Fly Swap Question

[Duffin Boy 0]

Hi Folks, I haven't dropped in for a while so forgive me if I only ask a question this time.

I am in a Fly swap and have to send flies from Toronto Canada to Maine U.S.

Is there any special regulations to contend with or any tips or tricks in shipping.

Best way?, packaging? , labeling ?etc.

 

I have usually sent flies by express post with a return post envelope in Canada but these will be going across the border.

What about the return postage from Maine to Toronto?

Should I just send cash to cover the return postage?

 

Thanks for any help.

 

DuFf

[Frogg07 0]

Duff,

I just sent out a few packages of feathers to Canada from NY. There were no problems and postage was pretty cheap.

 

Chris

[flytyingscotsman 0]

 

If there is a customs or similar slip involved, remember to specify

'fishing lures' as opposed to 'flies' ....

[billb 0]

Duff: A couple suggestions, based on my experience sending swap flies in the opposite direction:

 

Indicate on the Customs declaration on your outside packaging that the contents are a gift, and of low monetary value (unless you're sending valuable presentation flies that you're insuring), so the Customs folks won't think you're trying to send merchandise without paying the required duty.

 

Cash might be easier than getting US stamps or an International Reply Coupon (if the latter is available in Canada) for the return postage.

 

Give yourself plenty of time for delivery across the border -- a couple of weeks for just "regular" mail (what we call First Class mail here in the States).

 

Bill

[mcfly 0]

The International Reply Coupon never seems to cover postage when I send flies to Canada. Also don't send Canadian money. I've tried all the banks around my area and none will cash it unless you have 100$ worth.

 

If it was my swap I'd take extra flies, materials, hooks, or US cash (1.50) or so for postage. It makes life easier. For a brit 5.00 or so but then that depends on the flies and weight.

[Jon G 0]

Hey duffin boy,

 

I just sent flies to michigan on another swap, i live in hamilton. The canadian post system is defineately more expensive than the american system. Try to rememeber use a verythin box even an altoids container ends up being billed as a packageand can jump from a few bucks to 9.50 or even more depending on the timeframe you have.

 

 

For the return postage its probably easier to send a couple of bucks cash the reply coupon costs more than postage .

 

The other option is to drive down to niagra falls new york , grab some chicken wings and beer, go back to the casino ansd play for a few hoursw .. may cost a bit more but you'll defineately have more fun

 

 

Cheers

 

Jon

 

[Duffin Boy 0]

Thanks for your time here.

 

I have mailed flies iin Canada n a flat tin (like an old cigarette case)

before but not across the border.

I suppose I can send cash for thr return trip.

 

Customs slip should say "Fishing Lures- Gift "???????

 

DuFf

[Frogg07 0]

 

The other option is to drive down to niagra falls new york , grab some chicken wings and beer, go back to the casino ansd play for a few hoursw .. may cost a bit more but you'll defineately have more fun

 

 

Cheers

 

Jon

 

 

This has my vote!

BTW: Don't forget your passport. We need them to go to Canada from the US now (or in the very near future).

 

 

Chris

[Ephemerella 0]

No, we Yanks don't need one to get into Canada...just to go back home

-E

[billb 0]

 

Customs slip should say "Fishing Lures- Gift "???????

 

DuFf

 

Duff: I've stated "fishing flies" as package contents on Customs declarations stickers, but flytyingscotsman's advice to write "lures" makes sense: it should prevent having your package opened or held because somebody thought you were trying to send insects across the border. Writing "Gift" in the appropriate location on the sticker should avoid payment of duty.

 

Bill

[Slacker 0]

Hey Duff,

 

Containers I have used for sending my swap flies across the border have been:

 

1. Plastic Ink Pad containers with the pad taken out and washed several times. It is a very thin container but never a problem for fitting flies in it.

 

2. 3 1/2 inch floppy disc holders. Remember when we used to use floppy discs? There were these containers for them that would hold two disc. I had a couple laying around and was going to toss'em when I had a brain wave. Swap cases! They work awesome.

 

Both of these containers cost $2.75 CAD to send to the US regualr mail and everytime they come back it is a $1.90 American in postage. Since International Reply Coupons cost $3.50. I say keep a couple of US Greenbacks on hand.

 

As for a Custom Declaration ...... never had to fill one out. They never ask ... and I never asked to fill one out either. Have seen them coming back though and 'fishing lures' is probably a better label than fishing flies!

 

Hope this helps.

 

Tim

[Duffin Boy 0]

Thank you my Brothers

DuFf