The guy in Canada should answer what the postage will cost, or try
http://www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/apps/far/personal/findARate?execution=e1s1. Use an insured and tracked service if the value is more than can be afforded to loose.
Surface mail is much cheaper than air mail for heavy items, but may take more than five weeks.
On collection, VAT will be payable on an order total of £18+ (including postage), and they'll be a handling charge: £8 for Royal Mail; may be higher for other couriers.
The Import Duty limit is quite generous now. I forget what it is, but you can Google it. VAT and Duty applies to used as well as new goods. Otherwise there would be a massive industry in slightly using new goods before sale
The sender putting a low value and "gift" on the customs form can work, but you're committing an offence if you receive an item knowing the form has been falsified... or something like that.
