Re: Attn. Canadians: Ordering from Musician's Friend
I thought they did not ship to Canada... maybe they do now.
Like Thames says, taxes can't be avoided unless the seller prentend it's a gift (they rarely do).
Music-123 ships to Canada. They recommand to use UPS Worldwide shipping instead of Canadian standard ground and they're right. I once bought an amp from somewhere else for very low shipping costs, but I finally had to pay $50 of brokerage fees at the door.
So I'd say ask if shipping includes brokerage fees, otherwise, you're in for a surprise when the mailman adds $50 to the total (they can be pr!ck and say they don't know... that means there WILL be brokerage fees. If they told you, you wouldn't buy from them).
Brokerage fees depend on the value of the good. When I buy pickups or small parts from StewMac, there are no brokerage fees. But on high priced items, they can litterally waive off the bargain you think you'd get from buying in a US store.
I think that only the big courier companies like UPS and Fedex offer shipping with brokerage fees included. If the seller use USPS and Canada Post, brokerage fees are not included. I think anything under 100$ have no brokerage fees.
Hope this helps. Being brief is not my main quality
