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shipping to the US.. newbie question on duty
 

For us canadian sellers.. if your shipping to the USA and the real value of the items being sent are under $100 and that's what you put on the disclosure notice thing.. is it likely the recipient will have to pay duty? does customs look at everything that comes in?

Customs don't always look but they can.

You need to mark gift to avoid duty fees on the declaration forms.

I've never had to pay duties or taxes on anything under $250 in value. And customs, overall, only opens a small number of incoming packages. HOWEVER - if you are shipping anything that is trademarked or copyrighted, it CAN be seized. It is unlikely, but it CAN and DOES happen.

Mark as low value gift is the golden rule.

thanks guys

Make sure your buyer is well aware of the possibility/probability of duties.
Put this in your listing ALWAYS if you ship overseas.

You would be amazed how silly buyers can be. Also make sure shipping times are stated.... cover yourself for the buyers' lack of common sense:pop2:

Avoid UPS at all costs. They go nuts on duty brokerage fees to the US. Customers always flip out