Buying on eBay from Canada spotting scope. CAD is low now

[thanks4thefish42]

I've done a lot of google searches and can't get any solid info on buying some used optics from Canada via eBay. Does anyone have any first hand experience with Swarovski scopes from our Northern neighbors? I know that UPS and Fedex can trigger some hefty customs charges on top fo duties or customs fees. Also the issue of not being the Swarovski warranty good graces is also an issue but I will do a serial number check out first.

 

[elkstabber]

It's the same warranty - North America. But, check the serial number. Take the first two numbers, add 1930, and you'll have the year of manufacture.

 

[thanks4thefish42]

Thanks Stabber-I'm trying to find out if there are import duties on top of shipping. Just darn hard to find info. I'll call USPS tomorrow. I have a 30 year old 80mm Habitch (means Hawk btw) angled scope that was fixed last year rather quickly and returned. From now on am going to run the serial number by SONA proir to buying.

 

[EastMT]

I sold a Swaro ATS to Canada last year. It got ‘lost’ in customs. Nobody knew where it was, just gone. Took 3 months for it to be found, poor lady I sold it to had to borrow a scope for sheep season. Insure that thing for full purchase price if you go this route, and don’t cut it short time wise if you need by a certain date.


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[Cockeye]

Check out Australia there exchange rate is really low. I buy my offshore kayak stuff from there and even with shipping it’s like 40% off.

 

[Napperm4]

Yeah they don’t qualify under NAFTA or anything. I’m in Canada and buy a lot from the USA. You’re going to be nailed 80% of the time on duties. Sometimes I’ve had eBay purchases come through no problem, other times I’ve been hammered.

Really depends on the sender, how it’s listed and what kind of risk you’re wanting to take. You can have them declare a lower value to keep fees down but if it’s lost you’re screwed.

Don’t let them send Canada Post as the max allowable for insurance is 1000 CAD in value.

I’ve had the best luck using the eBay global shipping. You pay the duty and taxes with a mark up to eBay but it gets to your door without any surprises


As stated, the warranty is fully transferable and valid across NA. Some dealers however are restricted from selling outside the USA (I can’t buy swaro from cameraland for that reason) and vice versa

 

[thanks4thefish42]

Yes they wanted to use Canada post. Might be safer to just get one from a dealer stateside.

 

[Napperm4]

Yes they wanted to use Canada post. Might be safer to just get one from a dealer stateside.

It’s a good plan when you’re dropping that much coin.

I’ve bought a ton of optics from down south, send my stuff to swaro for service, Outdoorsmans to have the stud installed and I haven’t had an issue yet. But I always ship first class, usually DHL and insured for full replacement cost.

By the time you go to that length it’s cheaper to buy stateside even with our low dollar. Unless you score a screaming deal on eBay, even used optics are better priced outside Canada. With the low dollar they usually add much more than the exchange, tax and duty to products up here.

 

[thanks4thefish42]

Thanks for the good advice. I was about to hit the buy it now. I’ve been in touch with seller and amazed at the price. I saw one “screaming deal” but the fine print had the location in far Eastern Europe.


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