Crossing US border with CDs - problems?

Subject: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: Marion
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 12:42 AM

Hello gang. I'm going to be at the FSGW getaway and will be crossing the border from Canada by car, along with Charmion and our instruments. I'd like to bring a couple dozen demo CDs - these would be obviously home-burned CDRs, labelled with markers and photocopied inserts.

Do you think this would present any problems at the border crossing? I'm a little concerned that having the CDs and instruments might lead them to believe that we're going into the US to play a gig.

Thanks, Marion

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: JedMarum
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 12:48 AM

You do not have to claim "demos" - you are going to visit the city and attend a music conference. You are NOT going for a paid gig, so there is no question. When I cross the border I always bring a guitar for my own enjoyment - so do many many other people.

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 12:53 AM

Heavens to Betsy, you might try to sell them, which brings up all sorts of violated regulations!

Seriously, probably no, but someone here probably has had some experience. The last time I crossed, they lifted up the trunk lid, saw all the junk, and closed it quickly.

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: pavane
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 06:36 AM

Have you thought that your demos might be better received if they are well presented?

We use an inkjet printer which can also print on CDs, (wasn't expensive) and the special CDs for inkjet printing (only slightly more expensive than standard). Also proper inkjet-printed inserts which have fold lines. (Only for STANDARD jewel cases, not slimline).

It doesn't cost much, and looks SO much better.

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: Beer
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 08:47 AM

Years back I almost lost my Yamaha 180 (Guitar) as I had no proof that I purchased it in Canada. So since then I to the customs (Canada side)and fill out a small card that they provide called "Identification of Articles for Temporary Exportation".   You may consider doing this if you carry an instrument or whatever of importance.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: john f weldon
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 08:51 AM

I guess I'm starting to look respectable. Last time across, they looked at my id, and waved me on without a single question.

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 01:41 PM

Beer's advice on items carried across the border and abroad is good. I used to be a photo nut and got the card for cameras and lenses I carried.
The little card may also help with your insurer if an item is stolen while you are abroad.

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: DebC
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 02:33 PM

Hi Marion,

I'd be careful with bringing that number of CDs whether home burned, demos or not across the border. These days it's not what it actually is, it's going to be what it looks like to the border folks. If there's a way you can "hide" them in your luggage, you might want to try to do that.

I know many musicians who showed up at border crossings here with CDs and were turned back. I would take them out of the jewel cases, put them in plastic, paper or tyvek sleeves and ship them to someone in the Getaway area. On the customs form, claim that they are "promotional samples not for commercial use" or something like that.

You may be able to cross without an incident and I may just be cynic. It's really a crap shoot these days. Being a US citizen, I usually don't have a problem coming into the US. It's going to other countries where I have to be prepared :-)

Just my $.02,
Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: pdq
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 03:10 PM

It is very unlikely you will have any problem entering the US. Our border guards are trained to look for "important stuff" and don't care about trivia such as this. Going back to Canada is a different story as the inspectors seem most interested in showing people "who's the boss". If you leave the CDs with the people they are intended for, no problem. If a few are not needed, send them home by mail before you return.

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 04:51 PM

Interestingly enough, as a US citizen I've always had the feeling that the US border guards had a slightly higher level of "suspicion" than the Canadians. I've never spent more than 30 seconds at the guard booth on the Canadian side and I always have 2 or 3 instruments. Lately the big question seems to be whether we're carrying any firearms.

My worst experience with a border crossing was almost 30 years ago when a group of us attending a convention in Burlington, VT took a bus trip on a daytrip to Montreal. Our three buses whizzed through on the trip going. Coming back, we were held up for 90 minutes while US border guards and/or customs agents went through each of our buses asking each individual what they'd brought back to the US. I always assumed some a'hole in one of the other buses made a smart remark to a guard but never got any confirmation.

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: Gurney
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 04:59 PM

On a light note, you could look at John James' song, " A Suitcase Shaped Like That.'

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: Peace
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 06:25 PM

'Going back to Canada is a different story as the inspectors seem most interested in showing people "who's the boss".'

PDQ, I am sure that was a Canadian 'unofficial' response to the shitty treatment we receive at what used to be the borders of a friendly neighbour. That is not meant to insult American people. But it is meant to insult your Homeland Security Department--they are people who would be right at home running concentration camps. When Canucks who had been crossing into the US frequently were starting to be held up for hours, they complained to Ottawa. I suspect the Ottawa response was, "Play tit for tat." Not nice really, but in the parlance, "Tough shit!"

Hope you're doing well, and I also hope you are selecting the appropriate CD to send me after the election. I have decided I will start a thread that day entitled 'PDQ sends CD to BM after losing bet on election. BM refuses to comment.' LOL

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: pdq
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 06:33 PM

Well, you sound pretty darn smug their, ol' pal. I think that is why it'l be such fun to win the bet! (PS: I promise no Snoop Eats Dog Poop or Dr. Dreck CDs. Absolute promise. Count on it.)

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: meself
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 06:34 PM

I've found the Canadian border guards 'friendlier' - but I've also found them to be more suspicious - of me, anyway - than are their American counterparts. Maybe they just find it hard to believe that someone could be coming back home without a load of booze, ciggies, and guns ...

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: JohnB
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 10:41 PM

I have friends who have been turned back with instruments and CD's.
Heck I have one friend who is a professional musician and had all the paperwork filed with 6 months advance notice, turned back.
Hide them somewhere and say you are going on Holiday, would be my advice.
JohnB

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 12:41 PM

Arlo Guthrie nearly put it:

Coming into Los Angeles
Bringing in a couple of CDs
Don't touch my bags if you please
Mister Customs Man..."

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: Marion
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 03:48 PM

Thanks for your thoughts everybody. That's a good point about bringing proof that I own the guitar, I hadn't thought of that.

Marion

Subject: RE: Crossing US border with CDs - problems?
From: olddude
Date: 12 Sep 08 - 04:18 PM

Crossed over a few months ago. I live not far from the border. I use to go over just for the great chinese food for lunch when I lectured in Buffalo. Havent been over for years prior. I thought they were going to ask for a blood test. Good grief what a hassle.