Yes, I found out recently that brokerage fees can be the killer. Recently picked up a snare for $200 on E-Bay, was shipped UPS and paid around $100 in fees, most of which was the dreaded brokerage fee. Can be fairly steep.

Yeah, they will charge you HST on the price you paid for the drums. The seller will have to fill out a customs form when he gives the drums to FedEx, listing the value of the drums. If customs chooses to ding you for HST, FedEx will call you when the item is at the border and ask for your credit card info so they can pay the HST on your behalf. FedEx will also charge a customs fee for performing this service. So you'll have to pay some extra money, but the process isn't much of a hassle.

Yeah, you will get charged tax regardless of whether it is new or used.

As far as brokerage is concerned you may be able to avoid this. This is essentially a charge to fill out paperwork to bring the item through customs.

When I have something shipped from the US via UPS I call UPS just after the item is shipped (still in the US) and let them know that I will "clear the item". When the item arrives here I go pick up some paperwork from UPS and take it to Canada Customs to pay the tax. I then go back to UPS with the paperwork to pick up the item. You may be able to do this with Fedex also.

Brokerage fees are based on the value of the item just like taxes. Before I knew about this I bought a kit from the US for $1300 and had to pay $150 in brokerage. Give Fedex a call. Hope this helps.

I've bought tons of stuff inckuding half a dozen drums kits and the bit about UPS brokerage fee is definitely something to avoid. First off, if it's a small package under the size limit for USPS which is about 114"(check online), girth plus length (a 24x24x18 high box would be 24+24+24+24+18=114) then go with USPS and all it will cost is the tax and $5 which is what Canada Post charges for collencting the tax. Avoid UPS and other carriers at all cost when shipping smaller items. Unfortunately when shipping a kit with a 22" kick, you have no choice as it would not be possible to stay under the 114" limit. In this case, do your own brokerage as mentioned by comover or simply declare low and bite the bullet and pay brokerage.

There is no duty on musical instruments so all you'll pay is the provincial and federal tax.