CBC MARKETPLACE: HOME » COURIER FEES
Tips: Getting around the fees
Broadcast: December 5, 2000 | Producer/Reporter: Christian Côté | Researcher: Maxine Sidran
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There is a way to avoid paying the brokerage fee.

Instead of the courier company clearing customs, you can do the job. All it takes is a little leg work.

That's what Shannon Fontaine did. She was determined not to pay the $34 brokerage fee on flashing safety belts, a gift from her brother in Florida, worth about $75.

She refused the package when it was delivered to her door. Another option is to tell the company you're buying from to clearly mark on the package that you will take care of clearing customs.

The Canadian Couriers Association recommends telling the company to mark this information clearly on the waybill as well.

Once the package arrives you should be notified.

Here's what you do next:

You'll need to get the waybill from the courier company.

Once you get the waybill, head to customs to pay any duty or taxes that are owing.

Make sure you also have an invoice or something to prove the value of your delivery.

After that, it's back to the courier company to pick up your package.

"It took me an hour to leave my office, and I work downtown, to go to all three stops, and then be back here," Fontaine said. "It was worth it to me."

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