Cross border shopping doesn’t always involve driving and visiting malls in person. Shopping on-line is most convenient today. Thanks to the extension of Internet Tax Freedom Act [1], US mail order companies will not charge US sales tax for orders coming to Canada. However cross border mail order has its pitfalls that you should consider and investigate carefully.
- Warranty. Some products do not have international or North America warranty.
- Return of defective products. Some mail order firm only handle defective products for a limited period of time. After that, you’ll have to deal with the manufacturer directly. Of course, you’ll pay for all the shipping charge.
- Satisfaction guarantee. Unlike the friendly local companies, mail order companies usually have a limited satisfaction guarantee and may charge a restocking fee for returned items.
- Shipping cost. Without exception, free shipping cross border never applies.
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