The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am from Canada and went to Stanton's auction this past weekend. I always bring cash as most people won't take a check from someone outside the US or deal with credit cards. I've done this at Union, Wayne and Stantons.

Twice this year I've been pulled into secondary inspection because I carry the large sum of cash to these events in case I find lots that I like and want to buy. Both times I spent 2 hours in customs. This last time I was asked lots of extra questions and was made to feel humiliated because I have been successful.

I think I may have been to my last auction or show unless I can find a way around it. I get US cash at par which saves me about 15% right now so Paypal isn't an option either. Most dealers only want cash anyway.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to avoid bringing large sums of cash across the border but still buy at auctions/shows? Anyone else had this problem, or know of someone that has found a solution around it?

Feel free to PM me if you prefer not to offer open suggestions.

Thanks for everyones help.

Mike

Now sure what this has to do with "Machines". However, as a Canadian collector.....maybe you need to open a US account. Since you get USD at par. Even better.....buy Canadian!!!.... .
Personally, I prefer having a PayPal receipt in the event I need proof of cost and to pay the necessary taxes.
I have found most times the officer just waves off the tax. However, not always. A simple cost of collecting.. .

I should add because we live 25 minutes from the US border....I have had a US mailing address service for over 30 years. It is far cheaper to have large parcels send there and I broker myself across the boarder, then to have it carried by the post only to charge the tax and a minimum handling fee.

Hi Mike,
One idea that comes to mind would be to send a few large U.S. money orders to a trusted friend ( Phonograph collector) south of the border and then he could bring the cash to the show for you. It seems that if you carry more than 10K on you across the border it causes a bunch of problems.
Pete

flashpanblue wrote:It seems that if you carry more than 10K on you across the border it causes a bunch of problems. Pete

Pete, that is not really true. As long as you declare you have more than 10K....there is nothing illegal with taking that amount across. All customs is doing is insuring it is not drug money. If you have a legitimate reason and or receipts to show your purchases...no problem.
The same issue is involved when you deposit over 10K into your own bank account. You need to reasonably show it is not illicit funds.... .

gramophone78 wrote:Now sure what this has to do with "Machines". However, as a Canadian collector.....maybe you need to open a US account. Since you get USD at par. Even better.....buy Canadian!!!.... .

You need to be an American citizen with a SSN to open any account in the states.

PHONOMIKE wrote:

gramophone78 wrote:Now sure what this has to do with "Machines". However, as a Canadian collector.....maybe you need to open a US account. Since you get USD at par. Even better.....buy Canadian!!!.... .

You need to be an American citizen with a SSN to open any account in the states.

Sorry, I should have been clearer....I meant here in Canada. Since you get USD at par up here, you can then keep it in large amounts in a US account up here. As for transporting the money South....I already gave my 2 cents.

Pete's idea of sending MO's to a friend South is a suggestion. However, the "friend" my also have to explain to the IRS these deposits now sent to him. Tax laws are a whole different fish down there... .

flashpanblue wrote:Hi Mike,
One idea that comes to mind would be to send a few large U.S. money orders to a trusted friend ( Phonograph collector) south of the border and then he could bring the cash to the show for you. It seems that if you carry more than 10K on you across the border it causes a bunch of problems.
Pete

Pete, I like this idea. As long as I send money orders under $10,000 then it won't throw up any red flags. And I'm still not doing anything illegal so it's a great suggestion. Thank you.

If you open the US funds bank account at your branch as Wayne suugests, Stanton's will accept a cheque.
At least you can go to one show (auction) a year?

I would really look into regularizing your bank situation. I'd be shocked, though, if Stanton's wouldn't take a check drawn on a prominent bank, like Bank of Montreal. It's been a while since I've had this much cash on my person, but just from a security standpoint, carrying that much cash made me very uneasy.

Garret wrote:I would really look into regularizing your bank situation. I'd be shocked, though, if Stanton's wouldn't take a check drawn on a prominent bank, like Bank of Montreal. It's been a while since I've had this much cash on my person, but just from a security standpoint, carrying that much cash made me very uneasy.

Garret, I agree and think Steve Stanton would take a check from an account if it was in US funds. I'll call and talk to him before the spring auction and work it out. Then as Vince says, at least I can attend the Stanton's auction. As for Union (another favourite) I'll work on a different plan. Thanks again guys.

Mike