Shipping to Canada

[Reefer2727]

I was wondering if anyone had an experience ordering equipment and having it shipped to Canada? Are there certain items that you have to pay duty on?

The selection for some equipment here is not that great and would like some more options.

Could anyone recommend a good spot to order from?

Thanks

 

[nikon187]

what kind of equipment are you looking for? There are some good places here in canada. Most things ordered from the states have additional fees including taxes, duty and conversion rates.

 

[Mike de Leon]

I buy from the US all the time, no problems. You just need to compare prices and exchange rates to make sure you are getting a good deal. Check out J&L Aquatics out of BC. Really good company..

 

[mat167]

+1 on J&L, I've had good experiences with them for both livestock and dry goods. Also near the Ontario area is mops.ca, for dry goods.

 

[Reefer2727]

I am looking to order a controller. I am debating the Aquacontroller Jr and the Reefkeeper Lite. I haven't seen any Reeferkeepers from any of the Canadian places I order from.

Everyone seems to have the Neptune systems but I can't seem to find Reefkeepers. It may make my decision very easy.

 

[Mike31154]

Don't know much about controllers, but there is also one called the GHL Profilux. Aqua Digital in Ottawa are distributors and they have a listing of dealers in Canada & the US.

As far as shipping from the US, it really varies and can be somewhat of a crap shoot. I've had good & bad experiences. Try to avoid vendors that exclusively use UPS or another private shipping company if at all possible. They charge an outrageous 'brokerage' fee which you have no control over. This allows them to pre clear items through customs, but you end up paying a high price for that. USPS is the better choice but you'll need to be patient since it will take more time to clear customs. In most cases you will still pay for duty and GST, but those fees also apply to UPS shipments. Lower cost items may get through without customs & taxes, but something like a controller will definitely incur duty & GST.

With the current US/Can dollar exchange rate, you'll be taking quite a hit there as well. If you can source the equipment in Canada, even with the usually higher price, you'll probably still do better than risking the US shipping scenario.

 

[michika]

If you want the Reef Keeper, in either version, just order directly from their website. It was worth it, and it only cost me like $35 for duty.

As for the other controllers, there are distributors in Canada, I think J&L does some, and other companies do the rest.

Try ordering from Canada first, otherwise you'll definitely be paying out the nose for shipping, and duties. Plus once you factor in the exchange rate, you're taking a huge hit.

 

[Reefer2727]

Thanks Mike,

I agree on it being a gamble having to order from the US. I totally want to buy a Reefkeeper Lite but I can't seem to find it here in Canada.

If I can't pick one up here in Canada I may be forced into picking up a Aquacontroller.

You are right about the Profilux Mike. I have seen it around but it is a much more advanced system than what I need.

 

[Reefer2727]

Thanks Catherine,

I would order it right from their website if I knew what it would cost to get here. So it would be 35 for duty and shipping on top of that? I guess it could be worth it.

I am moving at the end of the month so it would have to arrive before then. Probably a gamble also. Perhaps I will order it to my new address in a couple of weeks.

 

[stripevt]

If you get the shipper to put gift for the item it will go through customs quicker and also most of the time no duties.

 

[ataller]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15319626#post15319626 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stripevt
If you get the shipper to put gift for the item it will go through customs quicker and also most of the time no duties.

Just want to add that bulkreefsupply.com has shipping to Canada that includes brokerage fees. I have ordered from them on many occasions. I love that there is no surprise charge when the package is delivered. Cost is upfront and reasonable. Usually shipping is around $20, but obvoiusly varies depending on what you buy. Tho.... they only ship to Canada on Fridays.

Adam

 

[stripevt]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15320285#post15320285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ataller
Just want to add that bulkreefsupply.com has shipping to Canada that includes brokerage fees. I have ordered from them on many occasions. I love that there is no surprise charge when the package is delivered. Cost is upfront and reasonable. Usually shipping is around $20, but obvoiusly varies depending on what you buy. Tho.... they only ship to Canada on Fridays.

Adam

Thats cool that a company will do that. I only know through shipping few things personally to people there.

 

[Reefer2727]

Thanks ataller,

Just checked out bulkreefsupply. Only cost $19 US to ship Reefkeeper here. That seems very reasonable.

 

[Zebodog]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15320285#post15320285 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ataller
Just want to add that bulkreefsupply.com has shipping to Canada that includes brokerage fees. I have ordered from them on many occasions. I love that there is no surprise charge when the package is delivered. Cost is upfront and reasonable. Usually shipping is around $20, but obvoiusly varies depending on what you buy. Tho.... they only ship to Canada on Fridays.

Adam

Perhaps they didn't get the memo that Canada is now open 24/7!

That is a decent price for shipping especially with brokerage fees. I may have to consider that as an option.

BTW, great looking tank!

 

[dudley moray]

www.mops.ca they are out of hamilton !

 

[Reefer2727]

Mops doesn't have Reefkeepers. Thanks though.