Saber Forum

We have added USPS International Shipping back for shipping to Canada only.

So our choices for our Canadian customers are:

FedEx International Economy: http://www.fedex.com/us/service-guide/our-services/international/index.html?qgroup=toggle-c3&qid=FedEx_International_Economy (http://www.fedex.com/us/service-guide/our-services/international/index.html?qgroup=toggle-c3&qid=FedEx_International_Economy)

USPS International Shipping: https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail-international.htm (https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail-international.htm)


We added USPS International Shipping back because the complaints about the Custom and Brokerage fees for UPS Standard were beginning to mount and these complaints were aimed at us.  We have nothing to do with Brokerage and Customs fees, those are all dictated by each countries customs agents.  We do everything we possibly can to minimize these charges.

We have also gotten rid of UPS all together and switched to FedEx due to these complaints.  For what we've been told customers are rarely if ever charged Brokerage Fees when using FedEx International Economy.

Here is my synopsis of the 3 shipping methods to Canada:

UPS Standard
NO LONGER OFFERED.  TOO MANY COMPLAINTS
This is the cheapest method, which is good.  The tracking is very reliable and damage to packages is covered and claims are easy to file, which is good as well.  There is a moderate chance that you will be charged a Brokerage or Customs fee when choosing this shipping method, this is bad.  However, many customers are not charged anything extra at all, but some are, we have NO control over this.  This is dictated by customs.  This method is faster than USPS International Shipping, but slower than UPS Worldwide Expedited.

FedEx International Economy
This is the fastest possible shipping method we offer to Canada.  The tracking is very reliable and damage to packages is covered and claims are easy to file, which is good as well.  There is a NO chance that you will be charged a Brokerage fee and a very low chance you will be charged a Customs fee when choosing this shipping method.  Almost no customers ever have to pay extra when choosing this shipping method to Canada, but rarely some do on large orders, we have NO control over this.  This is dictated by customs.

USPS International Shipping
The tracking is very unreliable and it is nearly impossible to get damage claims covered for damage during shipping, which is bad.  There virtually no chance you will be charged a Brokerage or Customs fee, I have never had it happen with a package to Canada, but again we have no control over this, it is dictated by customs.  But I have never had it happen on one of our packages, which is good.  This is the slowest method of shipping, which is bad.



Please feel free to chime in with your shipping experience for ULTRASABERS shipping to CANADA.  Please don't refer to your baseball bat or big screen tv shipping to Canada. Or your Ultrasabers shipping to New Zealand.  Just on Ultrasabers shipping to Canada.  Even if it is just to say that you got you package via FedEx International Economy and you didn't have to pay anything.  Or even if 7 people have already said the same thing before you, feel free to say the same thing again.  I'm sure all feedback will help others make their decisions.


Thanks for reading

Thanks for adding the options Emory!

In our little group here in winnipeg, we have a few different accounts and have ordered multiple sabers, sometimes one at a time, sometimes multiples.

It seems for only one or two sabers, (or one staff) none of us have been charged the brokerage, however with larger orders where it increases the weight, if not the size of the box, our guys have been charged brokerage. I agree, this is not ultras fault, its UPS.

Eight months ago our airsoft group did a 2500$ group order, across multiple teams (about 50 players got in on it) from a site out of hong kong, in order to save on shipping. Shipping was about 300$ on top of that, UPS in all their wisdom decided to charge an additional 300$ in brokerage.

Its something with our stupid border and customs, they like to do things to gouge canadians further for not buying locally i guess.



Word to the wise for all other canadian ultrasabers fans, one or two sabers, use the good old UPS standard, you should be fine and not be charged.

Anything beyond that, either use USPS and let it take longer...OR spend the extra on the expidited worldwide shipping. No extra fees on a whim by UPS...AND you get your sabers faster :-D

I'm in Nova Scotia Canada and have only ordered single sabers or electronics. Regular UPS works fine and is cheapest. Once it's turned over to Purolater it moves faster but UPS says 8 days and they mean it.

Good idea to add the USPS but I think I'll stick with the tried and true method.

I suppose it depends on where you are, here in winnipeg it comes right from a ups truck. As i said, 1 or 2 sabers we have never been charged brokerage. However larger orders, usually 3 or more , they do charge us, and the amount seems to vary for some reason.

First off, thank you Emory for offering us additional options.  Much appreciated.

I'm a newbie here, and just ordered my second (!) saber.  My first one came UPS, and I paid 17 bucks to UPS for "brokerage fees" when it arrived.

My second one is coming UPS as well.

Now... I must say, that anyone getting mad at US (or any other American retailer) for having to pay import/GST/brokerage should learn what these fees are.  As Emory said, it isn't the retailers fault... and I've seen a few retailers simply stop shipping to Canada to avoid the complaints.  I'm delighted to see Emory taking the better road to keep us Canucks happy.  :)

However... let me offer a tip to you all...  UPS "brokerage" fees are complete at total BS.  They are pretty much random, and are pretty much a money-grab.  (I remember getting two sabers from MR several years ago... identical boxes... a week apart.  One had a brokerage fee in the 30 dollar range.  The other... nothing.)

"That's all fine CK, but I want my package" you think.

Here's how to do it.  Find out where your cities CBSA office is (Canadian Border Services Agency).

When the UPS guy comes to your door, and tells you that you owe XXX dollars for "brokerage" fees, tell the driver you refuse the shipment, and that you'll "self-clear" the package.  Go to your CBSA office, with a copy of your purchase invoice (showing how you paid, and for what) and your UPS tracking number.  You'll pay the required GST and duty (if any) and be on your way.  Take your paperwork from CBSA to the UPS office, and claim your package.  Once you've cleared it yourself, they can't charge you their BS fees.

This made headlines in Calgary a while back, as a guy did just that (paying $1.37 in tax, rather than the 19 dollars UPS wanted), and when he got his package at UPS, they still wanted the fee.  He took his package and left, at which time the UPS supervisor called the police and accused the guy of theft.  UPS then apologized, and claimed they hadn't "implemented internal procedures regarding self clearance and hadn't trained their staff".  They further said they needed six weeks to properly train their people.   (This is also total BS, as people have been able to self-clear their packages for quite some time.)

So.... to sum up...

• Ask the seller to write "self-clear" on the outside of the box so UPS knows your intent then track the box yourself
• If the box comes to your door anyway, reject it and get the tracking number. Or just inform the driver you will self-clear it, if it's not written on the package.
• Next go to the CBSA office and give them a copy of the invoice from the seller and the UPS tracking number
• CBSA will decide if it needs to inspect your package or release it without inspection and will calculate the tax or duty owed
• Take the receipt to your UPS pickup location, and claim your package.

I happen to have a lady working for me part-time, who has been a full-time employee of the CBSA for many years.  I just corroborated this procedure with her, and she told me they get quite a few people there self-clearing their UPS packages for this very reason.  She also told me that the UPS charges are ridiculous.

Next time they try to charge me a stupid amount of money for a package, I'll be doing this myself.


Hope this is useful!  :)

Brilliant post my my cowtown Jedi friend! Points!!

My pleasure.

Granted, it makes for a bit of running-around to get your goodies, but it depands A) How much UPS is trying to gouge you and B) how tired you are of being gouged.   ;)

Thanks for the points!  :D

living on Vancouver Island in BC and hate using UPS for cross border shipping.
I asked to have my saber shipped USPS and the Awesome people at US said "no problem" :)
After ordering my saber and construction, it actually arrived very fast (about a week plus) and with $0.00 to pay.
I have used UPS in the past and refused shipments (about 2 years ago) because they wanted $40 for a $12 item  >:(
As some people have no problems with UPS, I might try them again (because I know the driver from where I work)
But thank you US for providing this as an option!! :D

batty53
My the Force be with you

So i had a fun 30 min phone call with ups today.


They decided to charge me 22$ and change brokerage for my archon v2 being delivered tomorrow.

The thing is, two previous packages shipped in march (guardian) and june (prophecy) i wasnt charged brokerage for, just stunt sabers, all 3 of them, like the archon.

The only thing is, the archon is in pieces, because ultra and deep are awesome and agreed to send it to me in parts so i could assemble it myself for my knight saber.

Apparantly UPS decided to value the saber higher because it was "multiple items"

So after 15 min of explaining to the guy on the phone that they were the same thing each time, and providing him with 2 previous tracking numbers, for which i was not charged any brokerage. Then waiting 5 min on hold. And then explaining for another 10 min to a supervisor that the items were the exact same thing, they dropped the brokerage charges and i only owe 4.61$ in GST (government sales tax) at the door.

I can live with that.

Larger orders valued higher, i understand the brokerage, i dont like it,  but i know how to self clear and it can be dealt with. It just really bothered me that they had set a precedent at not charging me the brokerage on two previous orders for what amounted to the exact same thing (the guardian was actually more expensive than the archon) the only difference being that the archon was in pieces.



out of curiosity any non canadian forumites get charged brokerage by UPS when recieving shipments from somewhere other than the USA? Im just curious.


Ultra and deep, you guys are great, and i cant wait to open that thing up tomorrow and build it on the weekend!

After reading this I am not sure about having my next order (a Saber for my Fiance & Staff for myself) shipped UPS.  I was going to try it for giggles but they would not come close to half the cost of my War Glave, that cost me nothing at the door ($10 more to ship USPS over UPS)  Hrmmmm......
Much to ponder I have......

If its multiple sabers(staff counting as2) there will be brokerage, our guys know that and accept that.

It was more that they had set a president with multiple other shipments of a single saber at a time, where ups didn't charge brokerage. At least 3 orders I had done personally, and another 4 that others in my group had done.

That's really the only reason I took issue with it this time. When I finally get around to ordering my staff, I'll pay the brokerage and deal with it, as it is considered multiple sabers.

Dunno why ups likes to do this specifically to Canadians, but they do.


A buddy of mine was charged 40$ by them, for 4 mtg boosters he bought online that we're from an older set. It was like 12$ worth of cards, and he had paid 10$ or so in shipping.

The amount they charge for brokerage is completely arbitrary.


Please keep in mind, this isn't ultra's fault. This is ups themselves having horrible business practices for Canadian customers.

Ultra was awesome and went out of his way to look into other shipping methods for us.

The only reason I didnt use one this time is because in our experience, we have never been charged that kriffing fee on single saber orders.

I understand that :)  What I am saying is that I think I will go with USPS option that the AWESOME US staff have so nicely added for us for my next order!!
Hopefully in another month or so (once the $$ is saved up and maybe there will be a back to school sale LOL)

I did UPS Worldwide Expedited and I got hit with a $10.00 brokerage fee, $1.30 brokerage fee tax, and $5.12 Goods and Services Tax. So $16.42 in total charges.

Next time I'm going to try UPS standard

Where are you locacted?

Niagara Falls.

Sounds about right.  Bloody rip off artists lol. Oh well I got my saber in the end and love it

First off, I want to say thank you to ultrasabers and everything they've done for us! I am sure everybody appreciates the effort you guys do to satisfy us :)

So this is going to be my second time i've ordered a saber. The first one i've ordered was from a grab bag which is at a great price, but due to the fact that I've been reading around and being informed about the brokerage fees, I decided to go with the most expensive shipping service, which was Fedex Air at ~$45. That brought the total to about $100, but it was necessary if i wanted to avoid those fees. In the end, I received my saber and wasn't charged anything at all which was great!

Today, I had my second saber arrive to me, this time I bought the Graflex SE at a total of 306 + $20 in shipping. I went with UPS Standard this time, just to give it a shot.
To no surprise, I was charged a brokerage fee at about $40. On the spot, I rejected the payment and my lovely saber left my sight. I was planning to self clear, but seeing as how if I do, i would be charged duty and HST anyways.

I was wondering if I should just pay as it is because HST at 0.13% of $306 is still $40.

But nonetheless, if anyone does not want to go through the troubles of brokerage fees, they should always choose by air. It may be more but in the long run, it is the cheaper cost.

Yeah im not sure why UPS hits us so hard, but it happens. If the brokerage is close to the taxes you would have paid, just pay the brokerage, if its a big difference, then self clear.

What ever happened to FedEx? I remember US offering it a while back.

I have a slightly different issue, and hopefully there's some idea of what to do in my case...

I'm not actually looking to purchase a new saber at the moment - but I was hoping to pick up a few accessories. (In particular, a belt clip, saber plug and couple of replacement batteries.)  The total for this is around $20... but the shipping options come out to approximately $20, $30 and $40.  For something that likely weighs less than 2 pounds... this seems a little high. :)  As well, if I select UPS shipping, add in the unpredictable 'brokerage fee' you guys have been talking about and it really doesn't make much sense...

Anyone have any ideas on what to do in this case?  I *may* be buying another saber in the future, but that's currently not planned nor guaranteed.  I admit that I haven't reached out to the US guys directly yet, but will if that makes the most sense.

best thing to do in those situations is hold off for a group order with buddies, and split the shipping

Thanks... makes sense. :)

I actually do work for a customs broker and perhaps I could give some advice.

First, I would always choose to self clear, no matter the courier used as any of them should/could be charging for Customs depending on whether or not the shipper chooses to send something prepaid or not.

When I get to customs, I would say to the officer you are presenting the paperwork too, that you think this item should be classified under HS 9503.90.00.99 (the HS Tariff is what determines the duties payable on an item), as this is a duty free HS the goods should not be dutiable. Unfortunately we are obligated to pay GST/HST or GST/PST on any purchases made in Canada as we are the end user of the produce, consider it lucky if you don't. There are very few instances where taxes are not payable (most non prepared food items, Canadian goods returning back to Canada to be repaired, etc..). In many instances though for personal imports they won't charge GST/HST/PST on shipments valued under $1600 Canadian I've noticed as these are considered Low Value (although I don't quite know the reason personal shipments are exempted but commercial shipments are not, I work on the commercial side).

In addition, if the paperwork (and any packaging the Sabre comes in) is clearly marked as being manufactured in the US and there being a statement attesting to this on the commercial invoice, any duties should be waved under NAFTA. The act of constructing/building the sabre should be sufficient to qualify the finished product under NAFTA.

Now for the standard disclaimer, I'm saying this totally unofficially in no legal/advisory way and this is my opinion only and is in no way to be considered legal / customs advice. I'm just saying what I know (or think for that matter, and I'm sorry for that last sentence :P)

I just got my shipment confirmation and I am glad to see that to me in Canada Ultra Sabers used FedEx!
Should be no problem with fees at my door now!

Thanks Ultra!

wait... Fedex? When did that start?

Not sure. My obsidian board is coming through FedEx too...

Let me add that I ordered an extra blade for the Graflex and that's coming through FedEx too. Haven't seen any official announcement though...

I didnt pay any extra fees! Haza!

Noticed you updated the main page. Thanks Deep!

Just wanted to post my recent experience with shipping via USPS International Shipping to Canada.

I hate UPS with a passion, and my only options were USP or USPS so I went with USPS.
I have never had a problem with USPS, and that continues to be the case.

I received my Saber via USPS a week after I ordered it. I was extremely pleased with this as most shipments I get from the states takes 2-4 weeks.
The big problem I have had with UPS in general is if I am not home or awake when UPS tries to deliver a package, I have to drive 2 hours out to pick it up, then 2 hours back.

When I get a package via USPS, Canada Post tries to deliver it, if I am not home or asleep, I can just pick up the package locally the next day with no problems.

I had no problems at all via USPS :)


So, I also won a Saber in the Raffle (Thanks Ultra Sabers!!) and it is coming via FedEx. 
I have never received a package via FedEx before so I hope this goes well!

Well my Obsidian board came via FedEx today and I didn’t pay any fees. I hadn't paid any through UPS either but at least that didn't change for me. It is definitely going to take some getting used to though...FedEx has very different delivery times from UPS. I knew that with UPS I would have my package in 7-8 business days no matter what. With FedEx, it told me yesterday that it was out for delivery but it didn't arrive until late this afternoon. I am by no means complaining or blaming US for this; simply stating my experience and observations. I understand that too many people complained about UPS but I actually preferred it. Oh well, that's being in the minority lol

The saber I won in the Autumn Raffle came by FedEx.
Everything went well!

It was Shipped out on October 4th and they Delivered it to me on October 9th.
I live about 2 hours outside of Vancouver, BC.

Shipping was very fast as there was a long weekend in there.

Shipped out on a Thursday, arrived in Vancouver on the Saturday where it waited there till Tuesday, and then it was in my hands the same day.

No additional charges.


I was very impressed with the speed!
I don't think I have ever received a package so quick from the states.

I know I've made it clear that I liked UPS but up to now I've been neutral on FedEx...I really hate FedEx now. I just got a bill from them!

I spent 21$ from US, paid the shipping which was around 25$ and just got a "flat rate" invoice from FedEx for an extra $15. I know this isn't the fault of US, but I'm really not happy with FedEx. I'm wondering now if my subsequent orders are all going to have a "flat rate" invoice of 15$ now. If they do, I am never using FedEx again. What a pain! Again, this in no way reflects on US...I just wish I could still use UPS.

I called them on this. Some of that is a GST charge. The other $10 is a charge if the reciever does not have a FedEx account. If you get a FedEx account which is free on their site they only charge you the GST. I did this and they took off the $10 when I called.

good to know thanks for the heads up

I think we may have to give US our FedEx account numbers when ordering now so we can avoid the charges all together.

If you choose the USPS/Canada Post option, these issues tend to disappear. My Bellicose just arrived and I'm waiting for my work shift to end... All that was required was a signature at the door. 6 business days to avoid these aforementioned hassles made it worth it for me.

The only thing with using the USPS option is that, while yes you avoid the $10 Fed Ex charge, you pay about that in the general shipping cost to begin with.

I just received my Overlord today and have to say I was absolutely floored by the whole process... Placed the order on Thursday, it shipped on Friday and I picked it up today.  I really didn't expect it to move that fast, especially as we get closer to the holidays! A+ on service overall :)

I received the invoice for GST + fee as well yesterday for a previous order - good to know about being a FedEx customer to get it waived, I will give them a call in the morning. :)  I imagine I'll have another one coming now due to this most recent one so best to nip that in the bud, eh?

I went with USPS only because I thought I had to sign for it once it arrived and if i was not at home, I'd have to go to the post office to pick it up.  Turns out that this was not the case.  According to a USPS rep I spoke to over the phone, it takes 6-10 business days (USPS Priority Mail International) for packages to be delivered to your front door. Because their tracking updates were, and are, very poor and slow,  I called USPS to see if they could provide with me with a more accurate tracking info on my package.  They couldn't and the rep simply gave the same info I already knew from their tracking site.  I ended up tracking my order through Canada Post which gave more precise details of where my package was at any given moment and as to its current status.

Overall, I'm satisfied with USPS save the long wait time, relatively speaking of course (it seems very long when you're waiting for your saber to arrive, lol) and its slow updating of tracking in its sites.

On a side note, I went and ordered another Guardian  ;D (for my brother's Christmas present) and I went with FedEx this time around.  Upon shipping, I expect the saber to be delivered much quickly this time around.

When using Fed Ex there may be no brokerage fees, but there are P.S.T & G.S.T fees + a Fed Ex administration fee (about $10) to collect the federal and provincial taxes.  This will be in effect as long as the declared value of the package is over $20.  If declared as a gift there is no P.S.T and G.S.T. collected for a value of $60 or less.
Although the USPS doesn't collect the Canadian taxes, Canada Post will, when it takes over from USPS at the border, and they too charge an administration fee to collect the taxes dependent upon the value of package.  It can range anywhere from $8 - $12.  Otherwise the cut-off limits I've described for Fed Ex are the same for Canada Post because it's set by the feds in Ottawa.

That's Fex Ex for you. I've chosen the USPS option and both times, I've either just signed for the package at the door, or this evening, just picked it up at the post office when I wasn't available to receive it at the door. Like Deep said above, consider the USPS option to make this a bit simpler.

I just received my 5th FedEX bill.  Each one is for $17 and change.  Should have read this thread through sooner.   :(  On my way to their site to create an account...

Hi guys,

I'm from Croatia and only available option was FedEx Economy. I'm still waiting for my item, but I will post here what they charged me.

The problem I had with FedEx here is that they are, err... thieves. At least their croatian department. You almost ALWAYS have to pay customs tax (12%), then of course VAT (25%), then they charge you with some stowage fee (15-20%), and that is extra on the shipping you see when choosing the option. So it seems that, regardless of Ultra's nice price, my 295$ Guardian (sound, FOC, blade plug, clip...) will cost me about 520$ alltogether. 

On the positive side, items are delivered in perfect condition and on time. But you pay for it.

Maybe they changed something in the last year, but there are literally 60 pages of complaints on croatian forum topic FedEx. Anyway, I'll keep you posted, can't wait for my lightsaber to arrive. :)

I accidentally double posted same post.

Yeah, my saber is due to arrive on February, 4th.

For my first saber, I went with USPS hoping that I'd have to sign for it upon delivery --- didn't happen.  The postman left it on the side of my porch and I was home at the time too.     I refreshed the Canada Post tracking page and it indicated that it had been delivered.  I was puzzled by this so I went and checked and there it was on the side of my porch.  I was kinda pissed actually.  Anyone could've just stolen my package without me knowing.  So because of this, I opted for FedEx which requires a signature for and upon delivery.


... I've since then opened a free account with FedEx too....

Even with a FedEx Account after the package you can rid yourself of the $10. Just give your Fed Ex account in the order info or to the fedex guy at your door

Gotcha.  Thanks. 

I did notice however on the bill invoice sent that there is a box for "Account Number".  Anyway, I always go in person to pay so if I am billed that extra 10$, I can always inform them that I have an account with them.  It should be in there system and I printed out the confirmation page of registration which has my account number on it that I can show for proof.

Sounds like you are covered
Just remember you have to pay GST

Yup I know --- I've already paid 2 FedEx bills.

Ok, my saber arrived today. The saber was nicely packed, no problems with it whatsoever, everything's working and the saber is AWESOME!

Now, FedEx or their croatian department Rhea. First they take EVERYTHING to customs, DHL does not. Then they asked for original receipt. Since Emory was kind enough to put 49,99 $ price on invoice, I didn't want to give them my 350$ bill... So I faked my PayPal receipt and sent them that one. Then they said that saber price is not separated from postage so they wanted me to login to my PayPal account and printscreen it. Then I snapped, sent them all to hell and told them I don't have any intention to lose my time over them anymore... Then they took my faked PayPal and calculated fee on that. 10% customs fee, 25 % VAT, and their stowage and manipulative costs. All in all delivery to my door costs about 430$ and the starting price (Guardian with FedEx International Economy) was 350 $.

And I really have to say big thanks to Emory and Ultrasabers. I specifically asked if they can double check that saber doesn't miss a screw or something and that it works cause I couldn't send it back and they did. Customer Service is excellent and the saber is wooow.

WARNING: For people that order from Europe, don't forget that we have different electricity plugs so don't forget to buy 110 to 220v adapter in your local store, otherwise you won't be able to charge your batteriess when you get your lightsaber. And it is mandatory to charge them before first use.

Thanks Ultrasabers.

Wow, that is some extra fee you paid there....  Would it somehow helped if you opened an account with them.. I dunno.... not familiar with how FedEx works in Croatia....


P.S.  You have a review coming there for your new Guardian?  I'd love to hear your take on it....

There won't be video review, but I will write a few words in Reviews section, as soon as I stop PLAYING with it! :)

An Overlord (GB w/FoC BH) with a couple extra 36" blades shipped via FedEx International Economy to a smaller city near Vancouver BC took only 5 days and I paid absolutely NO additional fees. It was all bundled up in plenty of bubble wrap. I am totally stoked on my lightsaber! Thank you!  ;D

Just received my second shipment via USPS.  4 or 5 previous shipments were via FedEx and I got dinged with COD for HST (Canadian sales tax) AND the FedEx fee.  USPS takes a couple extra days for me (~8 vs 6), but I've paid absolutely nothing beyond my original US invoice.  All my FedEx and USPS shipments arrived in excellent condition, inside and out.  Thanks (again) Emory (et al)!

I received my Reaper saber today. It took a little over a week to get my saber shipped to Ottawa. The only problem i had with shipping USPS is that the box arrived with a corner damaged leaving the lower claw exposed. There was only a little dent on the claw nothing major and easily fixed. I was able to track the saber the entire time so i new exactly where it was. If they can keep packages from getting damaged there would be no problems with shipping USPS. Love my new Reaper and I can't wait to get my next one.

Is there anyway you will ship internationally?

When you proceed to the order checkout in the cart, you'll have the option to choose your country in the list. It should then give you the shipping options as well.

You don't have to click checkout and actually order the saber, but go to the site and add stuff to your cart. You'll see it at the bottom of the order.

Ok, thank you so much  ;D  8)

Ordered Phantom initiate, via FedEx international economy (no other ways to ship the order to Ukraine).

9th of may - the tracking of shipment started,
10th of may - shipment arrived at MEMPHIS, TN, FedEx sorting facility.
And stayed there till now.

Absolutely hate FedEx for this strange delay,
maybe they've sent an email to the sender with the description of the reason of the delay?

My local FedEx said that "There may be some troubles with the documents, contact the sender".

It's really sad, to wait extra time for such awesome thi,s as a lightsaber)

Anyone encountered similar troubles with FedEx?

I just recently purchased 2 grab bag sabers, which I am quite pleased with both, and had them shipped to Burlington (just outside of Toronto) in Ontario. I ordered the second 4 days after the first, but the first one I had shipped through USPS ($43) and the second through FedEx ($28). I assumed USPS would be faster based on the price difference but they actually arrived the same day, which was pretty cool. Always going to go FedEx from now on when ordering to southern Ontario, cheaper AND faster and still no duty or any other extra charges

Yes, definitely, faster is true as well, but keep checking your mail. The $15ish bill usually comes after the fact, and that's why I wait the extra day or two when I get them to ship to me here in London ON.

Delivery from Ultrasabers via FedEx to Toronto is 2 days, 3 days max depending on the day and hour I place an order.  It had never gone past 3 days.

Opening a free FedEx account takes off $10 from the customs fee --- so FedEx is still better than USPS --- cheaper and faster.

Ensure you do so before ordering your next saber.  In the event that you do get charged the Advancement Fee of $10, call them and inform them that you have an account with them and they'll deduct that fee immediately and re-bill you making the necessary adjustments.  I know cuz I've done this before.

Your services are top-rate! I'm in Canada, and my Ultrasaber arrived in only TWO DAYS!!! Fantastic! And it's my first one, an Aeon LE V3 in Arctic Blue. Simply beautiful.  ;D

Got my staff in  3 days (not counting the long weekend) via fed ex.
no issues, no problems - coming to Saskatchewan ,

I got my First Lightsaber Today took 5 Business days using USPS that is really Quick! From where I am South of Ontario Canada =) No issues from shipping.

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Just a note, I put in my order last friday and today is thursday(monday was a holiday) and my order still says "processing" so hopefully the actual shipping part to it will go faster :)    I also created a fedex account because of this thread! Thanks for the heads up!
I will also keep you posted on the progress of this order!

Super excited! First Saber EVERRRRRRRRRR. My wife teased me about it, so I got her a grab bag too ;)

forgot to mention im in Ottawa  ;D

The US crew has been at a convention so shipping during that time has been delayed.  I was lucky enough to get my last order shipped the day before they shut down.

yeah... that would make sense as to why its taking a little longer than 'normal'.
Anyone have any clue when they will be back? heheh

The e-mail I have said September 4th, so they should be back at it now.

Just a FYI to my fellow Canadian's. I've now ordered 2 sabers, one in July, one end of August/early September. I have now twice been hit by a duties/tax charge from FedEx around $14 each.

Mine went to collections. Frankly, I already paid shipping here so they can come and get me if they want.  ;)

So I ordered my first saber on Dec 5 2013, and it arrived today (Dec 9th). Shipped with FedEx and cleared with no extra charges.

Pretty impressive when I've ordered stuff from within the country takes a week or more sometimes. From Texas to Hamilton, Ontario in 4 days with no extra charges. That's just another excuse for me to get more =)

Not unless you opened a free account with FedEx, you will most likely later get in the mail, an Advancement Fee of $10.

If you haven't already, open an account with FedEx so you won't get charged the Advancement Fee of $10.  And like I mentioned in a prior post above, "do so before ordering your next saber.  In the event that you do get charged the Advancement Fee of $10, call them and inform them that you have an account with them and they'll deduct that fee immediately and re-bill you making the necessary adjustments.  I know cuz I've done this before."

I just ordered my first saber, December 17th, a grab bag, for various reasons.

I opted for FedEx International Economy® and it was $34.52 for shipping and handling, for Victoria, BC. I'll chime in when it arrives and the like ^.^

I've had to pay an extra fee both times I ordered through US with the fed ex but it's at about 14-17 dollars not that huge of a deal but something for my fellow Canadians to be aware of that if you get a piece in the mail from Fed ex after you ordered that would be why

both Packages did arrive here in Burnaby B.C without any damage and the tracking service is great (I was constantly on their site like a hawk waiting for my sabers)

Just got my new Dark War Glaive in St Catharines ON. Fedex Economy shipping. No extra fees, driver handed me the box, took my signature and was on her way!

Unless you have an account with FedEx, which is free btw, you'll later get billed an Advancement Fee of $10 --- this happened to me and I live in Toronto.

Just so you're aware, if you do already have an account with them and still get billed, which happened to me a couple of times, simply call them and they'll readjust the statement.

I made two purchases in July of this year.  This is my experience using both USPS and FedEx delivery to Victoria, British Columbia.  Please note that what I am saying is not a criticism of Ultra Sabers and I know that without saying more, they do their best to decrease our costs.

# 1:  shipped USPS
        - ordered on Friday July 18th and received on Friday August 1st
        - order ready for shipment on Monday July 21st
        - S & H cost $65.41 US (plus exchange rate at 1.09)
        - weight 5 lbs/1 kg
        - no additional customs fees when picked up from post office

# 2:  shipped FedEx Economy
        - ordered on Thursday July 30th and received on Thursday August 7th
        - order ready for shipment on Monday August 4th
        - S & H cost $69.20 US (plus exchange rate at 1.11)
        - weight 5 lbs/ 1 kg
        - mailed invoice for $17.05 CDN inspite of having a FedEx account

So for future new Canadian buyers, it will be your personal preference but I hope this helps.  Also depending upon where you are located and perhaps even what you have bought, may factor in the cost.   Both boxes and contents arrived safely and intact.  Both carriers provided acceptable online tracking with updating.  My next saber purchase will be with USPS unless I just can't wait that long.   :)
       

My last 2 orders came FedEx, with a $11.05 and $13.53 charge respectively (and I live in the North Island). Supposedly if you have an account you can let them know and they will take some of the charge off, but not all of it (administration takes its cut regardless).  This last order is coming USPS, and it has seemed to take forever. It was shipped out on August 9th, and it is on the truck for delivery this morning. It spent 6 days at the Canada Post facility in Mississauga before being shipped out west.  Not having to worry about the extra fees is nice though.  If you need it quick, FedEx, if you can wait (which is A LOT harder than it sounds) then USPS is good (will find out condition of package tonight).

My first USPS package remained in Friendswood Texas from July 21-25.  Then the long process of going through multiple processing facilities.  Still I like not having to be at home or arranging for a neighbor to accept if sent FedEx.  Can't deliver at work site.  Now that I have a few sabers, I think I can wait the two weeks instead of one, but it is a challenge, either way.   :)

Got the Package today, turns out CBSA decided to charge me $48.03 for taxes and duty and handling, AFTER having played with the sabers (noticeable wear and marks on ALL 4 blades, sabers not taped in the bubble wrap like US does when they ship, just jammed back in place.  Lets just say the extra money from paying FedEx was MUCH cheaper than the "cheaper" method of USPS.  Going to be trying to get it back, but that may take awhile. Ironically, if they had not opened the package and played with them, there would not have been any "handling".... lets just say even getting the sabers I'm not in a good mood now.

Sorry to read about your experience.  Yes, I would definitely make a formal complaint regarding the handling and using.  How did they come to decide upon the fee that you mentioned?  Can you break it down for me.  I'm thinking that you must have spent around $350 Cdn prior to S&H.  And that those sabers were not considered a "toy".   Taxes are almost an expectation to pay, but I have no knowledge of what items are within the "free trade" agreement.  We do pay a lot for shipping either way and now FedEx is looking better... what to do next.   ::)

Let's hear from some of the other Canadian buyers with recent shipping experiences please.

I ordered my first saber on Wed 16 Jul well after US had closed shop for the night (if they sleep....) and had it in my sticky fingers Mon 21 Jul before lunch.  I opted for the FedEx option and it under $20 (bill from FedEx).  I have bought from the USA on numerous occasions in the past and this was extremely reasonable as far as I am concerned for the realm of brokerage et al.

If it is of significance (I am no postage guru) I live about 40kms outside Ottawa.

Thanks again to the US team for the fantastic product they provide us with.  I will update this post with experience 2, my kid`s sabers have been ordered....

I live in NB.  My order totaling about 550 was shipped  on 9 oct with USPS (I requested a delayed shipping date from my sept order)  It arrived at Canada customs on 14 oct and then made it to my front door on 17 oct.  Very quick!  Regrettably I am out of town and my wife received the package...  At least she knew it was coming... Either way, there was no duty, no brokerage, taxes or any additional fees  charged...  I will be opening it up tomorrow when I get back in town...  Reviews pending... Very excited.  Was one fully loaded manticore and a fourth prize raffle...  If that makes a difference... Some folks were saying that ordering more than two sabers incurred fees... 

Hey folks, this is not a rant at all just an update.  As we have heard USPS has proven to be an unreliable international shipping option for some.  Fortunately, I never had any problems with them and could always track the shipments easily.  I am currently awaiting my recent order that was shipped on 2 feb with fedex.  I was surprised at how quick the estimated delivery was and am waiting to be surprised by the extra fees when it arrives at my door (as per other posts).  Interestingly, I have been tracking the shipment and it is supposed to be arrived by now according to their estimate.  It was last tagged in Montreal and due to arrive in 4 hours... It is now past that and the shipping tracking info has now been posted as N/A.  Not sure what the hiccup is but I will update when the purchase arrives.  I am hopeful that there is no issue, this is my first order using fedex international.

Hi.  I wouldn't be concerned.  There is often some lag time before updates are provided.  Especially when entering another country.  Sometimes the wait is for the official clearance or if unable to deliver due to time restraints.  There should be an update for tomorrow's delivery after the package returns back to the depot if this is the case.  Have used FedEx and USPS successfully.  Waiting never gets easy.

Yes I wasn't overly concerned... Just things appeared to go off the radar...  It now shows that it has at least  left Quebec and is on route...  Waiting is no issue... Now it is just to see if there are any surprises at the door...  Thanks..

So the package has arrived but I am still14 hrs from home...  My wife thankfully accepted the package...  It looks like it was 20$ at the door which is reasonable.... Am alWays afraid of being hit with duty or taxes....  Most notably, i received an email from fedex stating that Emory requested a status update as to the delivery of the shipment... Once again, US and Emory demonstrate their superb customer service...  Thank you and I look forward to opening this up...  (Sentinel LE RBGA Emerald).   Still owe the forum a review of all sabers... If I am ever home long enough I will get caught up...  Happy sabering

I would be prepared to have an extra $20.00 in bills and some change for exact pmt. if you don't have a FedEx account.  $10 for advancement fee and then GST/Provincial tax.  If you have an account you are usually billed via mail.  If you have a working FedEx account, the advancement fee can be waivered and just the taxes to be paid.

EDIT:  Missed your last post.  Glad everything worked out.  Enjoy your saber(s).

I noticed today that Ultra Sabers doesn't offer USPS anymore to Canadian orders and offers FedEx eco or priority. Curios to people in Canada order experience with the two as im getting ready to order my first Saber. With the Canadian dollar at around $0.75 American im not looking forward to the overall bill (about $650.00 Canadian) and if I get dinged tax or brokerage fees ima flip.

I have not paid tax or brokerage yet on 4 orders.  The first was usps, the other three fedex... As per d7's post there is that small fee at the door but if you have an acct (free) the fee is waived.  I can't wait to order a couple staff's but I have to sell my old home first... And will still wait for a sale...  The exchange kills...

My US is arriving today in ontario(I live outside Ottawa near Pembroke) and fedex phoned me and the customs fee was $19.85 for a US and a free initiate US worth $385 USD

Ordered my very first saber. I ordered it on April 29  (Friday) opt for the (FedEx Economy Shipping $33) and received it today on May 4th! (Wednesday) I thought I read somewhere that US doesn't work on weekends but holy moly you guys made my saber with blazing fast speeds. Props to the saber smith who made it. FedEx called me on Tuesday asking how I would like to pay for it, unfortunately I was not in the house at the moment so there was a temporary clearance delay. The package then moved after I called them confirming how I was gonna pay the fee. it was $19.45. Very Very Very reasonable. They did the same thing when I ordered The New 3DS from Japan. It seems when a package hits Memphis Tennessee if you don't call em up or miss the call they will hold the package. I might be wrong on this. But this has happened several times for me in the past. maybe I'm unlucky lol! Never hurt to call FedEx and ask em about your package when it hits Memphis to speed up the process.

Saber cost was $289 USD cost me around $371 CDN. with shipping and everything. 

Overall I'm quite pleased with my UltraSaber. I ordered the Guardian Hilt.
Special Thanks to Sophia for helping me out with the payment issues I was having and answering my stock questions..

Yes, if you do air shipping (Express), Memphis is the main hub in the US that all packages travel through from Texas to Canada.  I believe customs preclearance occurs there.

That is correct sir,as that happened  to me when they shipped it,in under a hour from being shipped their was a customs preclerance that for me said customs delay,import Ottawa,ON then it went away the delay but I was left without a estimated delivery till the monday the day I didnt know I would receive it but did,Fedex had tracking updates through the weekend so I think for Fedex International Economy(Express) Fedex ships and delivers weekends or makes in transit during the weekend like it did for me then on the monday(4th day from shipping) my saber arrived!That was the fastest shipping I have ever experienced!!Ultrasabers are amazing!!!

Flights definitely happen on the weekend.  Most deliveries are weekdays, with the exception of Ground to residences (which is a separate thing from Express).

Hey folks.  I am going to be placing another order the week. I will also let you know what fees I paid.  I am looking at my last fed ex slip and I see a total charge of 19.56.  There was a 10 dollar rod fee that I was told by fedex should have been waived as I have a FedEx account.   In two places, the invoice says custom fees 0.00. I am wondering if you are mistaken.  Either way, I am placing another order, and I will update this thread with my experience again.   

Hey folks,

I called fedex to confirm in advance of my next order.  They explained to me that there is a customs duty fee and it is the 19.xx that I paid.  They also confirmed that 11.30 of that was the ROD fee.  Someone had said previous that if you have a FedEx acct that fee is waived.  I had an act during this order and when I had the fee I called that day and they informed it was an error and that they would apply it as a credit to my next order.  During my call today, the friendly Fedex agent told me that is not the case and that they will just issue a refund and it should happened last year.  She confirmed that if you have an acct, the ROD fee is waived.  She stated when the shipping order is placed, I should instruct the shipper to add my acct number to the order and the ROD fee will never be applied.  Or worst case, they will just issue a refund check.  So when I place my next order I will ask the fantastic Ultrasaber staff to place my acct number on the shipping order and we will see... 

So my last order, I paid 8.26 for customs fees for a 450-500 saber.   I will let you know the results of my next order. 

Damn,you mean the Rod fee is the advancement fee?I did not know that so next time when I have an account how would I get them to waive the fee?

Well they said that the fee will not be applied if the shipper puts your account number in the order / on the slip etc.  she also said that if the situation occurs that you get charged the rod fee and you do have an account, give the FedEx call center a call, state you need a cash application and they will fix it.  They just did that for my order a year ago and sending me a cheque.

the saber i ordered is on backorder right now, for shipping do you get sent a message asking what you preffer when the saber is ready?
thank you

Thanks I'm going to make a FedEx account this week before I order my Graflex just in case I get dinged.Thank so much!

Just FYI, I did get my cheque.  I did not place the orders that I wanted yet.  Darn finances...

If I get your meaning, I don't recall.  Ultra sabers is super fast unless your saber of choice is on back order.  The shipment is track able on fedex.  No sure what you mean by "what you prefer". There really is only one option now and it is quite quick.