https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:28:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck/page/2#post-1528280 Mon, 27 Jul 2015 20:44:32 +0000 Carolyn 1528280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I order online, it's because I want something that I cannot get in my small Canadian city. I love clothes and shoes (and boots and jewelry ... I'm sure you see where this is going), so I'm willing to splurge occasionally to get something wonderful that I can happily add to my wardrobe. With sales and coupon codes, I can often get great deals.</p> <p>What I don't understand is the variation in shipping costs from the U.S., even with BorderFree. One clothing company has flat-rate shipping of 9.99 (US); a second has shipping start at 16.99; a third starts shipping at $42!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck/page/2#post-1528161 Mon, 27 Jul 2015 18:31:52 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1528161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was wondering along the same lines as Kerry - retailers in Canada like BR/Gap/ON and the new Nordstrom stores in Canada have to be paying the duties on non-Canadian goods somehow, and the difference in exchange rate, too. Presumably they get some savings by importing in volume, but at some point they'll have to pass the higher cost on to consumers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck/page/2#post-1528159 Mon, 27 Jul 2015 18:30:44 +0000 Glory 1528159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear fellow Canadian I feel your pain. I cannot tell you how many times I have carefully selected items only to discover to my horror that shipping and duties push me way above my limit. It is so sad and quite maddening! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck/page/2#post-1528157 Mon, 27 Jul 2015 18:28:19 +0000 viva 1528157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This just isn't right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck/page/2#post-1528155 Mon, 27 Jul 2015 18:20:38 +0000 Elizabeth P 1528155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stock up now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527944 Mon, 27 Jul 2015 11:48:12 +0000 Suz 1527944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kerry, that is my prediction. Prices will increase dramatically then.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527928 Mon, 27 Jul 2015 10:37:16 +0000 kerry 1527928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find with other U.S. retailers that have a B&amp;M presence in Canada, the prices are cheaper in-store than they are on-line. But, I wonder how much of this has to do with the retail buying cycle. I remember when our dollar hit par or better and prices were still high in these stores. Could it be that our exchange rate hasn't yet affected prices? Will everything go up dramatically this fall or winter? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527866 Mon, 27 Jul 2015 03:08:05 +0000 Marilyn 1527866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sveta</b>.....It will definitely be worth it to shop in store.&nbsp; I frequently check the prices of items I've looked at in store online.&nbsp; The online prices are higher and then they tack on duty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527864 Mon, 27 Jul 2015 03:06:46 +0000 elpgal 1527864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are brave to shop internationally given all these issues. </p> <p>I ran into a different situation with Danier. They sent me a bag I liked but forgot the security tag. They requested me to send it back with a promise of reimbursing shipping. Well, they honored it by repaying me in Canadian dollars. I wrote to them but never heard back. Never again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527856 Mon, 27 Jul 2015 02:44:21 +0000 Carla 1527856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not really an online shopper (bricks and mortar - I need to fondle the merchandise) - but I'm not even looking at the U.S. catalogues for LLBean, Lands' End, or other places I sometimes shop from that are based in the U.S. </p> <p>I am going to Seattle in November to visit my Dad, and hope to shop the flagship...even if there is no special event going on. I will be there before and after Thanksgiving...don't know if that means sales or not! Maybe work on my special occasion capsule that I've been meaning to get to, but haven't! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527854 Mon, 27 Jul 2015 02:35:15 +0000 Sveta 1527854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Michelle, I feel your pain! Yes, exchange rate + duties + shipping adding a lot to the price. :-(<br />I am with Lisa - just look at the overall price and see if it worth for you or not. Also I am not sure that prices here in Canada are really lower on similar items (unless you happen upon a good sale). I was looking at London Fog trenches in The Bay for example and they are not cheaper than in Nordstrom with the exchange rate added.<br />Traci, exemption is how much money your purchases can cost before you have to pay duties on the border. For less than 24h trip it is $200 CAN, if you were out of the country for more than 24h I believe it is &nbsp;$700 or 800.<br />Marilyn, you give me hope that it will be worth shopping Nordstrom in Toronto next year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527843 Mon, 27 Jul 2015 02:09:19 +0000 Elizabeth P 1527843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know the duties suck, big time... I tend to "use" a friendly fabber on items with a lot of duty. But I'm curious about shipping. Shipping is free until August 2, on orders over $100. Why are you having to pay? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527780 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 23:40:26 +0000 Marilyn 1527780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Duty is basically an import fee.&nbsp; Things made in the USA are exempt under NAFTA.&nbsp; When I buy from American Etsy sellers I request that they add USA as the country of origin to the customs label....otherwise you get dinged.</p> <p>With the dollar currently sitting at 76 cents you have to REALLY want something to order from the US.</p> <p>I've been feeling a bit guilty with all of the NAS excitement on the forum.&nbsp; I'm in Ottawa with a Nordstrom 15 minutes away and honestly I could care less.&nbsp; Fall isn't on my mind yet.<br />And, since discovering that the CDN prices are lower in our local Nordstrom than online...and that's even before duty is added....I don't think I could bring myself to order from the website. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527766 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 23:23:15 +0000 Windchime 1527766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ouch! Your real-life numbers example really puts it in perspective, doesn't it?! Honestly, unless I could make arrangements to get the costs lowered significantly, I'd probably pass, Michelle. Are you close to a Danier's? You could probably find a fab leather jacket there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527759 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 23:10:12 +0000 Traci 1527759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How does the exemption, that a few people referenced, work? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527728 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:40:59 +0000 Anonymous 1527728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>duty is based on two things: &nbsp;country of origin and then the fabric /fibre content </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527727 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:40:33 +0000 Anonymous 1527727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can find better deals at the rack (if your willing to dig) and I just bought some outstanding items from the Outnet for 85% off. &nbsp; Designer sunglasses for 65$ that were $400 and a cashmere sweater for 45$ that was $400, now that is a sale. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527668 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 18:15:32 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1527668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dumb American question: what is the duty based on, the country of manufacture? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527655 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 17:55:02 +0000 unfrumped 1527655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Doesn't seem right, does it!<br />I should realize how lucky I am even though I lament the hassle of packages and&nbsp;even "normal" &nbsp;shipping costs.<br />It does sound like Nordstrom needs to be the source just for HEWI's or special treats! Or else adjusting budget for the "true cost". It is hard to do that since I know I hate thinking an item costs an extra $8 if shipping isn't free or I don't meet minimums. And then "minimum orders" get you in the cycle of over-ordering, though I have been good about returning stuff. And now that AT does not have a store here, even if I meet a minimum, something is going to have to go back, so I have a return postage cost for the "experience" of trying something.<br />It does cause one to think about the resources involved in getting "new" things and how to&nbsp;achieve the right balance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527648 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 17:33:31 +0000 Suz 1527648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The low Canadian dollar makes it worse than ever this year, Michelle. I feel your pain.&nbsp;</p> <p>I wasn't going to participate at all because I was in China and the site was blocked -- which was sort of convenient in a way -- I couldn't lament what I couldn't see!&nbsp;</p> <p>But now I am home earlier than anticipated due to very unfortunate family events, and to tell you the truth, I needed a little retail therapy. Plus, I had a Nordstrom note to spend. So I placed an order.&nbsp;</p> <p>For me, the item I can't get in Canada at anywhere near the NAS price is a decent BRA in my size. So I ordered some. I also threw in a few other pieces to try -- but ONLY to try. I had them shipped to a US address mailbox at the border and will try them on there. If they don't work, back they go without delivery charges. If they DO work and I decide to keep, I make a declaration (if necessary) at the border -- or I wait for my husband to go over and visit relatives and pick them up on the way back with the exemption.&nbsp;</p> <p>Once in a while I also call on the services of a kindly YLF friend, a la Kari. That is for items that don't go to a PO address or when I know I won't be able to make a pickup at the border for some time.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think our retail prices will soon go way up here so we may be paying a lot more for everything even on this side of the border very soon. Alas.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527620 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 16:47:59 +0000 Anonymous 1527620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My approach is pretty simple: &nbsp;If whatever it is I am considering is worth that amount to me, at the end of all of the add-on costs,.....then &nbsp;I buy it. If it's not worth it, then I don't. &nbsp;These leather jackets at Nordstrom for $400-500? Before duties and taxes and shipping? &nbsp; No way. &nbsp;We can get gorgeous leather at Danier for far less than that. I picked up a Michael Kors leather jacket last week on sale for less than half price at our local MK store - a $500 jacket for about $225. &nbsp;Stunning. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527526 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 14:14:44 +0000 Angie 1527526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(((HUGS))). YES. The US dollar is very strong this year and the exchange rate is awful for you, Michelle. The Canadian forum contingent has been lamenting this all year.&nbsp;</p> <p>Canadians like Jackie &amp; Sveta have the items shipped to a US address and drive over the border to fetch them - that's how they've been doing it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527487 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 12:57:30 +0000 Beth Ann 1527487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear.&nbsp; I am so sorry, my Canadian sisters in style!&nbsp; I've gotten just a taste of this through my unrequited relationship with Danier, but Americans are clearly the Kings of Retail Stuff.&nbsp; Not exactly the title I would aim for, but it is convenient when you want to have fun with fashion on a budget!&nbsp; </p> <p>I keep having these thoughts that I must go to Europe while the dollar is good --- even though there are no dollars left for traveling.&nbsp; How crazy is that?&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>I hope the opening of a Nordies in Canada will make things easier next year.&nbsp; Perhaps we could run a thread of Canadian versions of great Nordies' looks.&nbsp; And Oz versions.........and Euro versions....... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527483 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 12:23:35 +0000 Karie 1527483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, crazy ridiculous! With our store and shipping policies we're not very friendly to our neighbors to the north, are we? I don't know where you are in Canada (or if it makes a difference) but I'm in New York (Capital District) and I don't mind sending items to you if it's cheaper to do it that way. I work near both a post office and a UPS store, so it's no bother. Please PM me if I can help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527459 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 10:51:16 +0000 Style Fan 1527459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't shop online so I am not much help.&nbsp; I wait until I go to the USA and then I have the exemption to bring things back if I want.&nbsp; With the Canadian dollar so low this year I may not buy anything when I go south this winter.</p> <p></p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527443 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 09:50:31 +0000 Bijou 1527443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Living in Australia, we have a similar issue. &nbsp;I just sit on the side lines and enjoy seeing what others purchase for NAS. &nbsp;I find the issue with shipping makes online purchases too hit and miss for me to bother with unless it is an item that I am certain will fit. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527438 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 09:20:26 +0000 jenanded 1527438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Feeling your pain. I have still not hit go on my card with shiping at around $100 to Australia. At least it feels like its a bit further to send than to Canada. But how I ask can they send fromthe UK to Australia for free in 3 days. It is further away than the USA for starters.... so feeling for you Michelle with the duty as well... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527407 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 06:31:42 +0000 Lisa 1527407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have experienced your pain. The extra duties for cross-border shopping are awful for those of us living in Canada. I ended up being very selective in what I ordered. I really wanted the Aquatalia Fay bootie. These sold out almost immediately during the pre-sale and I was stalking my size online. When it appeared. I pulled the trigger. I live in Sask but I had them shipped to my parents in Alberta to save some some of the duties and I got free shipping. I paid $80 in duties and taxes on them, but I had saved about $200 (Can) on the sale price over the regular price so I decided it was worth it. I love Aquatalia, It's a brand that works really well for the winters we have and it is very hard for me to find in any stores we have here. So for me, this purchase was worth it. But I am still annoyed about having to pay such high duties, especially given that Aquatalia is actually a Canadian company!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527383 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 04:23:19 +0000 jackiec 1527383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isn't it awful? Honestly, I planned to sit out NAS this year. I only participated because I ended up in the US and knew I had the exemption. Otherwise, exchange alone is painful enough. Personally I'd significantly edit down my list and only choose one or two must-haves. Easier said than done, I know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-ballad-of-a-thwarted-nas-shopper-or-why-international-shopping-can-really-suck#post-1527365 Sun, 26 Jul 2015 03:23:55 +0000 Nora 1527365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had some of my picks shipped to a friend and some shipped to a private (CBI) box in Niagara Falls. I get free shipping that way, and i get the $800 exemption on duty when I visit my friend. I find customs usually only charges HST when i drive across the border; they charge the full 30% when I come through the airport, which is definitely not worth it to me, especially now. I don't have stuff shipped across the border -- the expense is just too great. The other thing is that this way, if the item in question doesn't fit or i don't like it, for whatever reason, i can send it back free of charge and i don't have to pay duty on it. I'm assuming Nordstrom refunds the duty if you return something, but the shipping charges are still big. Mind you, i have to drive to the border, pay a package charge for the Post box and make very sure i'm going to keep everything i choose to bring across the border (no refund on the taxes if I change my mind). Does having someone ship things to you actually help? I've heard stories about packages being opened... </p>