The Stay at Home Mother

I have to share this with readers because it could happen to anyone who is ordering items online across the border - especially with Christmas around the corner.

Back in September, I wanted to purchase some costumes for Halloween. This year, I decided to go online. I found an absolutely great website that had thousands of costumes to choose from. The children picked out theirs, and I picked out mine and we ordered them....

I paid the shipping and knew that I would also be paying for the rate exchange too. But the costumes arrived within five days and looked great. I had paid a premium for them, but I felt it was justified as it saved me the time to run around trying to find these particular costumes (my daughter's pink supergirl outfit would never be found here in Vancouver).

However, this past week, I received a bill from UPS for $55.00. I had no idea what this charge was - so I called them. Apparently, when any items over $20.00 enter in to Canada, there is a broker who handles it's entrance at the border. If the company who is sending it, does not vouch for its contents, its up to the broker to do it. And that costs money.

So suddenly my "premium" costumes became "luxury" purchases. I went to their website and there was no mention about the cost for Canadians across the border who would have to pay not only shipping it from the US to the Canadian border, but also to get it from the border to your home. Unbelievable.

I buy online all the time from Amazon, etc -and have never had this happen - but I guess it is different, as they must vouch for the items.

So just ask lots of questions about shipping before you place your order if its located across the border!

Also - a head's up for those moms located in Vancouver - the Children's Trunk show is happening on November 14th from 9am - 4pm at the Van Dusen Botanical Garden (in the Floral Hall) 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver. Admission is $4.00 at the door with $1.00 to be donated to the BC Children's Hospital. For more information visit www.childrenstrunkshow.com