I am currently buying a phone off of ebay, how do I know if I will be charged an import fee?

[paulyhb57k29]

I am currently buying a Sony Xperia Z3 off of ebay, for C $606.27 although the seller is from the U.S? Its going to be shipped FedEX International, will I be charged an import fee? When I look at the Shipping and Pauments tab it doesn't say anything about an import fee? 

[reallynicestamps]

When I look at the Shipping and Pauments tab it doesn't say anything about an import fee? 

That's because the seller (exporter) is not responsible for any duty, sales tax or customs brokerage fees. EBay at one time had this bit of boilerplate that sellers could add to their listings explaining this.

Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.

Unless the phone was made in a country which has a Free Trade Agreement with Canada, applicable duty will be charged.

Look here to find out what that will be.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/postal-postale/menu-eng.html

Duty or no, you will be charged sales taxes. Depending on your province that will add between 5% and 17% to the cost of your purchase.

In addition the courier will charge a customs brokerage fee for wrangling the phone across the border. You can tell FedEx not to do this, and do it yourself, but it will take some time. The minimum wage in ON is 18 cents a minute. How many minutes are you willing to 'spend' on this.

FedEx is particularly annoying about this. Most couriers, including Canada Post, will charge duty, tax and service fee on your doorstep, before they will hand over the item.

FedEx has its own system.

They bill you later. Mwah Ha Ha Ha Ha.

This is one case where asking the seller to use the Global Shipping Program is likely to save you time, money and stress.

[momcqueen]

Couriers ALWAYS collect import fees when they handle international deliveries. There is no way you'll escape unscathed.

Either it will be collected at the door before handing it over or you'll have to pay when you pick it up from their depot. I'm not sure it will be billed to you later unless you have an account with them. UPS doesn't do it that way but the previous poster is very knowledgeable on most things so I'd go with that too. If you don't pay, they will send Collections after you, I guess.

Further to that, their handling fee is a lot higher than that of the post office and is pro-rated on the value of the goods. If I had to make a wild guess here, I'm thinking you're looking at another $150 to $300 CAD to fedex for import fees and brokerage handling. This is based on my own personal experience. 

[reallynicestamps]

Maureen==

FedEx's little surprise affected me recently when I bought a Map of the 'Verse and the seller only ships by FX. Total cost was about $60USD.

I was pleased by the reasonable cost and speed of delivery, but a couple of weeks later I got a bill from FX for another $14 USD made up of $4.00 in Canadian sales taxes and $10 for their service fee.

I was hoping not to get this, but was aware I might. No bad on the seller.

And the Map is excellent!

I don't believe there's a power in the 'Verse can stop Kaylee from being cheerful. Sometimes you just want to duct tape her mouth and dump her in the hold for a month. -- Captain Malcolm Reynolds