Beating UPS
03-14-2007 | 01:25 PM
#16
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Originally Posted by DeAd-EyE
also do i need my passport to cross these days?
03-24-2007 | 11:02 PM
#19
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 4
From: Ontario or SC
This is to let everyone know what a success this has been for me. It goes to show that we can get parts overnight if we really need to using CanAM Mailbox Rentals.
On Wednesday February 28th just after 9 AM I placed an on-line order with Pelican Parts for BMW parts (water pump, thermostat, assorted hoses, motor mount, air and oil filters)to fix my 540i with directions to ship overnight to my alternate shipping address at CanAM Mailbox Rentals.
As a result of using the FedEX tracking tool supplied in the Pelican Parts message I was able to request online tracking and notification of Delivery. On Thursday March 1st at 10:54 AM I was notified that the package was delivered and signed for by B.Seager. This is less than 24 hours since the parts were picked.
Crossed the Rainbow Bridge just after 1 PM, picked up the parts and returned to Canada and paid GST and PST at Canada Customs by 2 PM. Drove like a nut back to Toronto in snow storm and dropped off parts to the mechanic. Mechanic called my cell at 6:30 PM to say the parts were installed in car but cooling system needs to be bled and pressure tested tomorrow morning ... there is a big snow storm outside you know.
... anyway it worked out great for me, even if I add the the charges for overnight shipping and gas to and from Niagra Falls, paying toll, CanAM Mailbox fee of $5 and GST/PST I still paid less than if I had purchased the parts in Canada... simply amazing!!! I would have saved the overnight charges if I didn't need the parts in a hurry as the parts were eligiable for Pelican Parts FREE 4 Day shipping.
On Wednesday February 28th just after 9 AM I placed an on-line order with Pelican Parts for BMW parts (water pump, thermostat, assorted hoses, motor mount, air and oil filters)to fix my 540i with directions to ship overnight to my alternate shipping address at CanAM Mailbox Rentals.
As a result of using the FedEX tracking tool supplied in the Pelican Parts message I was able to request online tracking and notification of Delivery. On Thursday March 1st at 10:54 AM I was notified that the package was delivered and signed for by B.Seager. This is less than 24 hours since the parts were picked.
Crossed the Rainbow Bridge just after 1 PM, picked up the parts and returned to Canada and paid GST and PST at Canada Customs by 2 PM. Drove like a nut back to Toronto in snow storm and dropped off parts to the mechanic. Mechanic called my cell at 6:30 PM to say the parts were installed in car but cooling system needs to be bled and pressure tested tomorrow morning ... there is a big snow storm outside you know.
... anyway it worked out great for me, even if I add the the charges for overnight shipping and gas to and from Niagra Falls, paying toll, CanAM Mailbox fee of $5 and GST/PST I still paid less than if I had purchased the parts in Canada... simply amazing!!! I would have saved the overnight charges if I didn't need the parts in a hurry as the parts were eligiable for Pelican Parts FREE 4 Day shipping.
Last edited by Mark Lue; 03-25-2007 at 12:19 AM.
03-25-2007 | 12:28 AM
#20
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 27,234
Likes: 1,179
From: Cambridge Ontario Canada
I have done this tonnes of times and never had a hassle, that's why I thought I would spread the news . Bob Seager is really a nice guy ( the OTHER Bob Seager) . I always take my passport and only about 10-20% of the time have i even been asked to go inside and pay the tax. I don't begrudge Bob the 6.00 for helping us out either. Look how much we are saving not dealing with UPS.
The only hting to be carefull of is choosing your time to cross the border.
Mark I see you found it okay.
I always order from a place that supplies tracking numbers and track it on line via UPS or fedex. Definitely call your bank and set this up as an alternate shipping address, saves huge hassle.
Now that there are a few of us doing it I suggest we post if planning to order something, maybe we can even pick up each others packages.
The only hting to be carefull of is choosing your time to cross the border.
Mark I see you found it okay.
I always order from a place that supplies tracking numbers and track it on line via UPS or fedex. Definitely call your bank and set this up as an alternate shipping address, saves huge hassle.
Now that there are a few of us doing it I suggest we post if planning to order something, maybe we can even pick up each others packages.
03-28-2007 | 06:59 PM
#21
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 982
Likes: 0
From: Montréal, Canada
Originally Posted by Jaak Lepson
IIRC used auto parts are duty free ... had used 951 steering rack shipped via USPS from Seatle to TO ... NO TAX OR DUTY!!! Had it shipped to friends Indi P-Car shop ...... 
07-24-2010 | 09:50 AM
#23
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 712
From: Canada & the Alps
All tips I have been employing since I started using The UPS Store or friends on the US side well over ten years ago.
The savings are enormous! So much so that the tax savings on the cost differences more than pays my mileage and gas a few times over. I was even saving when the exchange rate was a whopping 58% on select orders.
The savings are enormous! So much so that the tax savings on the cost differences more than pays my mileage and gas a few times over. I was even saving when the exchange rate was a whopping 58% on select orders.
07-24-2010 | 11:01 PM
#27
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 712
From: Canada & the Alps
07-28-2010 | 12:29 PM
#28
Race Car
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,526
Likes: 17
From: Ottawa
07-28-2010 | 04:44 PM
#30
Race Car
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,526
Likes: 17
From: Ottawa
