GSP

[oldbroadangela]

I could not locate the proper site for this issue. I live on the west coast of Canada very near the border and I-5. If I order something that is shipped from most of the US western states, & it is shipped via the GSP, the parcel travels across the US to Kentucky (the GPS's hub), then to Mississauga Ca (very near to Toronto & the airport), before heading west to me. There is a **bleep** lot of miles in that route. If the seller is in Seattle Wa, which is 2.5 hrs drive from my location. If they ship via the GSP, it takes the route mention above instead of 200miles due North. Except in very rare circumstances have I had to pay duty if shipped via USPS. Couriers are another story. They charge "bonding fees" & as a ex trucker, I can tell you that those fees are strictly based on permission for a company to cross the border. Then they turn around and charge the client those fees. In most cases, I don't mine the shipping fees, as long as the seller is not trying to gouge us Canadians. If you don't want to ship to Canada then don't! Don't say free shipping within the lower 48 but the charge 3-4 time the cost of the item for shipping.
Unless the item I want to buy is an incredibly good price, I will not use a seller that is based west of the Rockies or the states just on the foothills of same. IE. Oklahoma, Colorado or Texas. Thanks for listening to me. Cheers oldbroad Angela

[7366carl]

The issue from what I understand is the GSP is very easy for USA sellers to use. They don't have to worry about international tracking, import documents, shipping damage, etc. So for them it's either USA sales only or GSP with its high costs. If I really wanted something I might contact the seller and ask if they would ship the item to Canada themselves if the cost was really high. Never hurts to ask.

Carl

[femmefan1946]

shipped from most of the US western states, & it is shipped via the GSP, the parcel travels across the US to Kentucky (the GPS's hub), then to Mississauga Ca

It's called "hub and spoke" delivery.

If you ever picked up a load in Vancouver and took it to, say, Winnipeg, where it was unloaded and split to go to Chicago, Yellowknife, Montreal, and Europe, you have travelled a spoke to a hub.

And there were not three trucks one going to Chicago, one toYellowknife, one to Montreal, and a plane going from Vancouver to Europe.

USPS does the same thing. And Canada Post. And FedEx's hub was featured in the first scenes of "Castaway".

Except in very rare circumstances have I had to pay duty if shipped via USPS.

The Canadian duty-free allowance is $20 (~$15USD).

CBSA ignores most items valued under $100 because they realize it costs the taxpayer more to assess and collect duty (and sales taxes) than could possibly be collected. 

Couriers are legally required to collect every penny. Thus" Couriers are another story. They charge "bonding fees""

I can tell you that those fees are strictly based on permission for a company to cross the border.

No.

Those cover duty, sales taxes, and the trucker's processing costs including Nexus fees and wages.

There may not be any duty on a US or Mexican manufactured item  (NAFTA), but there would be sales taxes.  The commercial importer can deduct those taxes as a business expense, btw.

On single imports, the kind eBay buyers make, the courier may charge $25 or more to cover those fees and his expenses.

Canada Post charges $9.95.

GSP/Pitney Bowes charges ~$5US. - on every item they carry valued over $20Cdn.

but the charge 3-4 time the cost of the item for shipping.

I think most sellers do not understand how GSP works and use International Priority shipping to the plant in Kansas.

https://postcalc.usps.com/?country=10440

That's one part of the high cost.

The other is the duty and sales taxes and the $5 service fee.

The purchase, along with thousands of others, is imported on a manifest. The import fees are paid by GSP/PB from the KY plant.

That being said.

It is not worthwhile for a Canadian to buy almost anything from the US or UK that is under $100Cdn and shipped by GSP.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

@oldbroadangela 

A little addon to what @femmefan1946 said that if the both the seller & buyer are on the west coast and the buyer requires in specific timeframe it is also not worthwhile to purchase using GSP.

Now if eBay would either add a simple something to search so GSP sellers could be eliminated or a quick and painless way sellers could either opt out on a by listing basis when a mutual agreement can be made to not use and ship the old fashioned, manual way this would solve most of buyers frustration with this program. Probably best not to get one's hopes up.

-Lotz

[dannyw1975]

The GSP is nothing but a rip off, as well as putting your items at risk of being damaged. These people are scumbags. Pitney Bowes opens and **bleep**s around with packages. They are not customs, and it is illegal for them to do so. They will attempt to reduce weight of the package, and then pocket more money. Their "customs and duties" charges are inflated beyond belief. I had to pay 170 dollars for shipping and " import fees" on an amplifier. I bought a brand new, very high end amplifier, which was sent using this program. This package weighed 62 pounds. The amp itself is 53 pounds. These **bleep**s at Pitney Bowes hacked into the box with a stanley knife in 4 different places. They completely ruined the packaging, and they cut right through the user manual, destroying it. When I received the package, the box had a 6 inch hole in the side, and the styrofoam holding the amp in place was sticking out the side of the box.  When I opened the box, all of the packaging inside holding the amp and its accessories in place had been hacked and busted up. Thankfully, the amp itself, as well as the remote, ended up not damaged. I still get **bleep** off today when I think about this garbage. Don't ever buy anything from any seller who uses this scam of a program. This program is involved in illegal bull**bleep**, and no one should buy from any sellers who use it.

Edit: I guarantee that you will see people come in here and respond to my post in defense of this program. These are the same 5 or 6 people who always do this. I would name them by name, but what is the use. Many on here already know who they are. You will then see 2 or 3 "helpful" thumbs up added on their response by the others involved in defending this program.

[femmefan1946]

Pitney Bowes opens and **bleep**s around with packages

Rarely.

The usual reason is that the Seller did not adequately describe what is in the package and the GSP/PB clerk opens it to see what is inside to assess the correct import fees.

They are sloppy about re-packing.

They are not customs, and it is illegal

They are 'sub-contracting' for CBSA.

Like UPS/FedEx etc, they are customs brokers.

Making sure the import is what it says it is and is correctly assessed and charges is part of the job.

Legal and in fact required.

I had to pay 170 dollars for shipping " import fees" on ...brand new, very high end amplifier.

The import fees are your Canadian SALES TAX, Canadian duty on the amplifier if it was not made in the USA (or another free trade partner like Germany or Vietnam), the cost of shipping from Kentucky to Canada, and a ~$5US service fee. 

The cost of shipping from the seller to KY is sometimes shown as a separate line item and sometimes folded into the over all shipping and import fees.

This package weighed 62 pounds.

https://postcalc.usps.com/?country=10054&ccode=CA&oz=90210&omil=False&dz=v8r%205g8&dmil=False&mdt=2%...

You can use this to calculate the cost of shipping by USPS. I don't have the cost of UPS/USA shipping bookmarked.

My numbers for a 62lb package was $188.10 for shipping alone , before Sales Taxes (5%=15% depending on province) and possible duty. Canada Post charges a $9.95 service fee, slightly higher than the PB/GSP fee.

UPS "customs brokerage"/ service fees start at $25Cdn.

Thankfully, the amp itself, as well as the remote, ended up not damaged.

So while the box (and the manual) were damaged, the opening and repacking were careful enough that the amp and remote were unharmed.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

@oldbroadangela 

I've never had anything damaged via the the GSP program mainly because it would be last method I would ever use. Sadly, at times customers are forced to use GSP for purchases when it is their only recourse for an item only be shipped with that method. Knowing now that this program may need  to inspect packages and on occasion possibly repackage, maybe not to the best of standards or original conditions, curious to know if there is an actual published procedure for items that arrive at the customer damaged? Other than not as described? Who is accountable when damage happens? Which carriers were involved from beginning to end with a GSP package? What is their liability for claims? How does one go about actually pinpointing where the damage occured? Also, if a package does get detained with GSP for whatever reason, shouldn't the seller and intended receiver be notified why?

With regards to the Canadapost policy here is a snippet regarding fragile items to store for future reference. 

****21.4 Exclusions and Restrictions on Certain Items:
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary and regardless of whether other items
were included in the shipment:

C) Canada Post shall have no liability for damage of shipments containing
Fragile Items.
D) Canada Post shall have no liability for damage of shipments containing
Electronic Goods that are shipped in any packaging other than:
the manufacturer#s original packaging, which is undamaged and has retained its
intended shape and strength;
packaging that abides by Canada Post#s packaging guidelines; or
Canada Post#s packaging for the shipment of electronics, including, but not
limited to tablets and smartphones.
8.3.1 Definitions
1.11 #Fragile Items# means items of an inherently fragile nature such as,
***but not limited to***, glass, framed glass, mirrors, crystal, ceramics,
pottery, porcelain, china, perishable items or items requiring refrigeration or
temperature-controlled transport.
Canada Post's liability coverage applies to loss or damage to mailed items,
except when the contents are of a fragile or perishable nature, in which case
the liability covers loss only.

However, we do reimburse you for the postage.***

-Lotz

https://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/Amalgamated/parcel_services_guide-e.pdf
(pages 63 and 67)

[ichopshop]

If you're that close to the border your best option is to obtain a US based shipping address and import the item yourself.  Current threshold around here that gets CBSA's attention is around $200USD.  Plus domestic US shipping is a lot cheaper than any international or GSP option.

Ian

[teenytrinkets]

I second Ian's suggestion to use a cross border pick up place. I've used the GSP many years ago when it was first introduced and it's horrid for us in the West (like everything else), not to mention a rip off.

I've been picking up every week or two in WA for a few years now. Paid duty/taxes once when my total declared was more than $200 - so Ian's info is bang on. PM me if you'd like some recommendations...

[retroman_studios]

While I'm sure from an official standpoint there may be limitations, the general consensus has been that if an item arrives damaged, GSP (PBI) covers that.

Generally speaking, if the seller is able to deliver to the plant in Erlanger, KY, the seller is off the hook.

I recall in the old days packages were opened, but those were the early days and they may have thought that by "shrinking" package size they would save money, but I'm sure the amount of claims soon put an end to that.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

@retroman_studios 

After doing a bit more research located the GSP link in dot com. Items damaged are covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee.

eBay Money Back Guarantee means you're protected if the item you ordered didn't arrive, is faulty or damaged, or doesn't match the listing. You'll get your money back. For all the details of how the eBay Money Back Guarantee works, please see our full policy guidelines below.

The interesting part about that page is the item that are Restricted categories that are not supposed to be sold using the program. The official list includes, DVD's, Cell Phones, Fragrances, Jewelry, Stamps, Sporting Goods(other) and sadly no Tractors. 🙂  and a number of other categories. Curious to know if that list is rigidly enforced or if sellers get an error message if they try to list in one of those categories?

https://www.ebay.com/help/global-shipping-program/default/global-shipping-program?id=4646

-Lotz

[femmefan1946]

Fragrances have PO restrictions for flammability.

Stamps might be something about theft-- although coins would be a bigger problem you'd think.

As for the lucrative tractor category, what on earth might they be thinking banning that?

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

Yet, fragrance promotions show up in my email more than seller listing offers. As for my tractors I guess I will have  sell  on Kijiji and just use Purolator or UPS....In lots of boxes. Assembly required.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InWGKXuQon0

-Lotz

[oldbroadangela · Accepted solution]

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@ichopshop wrote:

If you're that close to the border your best option is to obtain a US based shipping address and import the item yourself.  Current threshold around here that gets CBSA's attention is around $200USD.  Plus domestic US shipping is a lot cheaper than any international or GSP option.

Ian

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Ian although I am very close to the border, I  don't have a passport & since  9-11, I have basically boycotted crossing the border.  The policies are such that you can be delayed and even detained if you complexion is such that USBS think you may be a terrorist.  In my case I  could fly thru without stopping for complexion alone as I am of Scandinavian ancestry & am blonde/blue all natural so in that sense I am love by all rednecks  until they fin out my political beliefs. I also have started to us US buyers less. So now I could care less as @ 73 yrs young I'm more concerned about my upcoming surgery to replace a heart valve for the second time in 12 yrs. Thanks for all the responses  to all. Don't agree with all because of 8 years delivering parcels for Canada post & 3 years hauling a reefer up & down I-5 from Vancouver BC- LA and back. As fast as I am concerned this topic is  closed. 

[sandavida]

just a reply having been on Ebay for lot of years after my last 3 purchases I will not buy from any seller who uses GSP

Item 1 went from Reno NV to REDONDO BEACH, CA to DHL in Compton to LA to Vancouver from Vancouver to ?: shipped Feb 28th shippers so far USPS,DHL USPS again

Item 2 shipped from Studio City CA February 10th  to  Kentucky to Chicago to Toronto to Windsor

arrived 25th 

Item 3 still in transit .

Item 4 from China free shipping arrived in 8 days

This service is not for Canadians unless you want to wait and spend a lot of time with confusing tracking numbers 

[femmefan1946]

You are not alone in believing the GSP has no benefit for Canadians.

Of course, it was not designed to be useful to buyers. It's a Seller Protection program for paranoid US sellers who believe that outside the lower 48 everything is dragons, scammers, hellfire, and disease.

Your first item, shipped Feb 28,  does not seem to have used the GSP at all, because it did not go to Erlanger KY and the GSP plant there.

Contact the seller and ask if she shipped it via GSP.

If it is past the delivery deadline eBay gave you, go to the Resolution Centre at the bottom of this page and open an Item Not Received Dispute.

Ask specifically for a GSP specialist, because you want to get your import fees back from the program.
The seller never touched those, doesn't know how much they were, and probably would not refund them.

But at this point it seems to have been only 12 days in transit, including weekends.

On Item 2, the shipment did go to Erlanger and from there the GSP carried it to Canada. I think you are saying that it has arrived safely taking six days?
The GSP (like USPS, FedEx, UPS and Canada Post) uses a spoke and hub delivery system where all shipments from a location go to the central spot where they are sorted to move along other spokes to their final destination. It's a counter-intuitive system, but actually more efficient than having dozens of shipments going in dozens of directions at once. 

When was Item 3 paid and when is it due?

Item 4 took eight days, so your seller was using Air Mail. That's a bonus, a lot of Chinese sellers still use Surface mailing because it is so cheap, but that can take two or three months. Always check and if you are give a choice of Free Shipping, it will be Surface. Pay the extra for Air Mail (usually DHL).

unless you want to ...spend a lot of time with confusing tracking numbers

Seriously.

It's like making sausage. Or reading the comments online. Don't look at the system.

Mark that last estimated date for arrival on your calendar and resist watching the tracking.

If the item arrives, YAY!

If the item is late, Dispute.

[marnotom!]

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@sandavida wrote:

just a reply having been on Ebay for lot of years after my last 3 purchases I will not buy from any seller who uses GSP

Item 1 went from Reno NV to REDONDO BEACH, CA to DHL in Compton to LA to Vancouver from Vancouver to ?: shipped Feb 28th shippers so far USPS,DHL USPS again

Item 2 shipped from Studio City CA February 10th  to  Kentucky to Chicago to Toronto to Windsor, arrived 25th 

Item 3 still in transit .

Item 4 from China free shipping arrived in 8 days

This service is not for Canadians unless you want to wait and spend a lot of time with confusing tracking numbers 

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My wife once purchased an item from Southeast Asia (Indonesia, I believe) that went to Alaska first, before going down to Seattle, up to Vancouver and over to Victoria before being trucked over to its final destination further up Vancouver Island.

I'm less concerned about the journeys my items take than whether they reach me in the condition stated by the seller and within the timeframe specified by eBay.

The GSP is just a glorified forwarding service.  And nobody says you have to spend time with tracking numbers.

[retroman_studios]

I was totally speed reading and read your reply as:  "I'm less concerned about the journeys my items fake".

Oh man, gotta stop skimming, really doesn't agree with me.

[marnotom!]

In fairness, I could have worded that more succinctly.