I am in Canada and a newbie to this forum.  I would like to know whats involved in shipping by air from US to either Toronto or Buffalo.  NAVL seems difficult to Canada and too much $$$$.  Any advice would be appreciated.  

P.S. I am wanting to aquire a TZ. TAF. IJ as my dream list.  Not for the sake of it but to play.  I played several pins in my late teens and early twenties but these are my favs.

Have the seller pack it up very well, and drop off to a forward air terminal.
Call the forward air (closest location to your seller) and have them let you know the fee to send it to Toronto (or buffalo)
Send that forward air a money order in US funds, for the shipping.

Forward Air will let you know when it arrives.  Let them know you will clear it yourself.  (If you need a broker, I can put you in touch with some)
Go to forward air and pick up the customs paperwork.
Walk over to customs, pay the 13% and walk back to forward air
Pick up your pinball machine.
Go home.

I've done this alot, and its worked out great each time northbound.  Southbound.. well there was only 1 screwup.

You can also get the seller to pay for the shipping, and bump it into the price. I found it was less hassle to just send forward air the money.  You can also call there and ask for a local mom and pop cartage company to go and pick up the machine.  I've had the cheapest ($30) rates from the mom and pop places, and forward air will let you know who they suggest to use if the seller can't deliver to forward air.

You can save a terminal fee of $60 I believe if you pick it up in Buffalo, but then you have gas, your time, and you still have to go through customs.

Thanks for the reply.  I have seen you post that type of advice but didnt get the name at the time.  How have you screened sellers in other locals such as the US where you cant meet them personally or see what they are selling.

Quoted from Dipstick Jimmy

Thanks for the reply.  I have seen you post that type of advice but didnt get the name at the time.  How have you screened sellers in other locals such as the US where you cant meet them personally or see what they are selling.

I usually use a ouija board.




Or I ask around here and search RGP.

Quoted Text

Thanks for the reply.  I have seen you post that type of advice but didn't get the name at the time.  How have you screened sellers in other locals such as the US where you cant meet them personally or see what they are selling.

I rarely buy sight unseen, but if I do, I do it with style. Picked up my TAF from Southport, UK sight unseen.  


The only thing I can suggest is deal with reputable people, get someone local to take a peek at it for you (RGP is great for that). Do your homework.

Quoted from Monkeybug

I usually use a ouija board.




Or I ask around here and search RGP.

That's awesome! Using an Ouija board to find out if flying saucers are real

Just throw aside the Ouija board and nail her!

Sorry guys, couldnt help myself.