How can I avoid brokerage fees when importing parts into the United States?

Don't use UPS Brown (ground) service.

UPS is the only carrier that does not include brokerage fees in their quoted prices, and only on their slowest service. UPS Blue (2-day) and Red (1-day) have the brokerage fees included; so do Federal Express, DHL, and Emery Worldwide prices.

If you do use UPS and get charged brokerage fees, they will ask for $30-$60 before they give you the package. Usually cash, usually exact change. Some people find it less expensive to use an expedited service instead of paying brokerage fees on the slower deliveries. Many people prefer U.S. mail to UPS ground, since the USPS does not charge additional brokerage fees.

The following is an unofficial guide to UPS brokerage fees, based on information graciously provided by on-line electronics vendorEtronics. It is not an official UPS guide.

For each additional $1000 $CAD (or fraction of), there is an additional charge of $3.75 $CAD. These rates do not include taxes.

The Last Word: Didn't believe me, huh? Serves you right. Don't feel bad, everyone gets burned once.

I have personally seen many invoices from UPS that do not follow the guide above, or the "official" UPS Fuck-You-Canada brokerage fee table found here - usually the fees charged are a tad higher, and they will always add in tax and duty, making their "cut" appear even higher still. Nevertheless, maybe these guides will help you make an informed decision on buying that gotta-have-part from eBay. And UPS now takes credit cards at the door, making the process much less painful.

If you must order, do yourself a favor, and use Priority Mail - Purolator will forward it in Canada, and the brokerage is typically $6. Alternatively, look for vendors that have Canuck-friendly shipping options such as USPS or FedEx. Beware the words "Standard Flat Rate Shipping" - this almost always means UPS Ground.