Craig 0 #1 December 12, 2002 I have someone in Canada interested in buying a canopy from me here in the US. I was wondering if anyone has made a international transaction before and how did you go about it? I was thinking of sending it FedEx COD so we both peace of mind about the transaction. The only transactions I have made is one on Ebay (not skydiving related) and sold a dytter and helmet at my dropzone. Really I just want this to go as smoothly as possible with peace of mind for both of us. Just looking for ideas. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
murrays 0 #2 December 12, 2002 If Fedex will do a COD shipment, that's a pretty good alternative for you. Really, the buyer is the only one at risk if the goods aren't what he thinks they should be. This is really a situation where an escrow arrangement would work for both parties. Is there any way you can have a third party let him know the canopy is in the condition you say it is? I'm thinking DZ owner, well known jumper, person known to both of you. In general, jumpers are pretty honest and won't rip off another skydiver but...there are exceptions to the rule. As far as shipping it off, you will have to fill out a couple of forms declaring value and contents but that should be it. Fedex is the best. We use them all the time at work and I am impressed with their consistency. The recipient, up here in Canada, should be ready to pay a customs broker a fee for processing the package and assessing the import taxes. make sure he's aware this will happen and that it is his responsibility, not yours. They usually slow delivery down by a day or two. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
narcimund 0 #3 December 12, 2002 I bought a rig from Toronto this year. That involved shipping it to the US. I asked the seller to send it to my DZ as an escrow agent, but he didn't agree to that. Instead, we took advantage of a non-jumping friend I had in Toronto. I asked my friend to be my agent and visually inspect the rig for obvious injury or poor cosmetics. I figured if the rig was as good as the seller claimed, it would be spotless, tight, and shiny which my friend would be qualified to judge. They met, exchanged money for rig, then my friend shipped it through his firm which regularly ships expensive equiment to the US. He used his expertise to avoid duties, which I appreciated. Everything worked out perfectly. First Class Citizen Twice Over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gale 0 #4 December 12, 2002 When you ship things across the border to Canada the receiver has to pay duty and taxes. The duty is easily avoidable if the sender clearly marks that it is a GIFT. The taxes are only avoidable if you lie about the value of the content, which you won't want to do because you'll want insurance. I know someone who just bought a rig from the states and had it shipped to someone just across the border and then they drove over and picked it up, this avoids duties and taxes. (NOTE: this requires lying to border guards and is illegal, your goods can be seized, this isn't likey to happen as Wuffos don't know the value of the rig, but you should be aware of the risk) Now as far as the seller is concerned, I think accepting a down payment and then after a rigger inspection getting the rest is reasonable - but you have to decide how much you trust the other party. Good luck! We don't have snazzy gear dealers up here like your guys do in the states so we need your used stuff! GaleI'm drowning...so come inside Welcome to my...dirty mind Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
