What is a broker? (customs thingy)

Nyria · Nov 26th, 2007, 11:25 PM

I just got something from the US and seller sent it UPS -- I was charged a $40 'broker' fee. What the heck is that?
Thanks =)

redney · Nov 26th, 2007, 11:33 PM

I've never heard of that.

Have you asked the seller?

If this "broker fee" of $40 wasn't included in the seller's listing, I would fight back with the seller or eBay. That's ridiculous!

dollyrusso · Nov 26th, 2007, 11:34 PM

Ups has their own in-house broker. They just charged you that to get your item into the country. It's a fee that the seller could have paid or made you pay (duties and document fees, import charges). This is my husband talking lol. he was in exports for a long time

sckcs · Nov 26th, 2007, 11:40 PM

A broker is all part of the fees of importing. I have a friend who imported antiques from England. You HAVE to hire a broker to get the items through customs. It can get quite expensive.

redney · Nov 26th, 2007, 11:53 PM

I just checked back and glad I did! Learned something new!

Thanks to dollyrusso and sckcs for the useful information.

H_addict · Nov 27th, 2007, 12:41 AM

Been there, done that!

UPS "broker" = highway robbery! In the future, if you buy something from US/overseas, ask sellers to ship using either EMS or USPS Global Priority. FedEx is great too (with NO brokerage fees, I might add!).

Jayne1 · Nov 27th, 2007, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H_addict

Been there, done that!

UPS "broker" = highway robbery! In the future, if you buy something from US/overseas, ask sellers to ship using either EMS or USPS Global Priority. FedEx is great too (with NO brokerage fees, I might add!).

EXACTLY! Never UPS to Canada. Ever.

Broker fees are usually around $5.00 aren't they? Or is that the road fee?

sirene · Nov 27th, 2007, 01:14 AM

Canada Post only charges a $5 handling fee. That's it!

dokugaku · Nov 27th, 2007, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayne1

EXACTLY! Never UPS to Canada. Ever.

Broker fees are usually around $5.00 aren't they? Or is that the road fee?

Yah, they're usually not that much, but with UPS it the brokerage fee can be almost anything they call it. Sucks. My friend bought me a pair of shoes from eBay and had it sent over to my house as a surprise gift and the surprise to me was the UPS guy asking me for $70 to get my item. WTH. My "brokerage" fee was like $35 or something. Rip off.

babyshingo · Nov 27th, 2007, 12:58 PM

it can get expensive

Nyria · Nov 27th, 2007, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H_addict

Been there, done that!

UPS "broker" = highway robbery! In the future, if you buy something from US/overseas, ask sellers to ship using either EMS or USPS Global Priority. FedEx is great too (with NO brokerage fees, I might add!).

I thought Fed Ex was expensive too.

I knew UPS would be expensive - I wasn't really paying attention when I bid - I thought it said USPS.

I thought I was getting a deal - not after all the fees

It was a cles worth $150. The same day I got some Shoes worth $250 shipped USPS and the total fee on that was $25.

But what IS a broker - what the heck does 'he' do? (I remember getting stuff shipped to my school through FedEx and they called to ask if I had a broker - I was like - huh??)

Also - How do I get a job like that at $40 a pop LOL

miss_Tina · Nov 27th, 2007, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nyria

I thought Fed Ex was expensive too.

I knew UPS would be expensive - I wasn't really paying attention when I bid - I thought it said USPS.

I thought I was getting a deal - not after all the fees

It was a cles worth $150. The same day I got some Shoes worth $250 shipped USPS and the total fee on that was $25.

But what IS a broker - what the heck does 'he' do? (I remember getting stuff shipped to my school through FedEx and they called to ask if I had a broker - I was like - huh??)

Also - How do I get a job like that at $40 a pop LOL

your so cute Nyria.. lol.. had to say that, but i have no idea what the broker does either!

shiba · Nov 27th, 2007, 10:08 PM

http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo/Co...RO_ID=71001626

Here you go... I avoid UPS and Fedex, to the point I now don't bid on items if they will not ship USPS. Each company has a list of fees they charge, usually based on the value of the item.

Nyria · Nov 27th, 2007, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miss_Tina

your so cute Nyria.. lol.. had to say that, but i have no idea what the broker does either!

Well - you are just no help at all!!! Just kidding

Thanks =)

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiba

http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo/Co...RO_ID=71001626

Here you go... I avoid UPS and Fedex, to the point I now don't bid on items if they will not ship USPS. Each company has a list of fees they charge, usually based on the value of the item.

WOW - that's the best description possible -- thanks =)

shiba · Nov 27th, 2007, 11:35 PM

Looking for a career change?

Nov 26th, 2007, 11:25 PM	#1
Nyria Drink the LV KoolAid Location: Alberta, Canada	What is a broker? (customs thingy) I just got something from the US and seller sent it UPS -- I was charged a $40 'broker' fee. What the heck is that? Thanks =) __________________ Take a boo at my Personalized Charm Bracelets Bellissimo_Charms

Nov 26th, 2007, 11:33 PM	#2
redney Lovin' Life!	Re: What is a broker? (customs thingy) I've never heard of that. Have you asked the seller? If this "broker fee" of $40 wasn't included in the seller's listing, I would fight back with the seller or eBay. That's ridiculous!

Nov 26th, 2007, 11:34 PM	#3
dollyrusso Diet coke? Location: Los Angeles	Re: What is a broker? (customs thingy) Ups has their own in-house broker. They just charged you that to get your item into the country. It's a fee that the seller could have paid or made you pay (duties and document fees, import charges). This is my husband talking lol. he was in exports for a long time __________________ My Collection L.A.M.B. Pictures Thread Ewww...L.A.M.B. Guts! Click here to feed an animal today! Last edited by dollyrusso; Nov 26th, 2007 at 11:34 PM. Reason: sleepy spelling

Nov 26th, 2007, 11:40 PM	#4
sckcs Member	Re: What is a broker? (customs thingy) A broker is all part of the fees of importing. I have a friend who imported antiques from England. You HAVE to hire a broker to get the items through customs. It can get quite expensive.

Nov 26th, 2007, 11:53 PM	#5
redney Lovin' Life!	Re: What is a broker? (customs thingy) I just checked back and glad I did! Learned something new! Thanks to dollyrusso and sckcs for the useful information.

Nov 27th, 2007, 12:41 AM	#6
H_addict H is for HOCKEY Location: ICE RINK	Re: What is a broker? (customs thingy) Been there, done that! UPS "broker" = highway robbery! In the future, if you buy something from US/overseas, ask sellers to ship using either EMS or USPS Global Priority. FedEx is great too (with NO brokerage fees, I might add!).

Nov 27th, 2007, 01:14 AM	#8
sirene Member	Re: What is a broker? (customs thingy) Canada Post only charges a $5 handling fee. That's it!

Nov 27th, 2007, 12:58 PM	#10
babyshingo Member	Re: What is a broker? (customs thingy) it can get expensive

Nov 27th, 2007, 10:08 PM	#13
shiba Member Location: Canadian Rockies	Re: What is a broker? (customs thingy) http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo/Co...RO_ID=71001626 Here you go... I avoid UPS and Fedex, to the point I now don't bid on items if they will not ship USPS. Each company has a list of fees they charge, usually based on the value of the item. __________________ Shopping List..... Damier Ebene Mini Pochette...still looking Next?

Nov 27th, 2007, 11:35 PM	#15
shiba Member Location: Canadian Rockies	Re: What is a broker? (customs thingy) Looking for a career change? __________________ Shopping List..... Damier Ebene Mini Pochette...still looking Next?