mike maghakian wrote:
I bought a radio for $215 from someone in canada a few weeks ago and today I
got a bill from the carrier (purolator) company.

the main items we

estimated customs $15
brokerage fee $18
surety bond fee $30
disbursement of funds $5
FCC filing $15

total was $85 on a $215 radio


for those that have experience with this matter, or actually KNOW what they
are talking about, I have some questions.

Am I being taken for a ride ?
I didn't sign anything so why should I pay over $50 in fees to these crumbs
?
Is there a way to fight this ?

thanks



Not sure about your situation, but I know we get hit for the same sort
of stuff when it comes the other way via courier. I got hit once and
since then make a point of checking the shipping method. Post Office
seems OK with a $5 (at least that's what it was last time) flat fee.

Couriers add a variety of charges just for crossing the border. They
don't seem to advertise it, but if you ask they are quite willing to
list the charges which seem to be based on a percentage of the value of
the shipment in my experience.

I have an HP computer which HP US is quite prepared to service, but
absolutely will not have anything to do with shipping it across the
border southbound; so I assume it is common practice.

Dave