How to manage Canadian customs for a drop shipping store?

[Chimera2021]

I need advice from someone who has successfully started and operated a drop shipping store based in Canada, with suppliers outside of the country including China. I am about to launch in the next few weeks, with focus on Canada as well as the US, and given there is no volume yet, I am having to weigh what I do myself Vs having 3rd party support.

At this stage of the business, what is the value of an hiring an agent in Asia? In addition, do I need a customs agent and is it advised? Or should I attempt to manage the customs process myself, which seems onerous? How has your experience been in having the customer cover the customs duties, and how does this work? Do they pay at checkout, or get a call when the product arrives at the border, or at their door? I have posed these questions on shopify expert but have only receive offers for other non-related services. At any rate, I would rather receive practical, hands-on, pertinent advice rather than technical services, unless there’s an app that takes care of all of this. Much appreciated.