Foley-Belsaw, Canadian students, shipping?

[Hardliner]

I have just received some information on the FB locksmith course in the mail (they haven't dropped the price yet but the pick gun is already on offer). I've read the other threads re: course content and it sounds like something that I'd like to do.

My one concern though is that I am located in Canada. I've noticed that there are many Canadians on this forum, so I was wondering if any of my countrymen have in fact taken this course?

...and most importantly: What shipping method do they use and were there any hassles?

I ask because UPS is a popular option within the US, but my experience is that they are to be avoided like the plague when shipping to Canada. (i.e. a buddy got dinged for a $25 "brokerage fee" (payable to UPS, not Canada Customs) on a $20 T-shirt.

Personally, I've always specified good old US Postal Service snail mail for any of my eBay deals, CDs, books, knives etc. and have a) never had a problem with stuff going missing and b) most certainly not EVER been charged any idiotic "brokerage fee" on top of the regular shipping and applicable taxes, etc.

Thanks,

PM

[digital_blue]

I can't really help you one the FB issue, however I can tell you that you are somewhat correct about cross-border shipping via UPS. However, the customs clearing charge can be avoided if you phone UPS and arrange to clear the item through customs on your own. I've never done this myself, however I was told this by a lady who works for UPS so I know it's accurate.

Cheers!

db

[Hardliner]

Thanks db,

I would consider that approach if I were making a single order from somewhere that only shipped UPS, but with F-B there is of course going to be a string of packages so it may be a bit of a pain to have to anticpate and call UPS each time. I'm probably just going to call F-B and see if they knock the price down if I give them a hard time, and also to ensure that they can ship USPS.

Or I may just say screw the correspondence approach and go get some in-person, hands-on training since there is a locksmithing school in the east end of Toronto:

http://www.taol.net/academy/academy.html

PM

[bandito]

I'm in Canada. The lessons came by regular post. The key machine came by UPS. Had to pay the UPS guy about $100 for the brokerage, taxes, duties. When you're ready to order the course call them and just ask for the best price possible for the course. I think the course is a good deal. It's been around for a long time and has a pretty good reputation. Whichever way you go, resident or home study, good luck.

[vector40]

I don't think I've ever heard anything good about UPS.

[Hardliner]

I'm in Canada. The lessons came by regular post. The key machine came by UPS. Had to pay the UPS guy about $100 for the brokerage, taxes, duties.

Outrageous. That key machine is what, $250 "value for duty"? Lets take PST and GST (15%) = $37.50 in tax. There should have been NO duty whatsoever since that machine is US made and there is the NAFTA agreement.

Go here and see where the rest of your money went: www.ups.com/content/ca/en/shipping/cost ... rance.html

Even within the US I have heard horror stories on other forums of UPS leaving packages with $500 custom knives on peoples doorsteps when there was no one home to accept them.

When I order things from the US via regular mail, Canada Customs charges me $5.00 + any taxes owing. WTF is wrong with UPS?

Thanks for the info. I may have to do the correspondence since my work is heating up and the mandatory overtime may interfere with me attending night classes.

PM

[bandito]

The UPS bill was a shock to me. Maybe you can ask Foley-Belsaw to ship the machine by US Post. Worth a try. If you have any more questions let me know. I finished the Basic course and now I'm on the Advanced. Compared to the resident courses I think it's good value for the money. It been a lot of fun. Take care.