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Hello all. My question is going out specifically to luthiers living in Canada. I was thinking of order some shell products from DePaule Supplies. Just wondering what to expect as far as Canadian Customs? I am thinking of ordering a Martin style torch and snowflake inlay set for an upcoming build. With all the Lacey act stuff of recent times and things that can and cannot be shipped across borders I am left confused about the whole thing and how we are effected in Canada. DePaule's website says products shipped to Canada would be coming from Vietnam instead of the US. I realize sometimes customs are charged on things ordered from other countries depending on value, but what would I expect on shell products? Anyone have any recent experiences ordering this kind of material? Thanks.

I order from Andy fairly regularly and have never had a problem at customs.
Pat

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There are three kinds of people:

Those that make things happen,
those that watch things happen,
and those that wondered what happened.

Shouldn't be a problem. It's only shipping into the US that's a problem.

I've ordered from dePaule a few times with no problems.

B

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My memory is so good, sometimes I remember things that never happened.

They normally send through the mail. Typically Canada Post doesn't bother with a low value item.
I Order a lot of product out of the US and the tax/duty limit for me on stuff that comes in the mail has been around $200.

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My memory is so good, sometimes I remember things that never happened.

That in fact is the limit, from the US.

Never had a problem and I don't think I've ever had an order tagged by customs.

I may be wrong but I think US dealers are not suppose to export shell products without a whole bunch of hoop jumping.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

Andy DePaule of luthiersupply.com. Ships out of Vietnam with no other taxes and fees.

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Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

False: Lacey paperwork (and fees) from FWS is required for all commercial transactions of shell crossing US border. Note you will see Stewmac, LMI, etc., clearly state that orders of shell can only be shipped within US.

As stated above. No problem as Andy ships out of Vietnam direct to customers in Canada.

Or you could always come across the border if you can, take the shell stuff, and take it out yourself. As far as I know if it's non commercial it's exempt.

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Cat-gut strings are made from kitten guts, stretched out to near breaking point and then hardened with grue saliva. As a result these give a feeling of Pain and anguish whenever played, and often end up playing themselves backwards as part of satanic rituals.

Typhoon Guitars
http://www.typhoon-guitars.com

That's correct. The hoop jumping includes (last time I checked) a $200 fee plus a trip to the nearest Fish and Wildlife office for inspection and then on top of that, I believe you have to ship it through specific ports of export.

Unfortunately, I've had to turn away quite a few Canadian luthiers looking for custom inlay work.

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http://www.birkonium.com CNC Products for Luthiers
http://banduramaker.blogspot.com

Well sounds like I'll be ok to go ahead and order a few things soon then! Thanks guys!