CA-ON Cross border pick-up?

[Stuart Samuel]

Anyone have any suggestions for cross border pick-up services? Either something with branches across the USA (more useful for the forum broadly), or with a branch around Buffalo, NY.

I’m looking at an eBay purchase and they offer free shipping in the US. Buffalo’s about a 2 hour drive for me, so I’d make a day of it, go to the Albright Knox, etc.

I know there are plenty of companies doing it, I’d just rather have a recommendation than wade through Google Maps reviews.


Searching at the forums, I found one mention of ‘Ship it to Us’, but they seem to be solely in
Washington state, and also saw ‘DYK Post’, who will clear at the border and redirect within Canada, but they’re in Montana. Seems silly to pay to ship it to Montana, cross into Alberta, then send it back east to Ontario.


Thanks in advance!

 

[DavidR8]

What about something like this?

Shop in the US and Ship to the GTA | Cross Border Pickups

Buy online at US retailers and pick up in the GTA or receive your goods at your door. Create your free account today.

crossborderpickups.ca

Or

Crossborder Express

A cross-border shipping solution for Southern Ontario and New York. We will ship your products so you don't have to worry about customs.

www.crossborderexpress.com

 

[TorontoBuilder]

I've used cross border pick ups.

 

[PeterT]

and also saw ‘DYK Post’, who will clear at the border and redirect within Canada, but they’re in Montana. Seems silly to pay to ship it to Montana, cross into Alberta, then send it back east to Ontario.

I probably referenced DYK as a happy customer, but yes, that's coming from the Alberta-Montana proximity perspective. I don't think any/many DYK locations east of AB border. But there are probably many similar businesses in your area. I would expect even more & maybe more competitive prices because of higher population density. Its not a solution to everything but it certainly fits a need for me, both receiving & shipping. Just Google 'cross border shipping or re-shipping or pickup....' or similar in your area & make sure to read reviews.

I have a street address (not a PO box) in USA which is their cross border depot. For many transactions that is the only way many USA sellers will even consider you. Also (maybe DYK specific) Ebay or Amazon is considered as a single seller, so you can have completely unrelated packages arriving from all over the country & they are treated as line items on a single invoice which allows combining fees & weights.

 

[skippyelwell]

I"ve been with Crossborderpickups for years, you can save a lot of shipping costs using them to bring stuff up from the States.

 

[trlvn]

I've used two services. The first, Need A US Address, give you a place to pick up your purchase in Lewiston, NY (just across the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge). You then declare at the border and usually pay HST (and duty, if applicable). Also, I believe the toll for the bridge is $5.

US Shipping Address in NY for Canadians | Need a US Address

The other, Shippsy, has a delivery address in Buffalo and then they bring the package to one of their locations in Ontario. Mississauga would be closest to you. You supply information (copy of invoice, declaration of whether the product originates in the USA or not) and they handle the border crossing. You'll be charged HST. It normally takes 3-5 business days from the time Shippsy receives your package until it is ready for pickup. If you want something urgently, NeedAUSAddress could be a bit faster.

Shippsy | Get Your Free U.S. Address | Cross-Border Shopping

Getting a U.S. address has never been simpler or cheaper. Ship from the U.S. to Canada for $7.99. Try Shippsy today!

shippsy.com

Both services have a flat starting charge. The cost goes up based on the weight of the package. Both are quick and easy to deal with.

My wife and I now use Shippsy because it saves a bunch of driving time. Also, the border is _usually_ OK but I got stuck for 40 minutes one time. OTOH, I usually also fill up with less expensive fuel while in the USA.

HTH,

Craig