Disparities in shipping prices and times to Canada?

[schmitzbitz]

Like many other Canadians here, I utilize etailers for the majority of my tobacco purchases to avoid being gouged by the government. Of course, shipping does restrict the number of tobacconists I can use, as many just plain don't ship outside of the CONUS. Fortunately, there are enough etailers out there who do ship internationally that I can still feed my TAD without much trouble.
However, one thing that I have noticed amongst the etailers is major disparities in shipping prices and times.

For example, at the cheaper end of the spectrum 4noggins basic rate is around $12, with delivery being handled by USPS (1st class ground), and taking on average, 9 days to arrive.

At the priceyer end, Pipes and Cigars offers a single international shipping option, with a rate of around $35 for a couple of tins of tobacco, with delivery once again being handled by USPS (priority), and taking on average, 5 days to arrive.
But then you find the really wierd rates - Lil Brown, for example, will quote you $8 and six days via USPS, but when you check out, a 3rd party site informs you that the only shipping option available is Fedex Ground, at a cost of $65, and it will take 8 days to deliver?!? (I didn't pull the trigger on this order, I can't justify spending 150% of my purchase price on shipping...). Contacted LB, they were not even aware of this!
Has anyone else noticed these strange disparities?

 

[marmal4de]

4noggins is the way to go, the shipping is super fast and Rich is the man. Both you and sparroa were 100% right! :worship:

 

[sparroa]

I've reconciled myself to the fact that I will never use an etailer outside of 4noggins, and potentially SmokingPipes if the mood strikes me. They carry all the blends worth smoking, in my opinion, and so I will loyally shop with them for as long as I possibly can. The rest will be a hassle, I assure you. The only Drama you need is tinned by McClelland. Save your money and shop with those who are more than willing to serve your "International" needs - I have had stellar service from Rich and recommend 4noggins highly. My TAD list is longer than I can ever afford thanks to his selection alone - keep those precious orders coming North!

 

[marmal4de]

I have 2 addresses I can use so I my plan is to order 200g/week until the end of time. If it comes down to etailers no longer being feasible, I will make 4-5 trips into the states a year by car and smuggle in many lbs of baccy. I refuse to pay $40 a tin ever again.

 

[gecko13]

Be careful if you resort to smuggling marmal4de. You won't be able to post on here anymore, and I can only imagine how hard it will be to get your favorite brands in the clink. :crying:

 

[marmal4de]

I'm sure the border has bigger fish to fry :P