The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Need to ship a couple of machine parts up to Canada and have never done so. Do I just go to the USPS or have some of you found a cheaper way? Thanks- bill

Unless you're close enough to the border to bring them over and go to a Canadian PO, the USPS will be the cheapest way to send things. Be aware that you will have to fill out Customs paperwork to accompany the shipment.

I can't speak to expense, but I can state unequivocally as a Canadian who gets lots of things shipped from the US [and off continent too] that I have never had an unpleasant experience with things coming here via USPS. They and Canada Post seem to work seamlessly and reliably together.

UPS, Fedex and the like ... that is a different matter. I've been dinged with absurd 'brokerage fees' and missed attempts at drop offs that end up with me driving to pick up items a rather long distance.

I have asked certain merchants who use couriers if they would please use USPS instead. ... Some have said no - I have then told them to keep the item in that case. Fool me 3 or 4 times ...

I have absolutely no evidence, but I suspect certain merchants have arrangement with courier companies that give them a good rate, but no flexibility. I bet for an individual doing a one off, that USPS would at the very least be competitive.

Thanks so much for the replies. USPS it is.

USPS is fine for smaller shipments. But size limitations are restrictive, making international shipments of some outside horn phonographs impossible. Also there is a regulatory hurdle to jump for shipments over $2500 in value and USPS makes obtaining the necessary government certificate next to impossible. FedEx, on the other hand, makes obtaining approval a snap.

Raphael