Re: Canadian eBay experiences (long) (archive)

The complete automotive resource for buyers, sellers, and owners like you.

eBay now has a Canadian site/search feature that should help. This allows you to find Canadian sellers and/or sellers willing to ship to Canada. I would not really want to be the first guy to deal with a US seller trying to figure out international shipping; did this a couple of times and it can be a bit of a hassle.

My experience has been mixed; depends on the shipper and their knowledge of US/Canadian/International customs requirements. You may want to email the seller prior to bidding to make sure they will ship to Canada, if their listing does not say specifically that they will.

Basic experience is that eBay purchase is worth it for specialty items that are hard to find and easy to ship. Bit of a hassle, so probably wouldn't bother for more common items. Works great for printed material though, like manuals, parts CD, fiche, brochures, etc.

1. Customs declaration (prepared by the shipper) should indicate country of origin of parts. ie shipping German country of origin parts from the US will incur duty at a higher rate than US county of origin parts. eg tires at one rate and German wheels at a higher rate :-)

2. Customs declaration goes on the outside of the package. I think this is a standard international protocol, and the US shipper can pick this up at the US Postal Service or UPS, etc.

3. The package MUST include a commercial invoice on the inside of the package or in an envelope on the outside. This states the selling price of the stuff, complete description of stuff, and its value. Shipper has to make this bit of paper up.

4. For smaller items, sdhipping by US Postal Service (USPS) works really well. Pick up the item at the Canada Post outlet near you and pay a very reasonable $CDN 5 handling charge plus GST/PST (if applicable). USPS web site allows estimate of shipping charges, package dimensions, etc.

5. Shipping with Fedex, UPS, Purolator, etc. can incur fairly high customs brokerage fees in addition to the normal shipping charges. You can estimate the shipping charges pretty accurately from the companys' web sites, but these estimates MAY not include brokerage and duty charges, etc. GST, PST will NOT be included, but will be collected when you pick up the package. I think Fedex and UPS on their overnight delivery service include the customs brokerage; the other shipping options may or may not include brokerage, but are substantially cheaper. I have only used the five day option.

4. Best method of payment to a US seller is an International Postal Money Order in dollars US. This is easy for the US seller to redeem without service charges or delay, and has a very reasonable service charge. Canada Post can quote you costs for the money order. Other option is a US denomination Money Order from your bank; may have no service charge depending on your bank, but is best if it has a US bank on the face of the money order.

Maybe some of the US listers have a better idea of how much hassle it is to ship internationally. My experience only, YMMV.

Not sure if your second question refers to purchase of a car on eBay, and associated hassles with entry to Canada? Some excellent background on this topic on the E9 board at link below (if it works). Was posted July 11, 12 and 13 by Ian, Mitch, etc.

Has anyone purchased parts from e-bay?
1. Is it a complicated process that in the end does not save much $$$ &
2. Has any canadian bmw owner purchased from e-bay & if so what was the experience?
Thanks
nick

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.