[BGood]

I intend to sell one of my guitars in the USA and I live 10 minutes from the border. I will probably put adds on american forums. If it sells I will pack it and drive to the US to ship it from there.

Anybody does that ? Get bothered by border patrol ?

 

[knight_yyz]

You can bring a guitar with you across the border according to Cites,

 

[Tone Chaser]

Do not discuss doing commerce. I have had several experiences taking parts for my racing engines to specific engine service companies with great reputations, including proper documentation. When a border agent decides to be a dick, be prepared for problems and watch your words, attitude, etc.

My personal items have nothing to do with commerce. Racing is considered a business in the U.S. I just lost money to racing a car, basically a donation to the track for the privilege to use a race track. For me going fast, legally and safely, was all I cared about. So bringing a guitar to ship, could open a can of worms; or not. The border agent is there to justify your entry into the country. I also don't want to make problems with my NEXUS. They have threatened to take it away, for not liking hearing the truth.

 

[jayoldschool]

Yes, do NOT pre-pack it. Pack it at the UPS store when you get there. Have a reason for going to the US. Don't lie, make it legit. Order something to the UPS Store, whatever. Last time I told them I had stuff to mail from the US, I had to go in, do paperwork, and pay tax.

 

[Tone Chaser]

Yes, do NOT pre-pack it. Pack it at the UPS store when you get there. Have a reason for going to the US. Don't lie, make it legit. Order something to the UPS Store, whatever. Last time I told them I had stuff to mail from the US, I had to go in, do paperwork, and pay tax.

Exactly! I was going to add all that, but I was uncertain about the acceptance of my personal experience as a common one,

 

[Steadfastly]

Tell them you are going to do a little shopping and fill up on gas. Then do a little shopping (milk and eggs) and get some gas.

 

[BSTheTech]

Travelling across the border to sell an item is illegal and if they find out they will rip you a new one. Best to ship it from Canada so the value is documented and taxes paid. I have all my US purchases shipped to the US border where I pick them up, declare them and pay the tax. Each time the Yanks ask if I am shipping anything out while I am across and they often check the rear of my vehicle. You have been warned.

 

[KapnKrunch]

Sorry to hear about trouble other people have had. Makes me reluctant to say don't worry about it.

I have lived near the border all my life in both Ontario and on the prairies.

I have never had a problem. Never tried anything sneaky. Countless items moved both ways. Made lots of money from eBay. Paid occasionally but very seldom.

Crossing the border regularly really helps, as the first thing they do is check the computer. Don't you buy your gas there? I also have parcels sent to the post office or a business (hardware store) and pick things up regularly in the states. Be sure to go with an empty tank and fill up.

Pre-pack but always leave package open so they can see inside easily. Have a receipt disclosing the value. Assume the attitude that they have all the power and you are happy to comply.

Do not ship thru customs without a broker, they will NOT repackage properly after tearing it apart.

 

[knight_yyz]

anything to Declare? No sir, just meeting up with pals to play a bit of guitar....

 

[Pedro-x]

anything to Declare? No sir, just meeting up with pals to play a bit of guitar....

No!
Their next question "what are their names and addresses?" Then you can decide if you want to lie or come clean. I have a buddy who can tell you what happens if you come clean.... he has been afraid to back across since (5 yrs), and if they catch you lying well they will water board you and send you to gitmo.

 

[Pedro-x]

By the way if they have rosewood boards and you are taking them across the border to sell there may be other issues.

New CITES Regulations For All Rosewood Species

 

[keto]

Yeah, don't pack it or take any packing materials with you. That way, it's just a personal possession and legit in the eyes of border. Better have a reason for crossing, though.

 

[Alex]

Yeah, don't pack it or take any packing materials with you. That way, it's just a personal possession and legit in the eyes of border. Better have a reason for crossing, though.

Technically, you are suppose to register high $$$ personal goods that you are entering into the US with. If you enter the USA with a guitar and don't come back with one, you have violated policies and not sure on the ramifications. The odds are small of getting caught but the pinch may leave a bruise....

 

[BSTheTech]

Technically, you are suppose to register high $$$ personal goods that you are entering into the US with. If you enter the USA with a guitar and don't come back with one, you have violated policies and not sure on the ramifications. The odds are small of getting caught but the pinch may leave a bruise....

I spent 20 years in a different hobby with toys each valued about the same as a Les Paul Standard. Every Spring I'd go to the local custom place to get them documented and a label affixed with a code linking them to me and that they had been seen by customs. US customs would look at the label and run the code and get the details, and still hassle me for selling parts in the US (which I never did). Talk to the car racing guys they'll give you similar stories.

You might get away with it, you might not. The question is the penalty worth saving a few bucks in tax that the BUYER pays?

 

[knight_yyz]

It does not apply to instruments shipped within the borders of your country or instruments carried for personal use while traveling internationally [unless they contain more than 22 lbs. (10 kg) of the regulated woods].

 

[Alex]

It does not apply to instruments shipped within the borders of your country or instruments carried for personal use while traveling internationally [unless they contain more than 22 lbs. (10 kg) of the regulated woods].

That is correct - you can go in but you need to come back with the instrument - the operative words are "personal use"

 

[KapnKrunch]

Yeah, don't pack it or take any packing materials with you. That way, it's just a personal possession and legit in the eyes of border. Better have a reason for crossing, though.

Extremely bad advice. EVERYTHING BY THE BOOK. You are a part-time smuggler. They are full-time guards.

If the guitar is high value, make sure you know exactly what the MAXIMUM cost will be before making a deal with an American. If extremely high-- talk to a broker and work that cost into the price.

And avoid any suggestions from your American buyer to "fool" customs. Let him come and get it in Canada. You can read about it in the paper.

EVERYTHING BY THE BOOK! You could still have trouble. Listen to BStheTech. Don't even think about the petty lying thing. One look at your face, and you can write off the United States as a travel destination.

 

[capnjim]

Border guards have built in Bullshit detectors. If you even think about trying something tricky, they will know. They have the power to make your life a living hell.
But, if you do try, maybe you should do some butthole stretching exercises in preparation.

 

[knight_yyz]

That is correct - you can go in but you need to come back with the instrument - the operative words are "personal use"

And how are they going to police that? I doubt homeland security is calling up the CBSA and saying, ya some dude with license number such and such is going to play a guitar so make sure he brings one back with him.

Items you must declare at the border. I don't see guitars, or cameras or laptops etc. Selling for BUSINESS is the key

• Items you purchased in the other country. We have seen reports of travelers detained because their tires simply looked new. They then had to prove they had not purchased the product over the boarder. Even if you used the item up completely it is still technically subject to duty.
• Gifts your received, or are bringing for someone at home.
• Items you bought in duty-free shops.
• Medicines
• Repairs or alterations to any items you brought across the border and then brought back – even if the repairs / alterations were performed free of charge.
• Items you are bringing back for someone else.
• Items you intend to sell or use in your business, including business merchandise that you took out of the country and are now returning with.
• Items you inherited.
• You are allowed to bring as much cash across the border as you wish but you must declare any amount greater than $10,000. The border services seizes millions of dollars in cash every year

 

[Alex]

Well, I am not in the business of selling gear although the frequency of my FS ads might disprove that.

If you are certain, then simply tell the US customs officer that you are crossing the border to ship a guitar. Cheers