In the past, our website was set up to receive and ship orders to Canada. However, we were having some issues with customers not paying their customs and tax fees. Those eventually came back on us so we decided that we needed to handle orders from Canada a little differently. This new system actually makes the shipping charges less expensive for our Canadian shoppers. We also have included some creative ideas for our Canadian neighbors that will help keep their shipping costs down.
🍁 A 2-PART TRANSACTION
#1: If a customer from Canada is interested in placing an order, all you need to do is place the order as usual. Shipping will be calculated for you. Your order will be processed, and an order confirmation will be generated and sent to you by our website. The first part of your order is complete, and your order is secured into our workshop schedule. It is then placed in a SHIPMENT PENDING status.
#2: In a few days you will receive an invoice that will cover the taxes and customs part of the transaction. This will be an itemized invoice that will cover Canada taxes, custom broker fees, and declared value fees. Very roughly ..... taxes and fees can be approximately 25% of the transaction total. Once payment has been received, the SHIPMENT PENDING status is removed and your order is able to be shipped. Turnaround times will vary depending on whether you ordered an item from the INVENTORY NOW section or if it is a CUSTOM ORDER. Refer to the HOMEPAGE for current turnaround times.
When your package ships, you will receive a shipment confirmation that will provide you with tracking information and an estimated delivery time. Your package will not ship until the taxes and customs portion of the transaction is completed. If the taxes and customs invoice is not paid within 1 week of your order, your order will be removed from the shop schedule, canceled, and refunded (less a 5% transaction-processing fee to recoup our costs).
🍁 What are Canadian taxes and customs used for?
The Canadian government uses tax money on services and programs that benefit its citizens. Alternatively, you could say that your tax money comes back to you, but in a different manner. One of the most obvious of these benefits is Canada’s health care coverage. Another well-known program is free primary and secondary education. Finally, some other investments include emergency services, roads and highways, garbage and recycling collection, and parks and playgrounds. Taxes are for the benefit of citizens, and Canada would not be the country it is without these funds.
🍁 Some alternate ideas for shipping to Canada:
Some Canadian shoppers have their packages shipped to a UPS Store that is close to the border where they can go and pick their items up. The shipping costs would be lower since it is being shipped to a state in the US and there would be no brokerage fees incurred. However, much depends on your location and your proximity to these retail centers. It would also be advisable to contact the UPS store to make sure that you have all the information needed.
One note: items like catnip, straw, and other bedding materials are unable to be shipped to Canada due to regulations. Customs will not allow those items through. If ordering PLATFORMs, separate shipping charges (less 30%) will be sent with the second invoice. Inquire for more information and details.