I have a buyer lined up for a bike I have, he lives in the States and he's going to get his bro who lives Blaine to pay me for it. I would have to take the bike down to him.
Anyone sold a bike over the border like this before? Will I have any issues with Border services? I'm not a fan of them so I'd like to know before hand if I will face potential problems…
does Washington have a Stand Your Ground law?
I have a buyer lined up for a bike I have, he lives in the States and he's going to get his bro who lives Blaine to pay me for it. I would have to take the bike down to him.
Anyone sold a bike over the border like this before? Will I have any issues with Border services? I'm not a fan of them so I'd like to know before hand if I will face potential problems…
I made the mistake of declaring my intentions to the border guard at the booth and ended up being told to go into Customs. Once there I was told that I wasn't allowed to enter the US to sell the bike without a valid work permit. Fortunately, the buyer was at the Duty Free across the street, he came over to where we were and Customs turned the other way while we conducted our transaction since technically we were not in the US yet.
The moral of the story, as said by the border guard: "I really wish you hadn't told me that."
Just say your going riding at some of the spots in Bellingham, do not say your crossing to sell your bike to an American.
If you declare this…You will get sent in and probably put on "the list" which will cause you to get called into customs eveytime your leaving the country via road or Airport.
Just cross like many CDN's do for a bike ride in Bellingham …then go about your business and return to Canada
I sold a bike in Blaine a couple months ago. I decided to ride Bellingham during the same trip, so I had 2 bikes on top. They asked me why I had 2 bikes and I told them I was dropping one off for service. As mentioned by others, Id wear a cycling jersey and tell them youre going for a ride.
One thing that was less than ideal was that the buyer paid me in small bills. The stack of cash was ridiculous. In hindsight, I would have told the guy to pay me in big bills.
Why not just have the purchaser cross the border and meet you in Canada. Then it's his problem.
Cross border. Sell bike. Fill up with gas. Grab a case of cheap beer. Hit up costco. Get new car tires and return home.
The trick with the border guards is to believe your own lies.
Obama is watching so maybe be honest at the line
Why slag free swag?:rolleyes:
ummm, as your doctor i recommend against riding with a scaphoid fracture.
The moral of the story, as said by the border guard: "I really wish you hadn't told me that."
In this case, I'd go with this. Tell customs you're crossing to gas up and buy some cheap groceries while you're in the area. Or maybe pick up some packages at Hagens.
This is all fine and dandy, but I'm sure they're going to question why I came down with a bike and didn't come back with one…. Which is my biggest concern.
"Stupid America - It was stolen right off my roof while I was in Costco/paying for gas/getting an Arbys roast beast - I hate America let me back in please!"
That is if they ask, or even notice, which is unlikely.
This is all fine and dandy, but I'm sure they're going to question why I came down with a bike and didn't come back with one…. Which is my biggest concern.
how would the Can customs know you had a bike when you went thru US customs?
just don't sell it for more than $10K. then you're really in trouble.
how would the Can customs know you had a bike when you went thru US customs?
If its outside the car or truck they can see a photo of when you went across. Considering the person in question has a truck it would be quite obvious.
If its outside the car or truck they can see a photo of when you went across. Considering the person in question has a truck it would be quite obvious.
Canada Customs only cares about what you're bringing home.
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