shipping to Canada ?

2

22h2

Joined
Dec 16, 2005
Messages
160
getting ready to make my first shipment to Canada, any advice or concerns that I should be aware of? I will be shipping a small slipjoint the blade is under 4 inches.
 
Nothing to be concerned about. Mark it as 'cutlery, camping tools' etc. Only knives not permitted in Canada are switchblades, balisongs, knives that can be flicked open (gravity or centripetal force).
 
Have you checked with the buyer?
Such as any special request they may have?

I have shipped several custom knives there with out a problem.

Like said above, you may want to mark it as a paper cutter or something other than a knife?

Have any photos of the Slip Joint?:)

Good luck,


.
 
Be aware...if you're shipping via USPS, any insurance or tracking will end as soon as the package leaves the U.S. You can get insurance and tracking to work via UPS or Fed-X, but the additional cost is going to be significant.

You're also going to have customs forms and Customs to deal with. I'm in Montana, and late last year I shipped two of my Angle Peen hammers to a gentleman in Vancouver, BC (about 11 hours driving time) and it took nearly two months for him to receive them. They were "held up" in Customs for for most of that time.

In the past many of my customers outside the U.S. have asked to ship UPS or Fed-X, but have complained about the additional cost. When they do that, I offer them USPS shipping, with the stipulations that they assume all responsibility if the package is lost, stolen, or and damages occurs.
Unless you specifically ask the questions to USPS about tracking and insurance once the package leaves the U.S., they will not volunteer the information.
 
Here is a way that can work real well and easy for you. Send if USPS Definutely NOT UPS. Go to your post office and ask for a custom declaration slip .It is a small green tag. Mark it "pocket cutlery with a declared value 1/2 of what you sold it for. It will probably take three weeks to get to your Canadian customer. Mail is slow to get here but very reliable. I buy all sorts of supplies from the USA and get excellent service realizing what the time for delivery will be. Frank
 
22h2 said:
getting ready to make my first shipment to Canada, any advice or concerns that I should be aware of? I will be shipping a small slipjoint the blade is under 4 inches.
Click to expand...

If you UPS or Fed-ex it, the customer will have an additional 40 charge above the shipping fee for customs brokerage.

Make sure they know and agree to that.
 
I've had lots of things sent to me. UPS is terrible for extra costs but reliable. Fedex is much better and does not ask you to bend over like UPS does.
I always go with USPS if possible. Just be aware that it can easily take 3 weeks for something to arrive. I don't know why but it does.

Ed Caffrey's concerns and experiences are not the norm. Sure, things get held up in customs and we do have to pay taxes (just be clear who's paying them though most of us know we are going to get dinged and accept that) but unless something's changed, it's not true that the insurance stops at the border.
I've had a parcel sent from NY that arrived damaged and I filled out the appropriate forms, the repair bill and some photos and got my money promptly from USPS.

Just label it clearly and don't try to look like you're hiding something and it shouldn't be detained by customs. Being a slip joint, there won't be any issue with customs.
 
I have received knives, and other items from the states, the UK and Italy and have not had a problem with customs. The only issue I have had is with Fed ex, they will charge customs, tax and a carrier charge, sorry an "advancement fee" which apparently is a charge to send the item on from their facility.... If you let your wife call and get mad, they will waive the fee hehe. Don't worry about labeling it tools or such, as long as it is a slip joint, no prob. If it's a locker, make sure it is tight so they can't flip it open (if they open the box). It probably won't take longer than 2-3 weeks depending on where its going and as long as customs forms are filled out properly.
 
I get lots of knives shipped up from the states. I find that a package that is marked as a knife gets through customs quicker that a packaged marked camping tool or just tool so the description does not mater, I think if its marked "camp tool" they think there is something to hide and the package is usually opened. I have everything sent USPS with no issues it usually takes 14-21 days for me to receive the package.
 
I've shipped a bunch of W2, fossil ivory and a few knives to Canada. All using USPS and with no problems.

I will not use UPS or Fedex because of past problems.
 
I'd like to reiterate the caution against trying mislead customs (or any law enforcement officer). It kinda changes attitude in ways that may not benefit you. :rolleyes: Also be cautious of lying about value. A lost or damaged item would only be covered for the declared amount, even if was insured for more. If the customs officer does't believe your declaration, he can assign it whatever value he feels appropriate.

Almost all postal transactions go through without issue and your slippie should have no issues.

I agree with the comments about UPS and Fed-Ex. They will almost invariably screw your customer.

Rob!
 
Be honest and there shouldn't be a problem. State the total cost of the goods clearly. If your shipment is knives, you simply need to lable the product 'tools' since that is what they are.

Make sure that they are legal, fixed blades present no problems, but for folders tighten up the blade tension abit so the cannot be flicked open.
 
I want to thank each and everyone for the replies, for me this is an extremely valuable forum and it is do to the quality of knifemakers that participate.
Thanks again
Ted
 
A quick clarification on tracking packages sent outside the US using USPS.

If you ship in a flat rate envelope or small flat rate box the tracking will only go to the extent of when the package goes through the sort facility prior to leaving the US.

To be able to get tracking info beyond that you have to ship with a Medium or Large Flat rate box. This has to do with the agreements between US and Canada Post. (They don't want to mess with tracking the cheap stuff)

As for declaration of values. I try to fill out the customs declaration forms accurately. Inside the package I also include a computer generated invoice. If it sold from my webstore I print the invoice from there. If not I use the Paypal notification of payments received. (Click Payment Detail and print that page)

Sometimes things will still go slow. My experience is less than 10% take longer than 10 weekdays with USPS Priority Mail.

A short note of advice;
In the item description portion of the customs form do not list "Killer Assasin's Knife". Cutlery or other accurate but non threatening description would be better. When I send knife handle wood it is described as Hobby Craft Wood.

I hope this helps.
 
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