eBay

js92rr2114john · ‎01-24-2014

Is there any point in buying items from ebay in Canada? Most items seem rediculously high (e.g. xbox one etc.) and that doesn't even include shipping and in most cases import duties? From a buyers point of view there doesn't seem any more than 1% of the items are a deal.

your_update_is_here · ‎01-25-2014

What kind of items are you looking for? I note you reference electronics only. There are many more categories on eBay. It seems rather arbitrary to state that only 1% of all the items sold on eBay are a "good deal."

I think Canadian residents find they can get a good price on a variety of items on eBay, avoid sales tax and customs duties and long waits for delivery while supporting the efforts of Canadian sellers.

reallynicestamps · ‎01-29-2014

You won't pay any duty on items purchased in Canada (not even from Quebec).

You may pay sales taxes, expectially if your province and the province you are buying from both are HST-compatible. Even then this would only apply if the seller is registered to collect and remit sales taxes.

If you buy items valued over $20 you will be liable for both duty and sales tax. If the seller uses USPS to deliver, the item may slide by.

If the seller uses the new Global Shipping Program or if the item is valued over $100 or is bulky, you will likely pay the duty and sales tax, even if it is postally shipped.

pierrelebel · ‎01-29-2014

"You won't pay any duty on items purchased in Canada"

Actually, if the item was dutiable (coming from China for example), you are paying duty: it is included in the price!

Just like the good old days (pre 1991), before the GST, when the FST (Manufacturer's or federal Sales Tax) was included in the price.

art-in-the-making · ‎01-29-2014

Actually, if the item was dutiable (coming from China for example), you are paying duty: it is included in the price!

Quite true. But at least if you order from Canada you don't pay any bogus "clearing fees" (whether item dutiable or not) in the order of about $40 or so, tacked on by unscrupulous courier companies and to a lesser extent (lower cost and not on every order) the Post office.