Question about shipping and customs Options

[saleenvic]

Hello everyone. I needed some opinions and was hoping perhaps other members might have experience with this. I am interested in buying this from ebay (link below). The company is in Canada and going by the feedback they seem pretty legit. My concern is that they require me to provide my social security number along with picture ID. Ive read online that US Customs sometimes requires it depending on what the item is. Has anyone had this type of experience, I'm I just worriying too much? Any feedback appreciated thanks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-Toyota-Celica-...172&vxp=mtr

[njccmd2002]

mmmh, never had that before, the fact they want your social, i would be very careful.

sign up for lifelock, its 500 a year, and 100000 guarantee. then you can give them your SS..

i would look at other companies. They probably will screw you with custom charges and brokerage fees...

i would look somewhere else....

[saleenvic]

mmmh, never had that before, the fact they want your social, i would be very careful.

sign up for lifelock, its 500 a year, and 100000 guarantee. then you can give them your SS..

i would look at other companies. They probably will screw you with custom charges and brokerage fees...

i would look somewhere else....

Yeah i heard of that company before. What il probably do is sign up with them and then proceed with the transaction. Thanks for the reply.

[cyberblader1130]

I wouldn't jump at that right away. You may want to do some research before buying something from a company that asks for photo id and ssn.
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/197/search/1
Take a look at the link i provided and i think you'll find some answers and other options to giving out information like that. Like applying for an EIN/Business tax number or filing a CBP Form 5106. May take extra time but i think it would be worth the wait knowing your SSN isn't in someone else's hands.

[saleenvic]

I wouldn't jump at that right away. You may want to do some research before buying something from a company that asks for photo id and ssn.
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/197/search/1
Take a look at the link i provided and i think you'll find some answers and other options to giving out information like that. Like applying for an EIN/Business tax number or filing a CBP Form 5106. May take extra time but i think it would be worth the wait knowing your SSN isn't in someone else's hands.

Thats an option also. Im gonna do more research because yeah its too much of a risk. Its better to be safe and cautious.

[ILoveMySilly97]

I dont see a reason why they'll need any of that info just to get that stuff shipped to you.

[saleenvic]

I dont see a reason why they'll need any of that info just to get that stuff shipped to you.

Quick update, so I found out that if i can provide a business address and a 9 digit business ID number then I don't have to provide a social and I don't have to pay additional shipping fees. Works out great because I have a friend has his own business so i can have it sent there. Apparently when importing large items (things that typically can't fit in a mail box) the shipper needs to get verification from the buyer that shows they are who they say they are -- to clear US Customs. If the item is worth $2400 or more you need to provide a social, but even if it doesn't equal $2400 many companies importing to the US will still ask for a Social Security Number. (which is quite risky) So, the best thing to do is if you have a friend with a business who has a business ID number,, then theres no need to provide a social. Hopefully this helps.

This post has been edited by saleenvic: Dec 31, 2013 - 1:36 AM

[Jeebus]

My last purchase from eBay about 2wks ago was from the same seller. I bought Kouki tail lights from them. Although I am in Vancouver and they are in Mississauga and the purchase was only $140, they did not require the info you claim (due to the small transaction). As per the request of SIN and ID, it'd be understandable for such a large purchase. As for their service, they were great. Answered my questions quickly, packed my tail lights very well as to not damage them, and the item arrived promptly (within Canada of course). I gave them a 5/5 review. I would not hesitate to purchase from them.

[czwalga]

I've bought a transmission from them. No issues. UPS required the social or biz ID.

[saleenvic]

I've bought a transmission from them. No issues. UPS required the social or biz ID.

Yeah actually the crate came in today with no problems at all,, ups freight. Well actually they forgot to include the driveshaft but they guy I talked to, Moe, said they will check the storage tomorrow and get back to me,, but other than that yeah no problems at all. So what this means is that hopefully in the next few months I can start a thread about my project,, a turbo awd swap,, will be one rare celi indeed.

[boomer]

Hello everyone. I needed some opinions and was hoping perhaps other members might have experience with this. I am interested in buying this from ebay (link below). The company is in Canada and going by the feedback they seem pretty legit. My concern is that they require me to provide my social security number along with picture ID. Ive read online that US Customs sometimes requires it depending on what the item is. Has anyone had this type of experience, I'm I just worriying too much? Any feedback appreciated thanks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-Toyota-Celica-...172&vxp=mtr

Hi I would recommend Japan direct
1591 Matheson Blvd.
Mississauga Ont.
905 238 3331 or toll free 866 536 8832
I have bought many items (full gt4 front conversion) from them . good guys .they export a lot of parts.
I live about an hour away for them if you need more info pm me KEN