What do you want to have happen with the items you receive in the USA? (forward, held for pick-up, long term storage, order fulfilment).
If you have a USPS box they will card packages and hold them for 2 weeks. A private box (UPS Store etc.) will probably have the same basic policy but of course you can make alternate arrangements perhaps for an extra fee.
If you have a USPS box they will card packages and hold them for 2 weeks. A private box (UPS Store etc.) will probably have the same basic policy but of course you can make alternate arrangements perhaps for an extra fee.
Why are you fiddling with eBay as far as a second address? That's something you can deal directly with the seller or add it in PayPal if you are paying that way. (maybe I'm missing something?). When I've had purchases shipped to an alternate US address I just add it when making my payment (by PayPal mostly).
As for bringing commercial shipments back in your "trunk" should not be a problem. It's been YEARS since I've done it (at Fort Erie), in "olden times" (pre-computerization) it took several hours after you submitted the paperwork to get a release but I expect that it runs MUCH faster now if the speed at which one-off shipments are now cleared at Pearson is any indicator. Unlike going into the USA doing the paperwork yourself is pretty easy even if it's a very high value shipment. Customs should help you the first time through and after that it's really just a matter of copying the forms and changing the values. Once you know how to create a "Customs Invoice" and complete a B3 form you can do the paperwork in 5 - 10 minutes and probably wait perhaps 30 minutes for your release.
Back in the day it was cash or certified cheque only but you should be able to pay with a credit card now.
All the info you need can be found here:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/acc-resp-eng.html
If it sounds complicated...it isn't!
As for bringing commercial shipments back in your "trunk" should not be a problem. It's been YEARS since I've done it (at Fort Erie), in "olden times" (pre-computerization) it took several hours after you submitted the paperwork to get a release but I expect that it runs MUCH faster now if the speed at which one-off shipments are now cleared at Pearson is any indicator. Unlike going into the USA doing the paperwork yourself is pretty easy even if it's a very high value shipment. Customs should help you the first time through and after that it's really just a matter of copying the forms and changing the values. Once you know how to create a "Customs Invoice" and complete a B3 form you can do the paperwork in 5 - 10 minutes and probably wait perhaps 30 minutes for your release.
Back in the day it was cash or certified cheque only but you should be able to pay with a credit card now.
All the info you need can be found here:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/acc-resp-eng.html
If it sounds complicated...it isn't!
Check the two guides on this page
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/help-aide/topic-sujet/11-eng.html
I urge you to study them, they are excellent step by step guides.
the Inspector is not supposed to help you fill out the papers.
While this is true Customs have always had a consistent policy whereby they will assist first time importers and of course they are there to answer ANY specific question you have. The more knowledgeable and prepared you are the better the experience will be. One thing for sure you don't want to ever find yourself telling THEM the rules, they don't take kindly to uppity clients or liars.
Remember, 99% of the deal is all about coding the forms correctly, make one single error and your paperwork will get spit back in your face perhaps accompanied by a stern lecture or a heavy sigh and rolling of the eyes.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/help-aide/topic-sujet/11-eng.html
I urge you to study them, they are excellent step by step guides.
the Inspector is not supposed to help you fill out the papers.
While this is true Customs have always had a consistent policy whereby they will assist first time importers and of course they are there to answer ANY specific question you have. The more knowledgeable and prepared you are the better the experience will be. One thing for sure you don't want to ever find yourself telling THEM the rules, they don't take kindly to uppity clients or liars.
Remember, 99% of the deal is all about coding the forms correctly, make one single error and your paperwork will get spit back in your face perhaps accompanied by a stern lecture or a heavy sigh and rolling of the eyes.
So ... how to get the refund of PST overpayment?
There's a line for adjustments on the remittance form, I think there is something on the back where you provide the details (it's been 8 years since I've seen the form).
I suspect you gave up the personal exemption when you declared commercial goods.
What was stopping me from just drive away
They have a photo of your vehicle and plates, if it was Fort Erie there was often an RCMP hidden around the back somewhere and that highway makes you easy pickings as there is often an OPP hanging around.
Doesn't sound like things have changed too much, I used to make the weekly run in the late 70's.
There's a line for adjustments on the remittance form, I think there is something on the back where you provide the details (it's been 8 years since I've seen the form).
I suspect you gave up the personal exemption when you declared commercial goods.
What was stopping me from just drive away
They have a photo of your vehicle and plates, if it was Fort Erie there was often an RCMP hidden around the back somewhere and that highway makes you easy pickings as there is often an OPP hanging around.
Doesn't sound like things have changed too much, I used to make the weekly run in the late 70's.
