who else carries exotics?

[Kelly]

I have stepped foot on the slippery slope...

I am so pleased with my exotics that came from PP yesterday, that now I'm wondering who else carries an exotic line? You were all right when you said there is something indescribable about them. Very addicting.

[pearlescence]

Hi
There are several of us who also have what PP calls exotics..me, Nerida, to name but two (europe and australia)
where are you?

[Kelly]

I am in Victoria, BC, Canada.

[pearlescence]

Then a seller on the american continent is probably the most efficient for you (doesn't
canada have a customs agreement with america?)

[Kelly]

To be honest, I'm not sure of what agreement, if any, is in place. My pearls were my first order outside of Canada. I know I was charged Canadian sales taxes by the delivery company when they arrived and I know there are brokerage charges for some things...beyond that?

[pearlescence]

Someone else could add some info here maybe...I know my aunt who lived in Sault ste Marie used to nip to America to post most of her mail as it worked out cheaper!

[pattye]

Kelly,

You might check with Kevin Canning, www.PearlsofJoy.com. I think he's from Canada, and probably would be familiar with postage stuff.

Important to know that many of the online dealers have items that are limited edition, so to speak, and may not have enough volume, or enough alike to advertise them on their websites. Soooo-pick up the phone and call! Very possible he has some exotics also---------

[Caitlin]

We have a couple of vendors who sell in Canada besides Kevin. Keep an eye on the location in the upper right of each post. Maybe use the Google for this site found in the upper left corner of each page for mentions of Canada.

[waimeamomi]

Iʻve sold to Canada and the only difference was it costs more to send them because of an export tax or something. I donʻt have any exotics though.

[Kevin Canning]

Hey Kelly,

Just saw your post and I'm actually from Victoria myself, grew up in brentwood bay - good to see another islander on the board.

As for shipping I found it can vary a lot actually. You should assume there will be some sort of tax, i don't know the rate but anytime you import something, Canada will want to tax it.

Although, sometimes I get reports of no tax being charged at all, then sometimes I am told by customers that they were charged tax and a brokerage fee.

UPS seems to end up costing more then Fedex, not sure why but Fedex rarely tries to charge a brokerage fee. Often times you can just tell them you don't want to pay the brokerage fee and they will remove it from the bill, I guess depends who you deal with.

[pearlescence]

It might be cheaper to buy loose pearl strands and either string yourself (if you can) or get them knotted - loose pearls don't usually attract an import duty (although they might still get a purchase/sales/vat/ type tax imposed.
I've found that fedex always tries to charge me customs - even when importing loose pearls. UPS is useless postal service (my shipments always get stuck while some clod faffs around). DHL is my shipper of choice if I don't use the post office

[Kelly]

Hi all:

Thanks for the advice. My first strand came last week from PP, and I was charged substantial sales taxes, but not brokerage (Fedex). The sales tax is enough, believe me, without paying brokerage.

I have considered buying unstrung stands and knotting myself. As I plan on wearing my pearls often, it is a skill that will no doubt come in handy. I've been beading for years, and knotting has been something I've been meaning to try and hopefully master.

There are so many places to purchase pearls, and it can be a bit overwhelming who to turn to. I am particularly taken with exotics, keishis and baroques. Such a variability in pricing once you start tootling around. Well anyway, I appreciate you all indulging my many questions. I'd rather ask than get burned.

[mrsz]

Hi Kelly,

My experience is the same as what Kevin's customers have relayed. I find that what you are charged depends on the courier service and how motivated Canada Customs (or perhaps Canada Post??) is on any given day. You are supposed to pay duty and taxes on everything (except gifts under $60 CDN) unless the item is duty free (I think loose diamonds are now exempt from duty but am not sure about loose pearls. I've paid duty on finished pearl strands though.) My experience is that sometimes when the value is under $200 and the package is sent USPS (which is then carried by Canada Post when it hits Canada), they sometimes let it go with no additional charges. Sometimes not. It seems pretty random to me. I've found Fedex always results in paying the full duty/taxes but I've never had a problem with their services (can't say the same for USPS and Canada Post). Brokerage fees can depend on the courier and package value. If you find a cheaper way, you'll let me know right?

[Kelly]

Absolutely. Thanks for the help.

[Marianne]

Hi Kelly,
Check out kojimapearl.com. Sarah has some very very nice and different pearls. Plus she is a wonderful lady and will work with you to find what you want.
Marianne
PS I grew up in Lynden, so we were practically neighbors.