Why is eBay in tax collection business for Canada. Global shipping means, not only do they collect t

[johnsoaks]

axes, they also are taking the customs fees. Why is eBay require their sellers to do this; I now go directly to Asian sellers as most offer free shipping. Americans are taking the opportunity to pad their lowered prices with stolen shipping fees. WE don't know what we're paying for; just put your hand in my pockets and take what you want. Five years tops; eBay will be gone. johnsoaks

[kroutpick]

Global Shipping program is offered to US sellers that usually doesn't ship outside US to let them reach more buyers.

They can now have business with international buyers without sending the item outside US. They send to Pitney Bowes (PB) warehouse located somewhere in the USA and after Pitney Bowes US ships it to Pitney Bowes Canada and then, they forward it to you.

Import duties are collected by PB for the customs clearance between PB US and PB Canada (and obviously for some profit).

Some US seller doesnt even know that they ship to a Canadian buyer.   Last week, I was looking to a item with "global shipping program" and I asked the seller if he could send with USPS First class (lower shipping costs) and his answer was "Sorry, I do not ship outside US"  even if his item was described "ships tinternationally with Global Shipping"

[reallynicestamps]

Free shipping means "the cost of shipping is included in the price of the item". TANSTAAFL.

So if your Chinese item costs more than $20CDN, you could be charged Canadian duty and sales taxes, plus a $10 Canada Post service fee on your doorstep, before it will be handed over.

Now, at that low level it is unlikely to be assessed, but it the price is high enough to attract the attention of CBSA officials, it may be.

China and Hong Kong subsidize the cost of postal shipping for exporters, making it aritificially low.

The GPS charges the Canadian duty and tax and turn them over to the Canadian government. They do this in Kentucky, just as LLBean does in Maine. It's a normal outsourcing by the Canadian government.