5 Tips for Finding a Customs Broker in Vancouver, BC

When it comes to finding a licensed customs broker in Canada, there are many great options to choose from. All over Canada, there are licensed custom brokers who provide excellent customer service, shipping, and customs brokering. 

If you are a small business owner in Vancouver, BC and aren’t sure where to begin when looking for your perfect customs broker, we are here to help. 

We created this list of 5 tips for finding a customs broker in Vancouver, BC to make your search a little easier. 

Check their reputation

A good place to start when searching for a customs broker is checking out their reputation. This is made easier in the modern age thanks to online reviews, both on Google and elsewhere with sites like Yelp, which lists top customs brokers in Vancouver, BC based on reviews. If you find a customs broker you want to try out, you will likely find many other people who have used them before and reviewed their services. 

Confirm their location

Location is an important factor when considering a customs broker. You probably want a customs broker with an office close to you, but it is also recommended that you find a custom broker who has offices at the Canadian Ports of Entry and borders. Having an office at major ports like Vancouver and Toronto, and the Canadian/US border, makes it easier for your customs broker to check on things in person if something happens to your product. That way, you can relax knowing they are there and have everything under control. 

Ask for referrals from others in your industry

When looking for a custom broker, you can also ask for recommendations from other businesses in your industry. Ask for references and credentials, and personal experiences from others who have used a customs broker for their shipping needs. Make sure you ask about their experience with hurdles and hiccups, and how the broker handled the situation. 

Look for a customs broker who will walk you through the process

When choosing a customs broker, look for a broker who has a good reputation for reliability and communication. You want a broker who will walk you through the shipping process from start to finish, keep you updated on the status of your goods. Your customs broker probably knows more about the shipping process than you do, so you want someone who will keep you informed and tell you everything you didn’t know that you needed to know. 

Make sure they offer the services you need

Many custom brokers offer additional services such as freight forwarding or warehousing, or specialize in shipping to certain countries. At Welke, we offer custom brokering, trade consulting, and freight forwarding. Make sure you find a customs broker who meets all your business’ needs. If you are looking for a specific service from your customs broker, that’s another reason to ask others in your industry who they use. 

We hope that these tips help you find a great Vancouver customs broker. If you’re still not sure where to look, you can’t go wrong with Welke. We’ve been doing this for over 35 years and we treat our customers like family. 

Ready to get started? Get a quote from Welke.