arg wrote:Yup, I just checked with a friend who has had sails shipped up. Sails were delivered to an address in Point Roberts (there are several commercial operations). All taxes were paid (PST & GST) upon crossing the border back into Canada, which is essentially the 'duty' on most items (alcohol, has a whole other level of duty if over the limits posted on the Government of Canada website). So, it comes down to a personal preference, is a fun side trip to Hood River worth the time and effort and $ this time of year (beer in Portland, wine in Wilamette Valley, mountain biking, etc.), or just ship it up to Point Roberts or any operation in Blaine or Sumas, depending on where you can get to.
Question; storm season is almost here, why the hurry to get big sails now?
I spoke to CBSA today for clarification. According to them, windsurfing sails are subject to 16% duty. Taxes are then calculated on top of that (Taxes on the duties as well). Pretty crazy. I wonder how your friend was able to bring the sails across and only pay the taxes? Do you know what company he used to ship to in Point Roberts?
Yeah, I won't really need the big sails until the spring time. However, Sailworks has sales on 2017's at the moment. If I wait to the spring I'll either be stuck with limited selection or, have to pay full pop for 2018's.