Re: Canadian Customs (was Re: Zip Chapter 11 ... Not anymore)

[glyn@cs.UAlberta.CA (Reade Glyn Devin)]

[Me:]
> > Keep in mind that if you send stuff back to the States (refund, exchange,
> > repairs, etc) that you should register it with Customs (Canada Post
> > will usually do it) so that you don't have to pay any more when it
> > comes back (or so that you can get reimbursed, as appropriate).  I can't
> > remember what the form is called, but it's green, if that helps any :)

[Him:]
>     Our local campus post office doesn't handle that type of request, so
> I had to go down to the nearest Customs office to get one.  I waited in
> line, got a green form (I can't remember the name either), filled it in,
> got back in line and handed over the package (a hard drive) with the
> form.  Just call up your Customs office and they will tell you which
> form to use.  Still, it's a lot of hassle...
> 
> -- Real name:  Brian Tao (Dept. of Exobiology, University of Toronto)

I get around this by keeping a few of those forms around.  Fill them out
and take them down to the post office; they will stamp them & send them
off.  If the Canada Post employee has a problem with this, don't get into
a pissing contest, ask to see his superior.  Keep on going up the chain
until you get someone who knows what they're talking about ( :).  If the
boss doesn't know tell them to phone the customs section of the main
_postal_ branch in your city.

Remember, when dealing with bureaucrats:  If politeness doesn't work, be
obnoxious and persistent.  It's amazing how they'll do what you want just
to be rid of you...  Just remember to try the polite route, first.

--Devin Reade		glyn@cs.ualberta.ca