Re: [Leica] Who modifies gear (in the USA)?

["Ken Lee" <ken.lee@hbc.com>]

Noel,

It's still better than UPS. They charge a $30 brokerage fee.

Ken Lee
Oakville, Ont
- ----------
> From: Noel H. Charchuk <nhcharch@calcna.ab.ca>
> To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> Subject: Re: [Leica] Who modifies gear (in the USA)?
> Date: Saturday, May 16, 1998 10:37 AM
> 
> 
> Steve, Jeff and others on the list. I live in Canada, and Canada Post is
> just as stupid about items moving back and forth across the border. The
> $35 duty referred to is likely the GST, Goods and Sales Tax on the
> declared value of the item. I have ordered a number of items from the
> States, usually used equipment, which is not dutiable, and they charge
GST
> on it, plus a 5-7$ "processing fee", so when someone sends a $10 item, it
> gets 0.70$ GST tacked on, and a $5 fee. Big Ripoff, indeed. I recently
had
> to pay this for a light meter I sent to the States and the buyer decided
> to return it, as it wasn't what he wanted. I ended up paying postage
down,
> and the processing fee to get back my property. On a $20 non-sale, I am
> out $10 for postage and "fees".
> I think there is a way around the duty, but you would have to get some
> expert customs advice, but any item being sent for work to be performed,
> and then returned should not be subject to any fees, duties or taxes.
What
> is really annoying is we are supposed to be in some sort of free trade
> agreement in North America.
> Now I'll get off my soapbox. 
> 
> Noel Charchuk
> Calgary, Alberta
>