusted to try to offset the additional cost for Canadian users

Sleeping Giant · Mar 11, 2023

Facebook giveaway North America Only

amze.me

Qantos · Mar 31, 2023

Zach B said:
I think we will be able to use usps from now on if it saves the customer that much

Hi @Zach B ,
Has this been resolved? If I order the lights today, will I be surprised with additional import fees upon delivery? Thanks!

Sleeping Giant · Mar 31, 2023

Qantos said:
Hi @Zach B ,
Has this been resolved? If I order the lights today, will I be surprised with additional import fees upon delivery? Thanks!

I just got my customs receipt for $28 cdn for 1 light, better than the $40 for each light I got last year.

Zach B · Apr 2, 2023

Sleeping Giant said:
I just got my customs receipt for $28 cdn for 1 light, better than the $40 for each light I got last year.

Was your order delivered by usps? I had a recent order for Canada and thought it would be Much cheaper...

Zach B · Apr 2, 2023

That's crazy you guys have to pay anything extra! We will absolutely get this fixed

Sleeping Giant · Apr 2, 2023

Zach B said:
Was your order delivered by usps? I had a recent order for Canada and thought it would be Much cheaper...

yes it was. it's most likely based on the cost of the item crossing customs into Canada to create the customs invoice. all good. it would be hard to get around that, I would think.

Zach B · Apr 2, 2023

Ok, I understand it better now. I'll make sure this is cheaper from now on

Sleeping Giant · Apr 2, 2023

it's still in transit, but will most likely be out for delivery tomorrow

Zach B · Apr 2, 2023

Sleeping Giant said:
yes it was. it's most likely based on the cost of the item crossing customs into Canada to create the customs invoice. all good. it would be hard to get around that, I would think.

Thank you

MischiefReef · Apr 3, 2023

Carbonator said:
Hi @noopsyche

i'd like to make you aware that shipping your products to canada using DHL, UPS, FEDEX etc incurs significant extra cost for your canada customers. For example, i've ordered a k7 mini, which is about 100$ + 11$ shipping. The problem is the import tax. Which isn't bad as we only have to pay federal sales tax, which came out to $6.86, but the real kicker is the brokerage fees. 35$CAD for UPS to pay that $6.86 tax.

I strongly recommend that something be put in place for canadian customers. One solution is to ship using USPS, which forwards to canada post and they only charge $10 brokerage fees. Another solution would be to arrange shipping from inside canada.

I really like your lights. I'm sure others will too, but it really sucks to get a bill of 50% of your purchase value on the day of delivery.

+1 This!!!!

MischiefReef · Apr 3, 2023

Zach B said:
Ok, I understand it better now. I'll make sure this is cheaper from now on

Another Canadian customer here. Just wanted to chime in and say fantastic response time. Very impressed!

BroccoliFarmer · Apr 3, 2023

Carbonator said:
Hi @noopsyche

i'd like to make you aware that shipping your products to canada using DHL, UPS, FEDEX etc incurs significant extra cost for your canada customers. For example, i've ordered a k7 mini, which is about 100$ + 11$ shipping. The problem is the import tax. Which isn't bad as we only have to pay federal sales tax, which came out to $6.86, but the real kicker is the brokerage fees. 35$CAD for UPS to pay that $6.86 tax.

I strongly recommend that something be put in place for canadian customers. One solution is to ship using USPS, which forwards to canada post and they only charge $10 brokerage fees. Another solution would be to arrange shipping from inside canada.

I really like your lights. I'm sure others will too, but it really sucks to get a bill of 50% of your purchase value on the day of delivery.

Sneak it across the border? Seems to work in the US to get around the rules

Northern Flicker · May 3, 2023

Timely thread for me, I was just about to order from Canada and wondered about import fees. Was hoping Aquarium Depot or JL would carry Noo-psyche.

Those brokerage fees aren't too terrible, will order anyway. Excited to try one out.