how does the Free Shipping work when ordering from China. I live in Canada. is there hidden charges

[flappy01]

I want to buy some fishing products that are for sale on e-bay from China. They claim there is Free Shipping. Is there really free shipping or is there hidden charges when it arrives at your door.  

[kroutpick]

Free shipping means that the shipping of the item will be free, it doesn't mean "free import charges and no customs duties"

You won't pay shipping charges, but when it arrives in Canada, it may be inspected by CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) and items that are valued more than 20$ are subject to import duties (tax : GST/HST + PST + canada post fees of 9,95$). These are not hidden fees from the seller, it's customs fees from Canadian government agency.

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

Also, note that free shipping from asia are by regular mail : no tracking and it may takes over one month to reach your home.

[femmefan1946]

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

Which is cheaper?

A $5 item with $10 shipping.

A $10 item with $5 shipping

A $15 item with Free Shipping.

In addition, China Post heavily subsidizes outgoing postal costs.

If you order from Asia, mark Day 30 after purchase on your calendar. If the item has not arrived, contact the seller and ask for the date of shipping, service used and Delivery Confirmation number.

There won't be a DC#, but don't worry about that.

If the seller offers a replacement, ask for an immediate refund. This is a newish scam designed to take you past the deadline for Paypal claims.

If the response is satisfactory, mark Day 40 on your calendar. If the item has not arrived by then, open an Item Not Recieved claim with Paypal.