I occasionally order items from the US and have them sent to TSB Shipping in Point Roberts. When my items arrive I usually bus and/or bike down to Point Roberts to pick them up, and I always declare them on my way back into Canada.

Customarily, once you declare an item you’re supposed to go into the border offices and pay taxes (and sometimes duty) on whatever you’ve decalred. However, twice now the guard at the crossing has just waved me on without making me pay anything, and I am beginning to see a pattern…

The first time was almost a year ago, when I declared the DivaCup I had ordered online. The words “menstrual cup” had barely left my mouth before the guard’s furious waving-on commenced!

It happened again today. I purchased some high end unmentionables at a deep discount from the US Home Shopping Network and picked them up in Point Roberts this afternoon. As soon as I declared I was bringing back “underwear” the guard sent me on my way.

So a tip for all you cross-border shoppers: Make sure you bring back something embarrassing and you may just get off tax free!