Wondering if anyone has gone over to the States to trade a game? I'm not talking about an Allentown trade where you go down with one and come back with another ("Oh the game in the back is so I can get free admission..." )

I'm wondering what's involved? Taxes, duty, etc.

Any help appreciated.

WHen you go down, you won't have to pay any duty/ taxes.  When you come back, you will get nailed for PST/GST on whatever the value of your receipt is.

THere isnt a provision to only pay on the improved value.  Since its a new item coming into Canada, you will have to pay the PST/GST on it.

You could (in theory) claim back the GST/PST for the original pin, that you shipped to the US. But that process is even more involved, and its probably been in the country for more then 7 years.

This doesn't mean the customs officer won't just wave you through though.  

I would do this.  Write up a letter stating you are exporting a game, and picking up a new game.  When you hit the border, stop at Canada Customs and ask them to stamp your letter, and get a green card for your pin.  When you come back, you can explain to the customs officer that your bringing back a pinball machine, and that you have proof of one going into the US (Green card)

really, he should tell you to report to secondary.. but he may just let you go through.

Can it not get messy when trying to 'import' a machine into the US? Doesn't the US resident have to be the one doing the importing?

It can.. but usually they are pretty good about letting you through.  You may have to pay a nominal merchandise processing fee, and have the  purchasers information.

I've delivered 3 pins from Canada to the US now and never had any issue crossing the boarder into the US.  No fees, no hastle, nothing.

So Subby, couldn't you just get a green card for the game you have in the vehicle on the way down, and use that same green card for the "traded" game on the way back, claiming it's the same game?

D

Quoted from Menace

couldn't you just get a green card for the game you have in the vehicle on the way down, and use that same green card for the "traded" game on the way back, claiming it's the same game?
D

No, since the Canadian green card must be filled with the name and serial number of the original game.

Cheers,
- Sylvain.

Then fill it out with the name and serial number of the machine commin back

Quoted from Menace

I've delivered 3 pins from Canada to the US now and never had any issue crossing the boarder into the US.  No fees, no hastle, nothing.

So Subby, couldn't you just get a green card for the game you have in the vehicle on the way down, and use that same green card for the "traded" game on the way back, claiming it's the same game?

D

What have you said to customs on the way down?

I am also curiopus as to what people say to customs on the way up from the States to give the best honest shot at not being caught out for the taxes?  I am also trying to advise my friend Tim (who is bringing up the STTNG from Syracuse to meet me in Kingston, and taking back down his Multi-Williams).  I'm prepared to pay the taxes on the cash value of the pin, but want to make the whole thing as smooth as possible for him (and Subpacket has already been a great help).  I'm just wondering what works best "Hi I'm bringing a pinball machine up to meet with my friend in Kingston for lunch and to trade for a video game." ??

When I bought my Fish Tales the guy drove it up from Mich, he didn't have to pay a cent.

Quoted from Vengeance

When I bought my Fish Tales the guy drove it up from Mich, he didn't have to pay a cent.

Did he say anything at the border? (looking for the best strategy to advise without being outright dishonest here).  Besides which , if they don't find the baggy of ludes taped inside the machine, I  don't mind paying the GST   (To Big Brother: Just kidding!)

Quoted from Vengeance

When I bought my Fish Tales the guy drove it up from Mich, he didn't have to pay a cent.

I had a guy deliver a game from Detriot last week and only had to pay GST on it. I was expecting both taxes and Adam's guy doesn't get asked for a thing.
Are there not guidlines in place for this kind of thing?

I would be careful not claiming full value. I've heard of a guy declaring less and the boarder monkey googling the game. Told him he paid alot more than he declared. Impounded his truck and interogated him for a couple hours. I think it cost him around 500 extra in fines when all was said and done. Story came directly from him.
Not to mention the cavity search. YAOW JK

IBCrackin: I thought TZ was your last game? How did you convince your wife to get another?
BTW, I finished the vacation in WH2O on the weekend! w00t!