Posted By:
Max WederAdam
I agree wholeheartedly with the Customs issue. For vintage cards, the taxes a Canadian pays at the border are equivalent to the taxes the Canadian would have paid had he purchased the item in Canada from a domestic vendor. In other words, there is equal treatment to the imported purchase versus a domestic purchase.
Strangely enough, many US vendors will automatically understate the value, without anyone asking. Again, another practice to avoid.
From personal experience, I have had my parcels opened a number of times, in order to confirm that the stated value by the vendor conforms to the invoice on the inside (amazingly, some vendors do include an invoice in the parcel, while declaring a different value, again without being asked by me)
Despite Julie's comments, it is not a matter to be treated lightly, especially when merchandise of considerable value crosses the border. It is a criminal offence, and has penal consequences, including fines and a criminal record.
Max