Brokerage fees when shipping to Canada
I have been hit with ridiculous brokerage fees, usually UPS, for shipments to Canada. I think I have found the pattern: the brokerage fees are for the courier to calculate and arrange for HST (and duty if applicable) payment at the border. SCENARIO 1 When you place an order from the US, even if it is through a Canadian retailer like amazon.ca, if you don't see a charge for HST, then anticipate a brokerage fee. For a recent purchase just over $100 of mine, the HST was $18 , and the UPS brokerage fee was $36 . I believe the same applies if shipping by USPS to Canada Post, although the brokerage fee may not be as large. SCENARIO 2 IF the HST is shown on the invoice for an item coming from outside of Canada (as is the case with orders shipping to Canada from Rockauto), you will most likely not be charged a brokerage fee. Don't bother asking amazon.ca about brokerage fees - the help desk doesn't understand what you are talking about.