I have bought numerous items online yes I know we should support out local bike shops and I do however when you can get the same product for up to 30-40% cheaper its a no brainer. Having said that there are issues getting this gear to us,
http://www.probikekit.com, out of the UK have great prices and usually free shipping to Canada.
This link also gives you further coupon discounts:
http://www.retailmenot.com/view/probikekit.com
I have had frames sent to me as well as wheels the company I use which is fantastic is:
http://www.seawings.ca
I use this company for larger items they are awesome to deal with all you do is have to do is get the seller, a US seller, to ship the package to their Blaine, WA office. Sometimes the seller includes the shipping costs to sweeten the deal.
Ask the seller to attach an invoice, paypal receipt is fine, on the outside, Seawings will then bring the item across the border in bond, you get an e-mail or phone call (your choice) once the package arrives here at their warehouse.
Their warehouse is in at the Victoria airport, you go out there get the paperwork, they have prepared, walk into the terminal go to customs they will convert the US amount to Canadian based on the day the package arrives in Canada, you pay your HST
(it used to be only GST), walk back to the Seawings warehouse provide to them the paperwork Customs gave you. Then you pay their shipping costs which is $17.00 for the first 5 pounds then .45 for the rest of the weight. Then you take your purchase home. For reference I had a frame shipped to me and the shipping costs from their warehouse in Blaine to Victoria was about $30.00.
I have a sweet road frame coming in the next week so I can update the cost when I get it.
YES a bit of leg work but once you get stung with those huge brokerage fees, as Lister alluded to, you will be happy to do the work.
I have never paid any more than the taxes owing on the product i.e. there are no customs fees just taxes. The only time you may get additional fees would be if the product is from a company Canada doesn't have the free trade agreement. Though anything you get from the States is a States product and as Canada has that free trade agreement you only pay the taxes.
If you need any more info give me a holler.
Colin