Cross-Border shipping for online sellers

Online shop owners, small brands, makers and importers who find customs and freight confusing.

A service fee per shipment, a monthly retainer for regular shippers, or a markup on carrier rates.

• Comfortable with documents and detail
• Willing to learn customs and tariff basics
• Clear writing and quick replies to clients

• Customs brokerage is licensed by the CBSA, check what you can do yourself and what must go through a licensed broker
• Errors on customs paperwork can lead to delays or penalties, so build in checks
• Insurance such as errors and omissions and cargo cover, ask what is right for your services
• Duties, taxes and trade rules change, so check current rules for each route
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your software, equipment and the services you offer. Treat this as an estimate and get your own quotes, as your setup may differ.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many clients you take on and the hours you work. Many people start at about 10 hours a week and build from there. These are estimates, not guarantees.

Customs brokerage is licensed by the CBSA, so check what you can do yourself and what must go through a licensed broker. Also check insurance such as errors and omissions, and current duty and trade rules for each route.