Besides the asking price and shipping?
If the item is valued over $20, you are responsible for duty and sales tax (PST/HST/GST). In addition the shipper will charge a fee for brokering the item through the customs system.
If the item is sent by ChinaPost/Canada Post, the service fee is $8.50.
Most items are not dutiable, but don't count on it. You can look up your item on the Canada Border Services Agency website.
The sales tax is inevitable.
If the seller sends by courier, the brokerage will be $25 or more. Make sure you know the shipping service BEFORE bidding. Even if you are fluent in Mandarin.
While Canada Post has a reputation for letting parcels slide through, be prepared to pay the service fee and sales tax .
If there is a courier involved, you will definitely pay the fee and tax. And maybe duty if assessed. And they won't release the package until you pay up.
