So DHL Express (Canada) Ltd. just delivered my latest order of Duilleog from CreateSpace. I had ordered from them many times whilst in the US and never blinked. Today I was met at the door by the DHL dude demanding $18.35 CAD for me to take possession of my books. I said, “Wuh?”and then paid while complaining the entire time.
Then I examined the invoice. I paid $44.98 for six books from Amazon. The GST/PST/HST they charged me was $2.25. That seems reasonable and is perfectly in line with duty rates of 5% for books being imported into Canada.
The remainder of the amount was $11.30 for a “Processing Fee” and $4.80 for a “Transaction Fee” (those amounts include GST). That means that on top of the $2.25 duty I also paid $16.10 in fees. That, my friends, is BLACKMAIL, pure and unadulterated. You see, I cannot take possession of the books unless I pay on the spot for their fees. They hold the box firmly unless I succeed to their demands and pay their ransom. Once paid the goods are handed to me with a smile.
This is criminal. I have no doubt of that in my mind. In essence I paid over 6 times the duty just so this company can deliver the goods. This is on top of what I already paid to Amazon to ship and handle my order. I feel dirty and angry and I have no recourse, or method to dispute the charges. No power at all.
I called their 1-800 number for an explanation. “Someone will call me tomorrow,” they said. I now suspect some thug will pistol whip me as I walk down the street to work, toss me in the back of a panel van, and I will wake up under a glaring light, tied to a chair.
Doug Zwicker
I thought that duty was supposed to go when the so called free duty happened , sometimes when I order things there is no charge and other times I am gouged too , who can figure
donald
No, there are many things that are still subject to duty. Books being one of them at 5%.
Diane Tibert
Ouch. That’s a base cost of $10.56 per book. You’ll have to see it for at least $18,00. I’ll be making an order soon because I’m running very low on books. I’m terrified of the exchange rate. I believe it’s below 75 cents. This means my usual $200 order will only bring me $150 worth of books (including shipping).
If it’s any consolation, even on a $200 order, I still pay about $20 for duty fees. It’s not fair, but the more you buy at one time, the more money you save.
But as time proves, the dollar goes up and down. A few years ago, we were enjoying the benefits of having the higher dollar. I predict in about three years, we’ll be on top again.
And you are right; we are powerless against huge companies. We either play their game or walk away.
donald
Ouch indeed. Unexpected and abhorrent to me. Whatever they did at the border in no way could it equate to $16.10 in fees. That is ludicrous. I understand the need for a fee but it needs to be representative of the actual labour.