New to Purchasing Used Gear from Canada

[oldschool]

I'm considering purchasing a used piece of equipment from an indivdual in Canada. Are there any customs or tax issues that I need to be aware of before closing this transaction? I don't want to get hit with a bunch of hidden charges at time of delivery....

Thanks!

[bolly]

not too sure if it works like that oldschool, it certainly does though comin from the U S of A! :(

[rulerboyz]

Importing to the US

Mailing Gifts and Purchases from Abroad

Gifts mailed from abroad to people in the United States can be received by them free of duty if the value of the gift does not exceed $100. Gifts for more than one person can be consolidated into one package. To be eligible for this waiver, each recipient's name must be clearly marked on the package. Non-gift purchases mailed to the United States will pass duty-free if their value does not exceed $200. The outer wrapping must be marked with the fair retail value of the contents; a description of the contents (e.g., shirts, belts, watch, figurines, etc.); and whether the package is a gift ($100 exemption) or for personal use ($200 exemption).

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/infrequent_importer_info/internet_purchases.xml

[Yamaha B-2]

Just insure it is shipped by the Post Office and listed as "used" and you should have no extra charges. Will be pretty slow, though.

[rulerboyz]

Also you may find that it is more expensive to have your item shipped to you than it would be if the tables were turned and you were shipping the same item to Canada.