Canada Post: Light Packet vs. Small Packet

[Former_Member]

What are your thoughts on Light Packet vs. Small Packet via Canada Post?

I am trying to decide which service is the better option, and would love to hear back from some fellow members about their experiences, likes, dislikes for these two options.

Thank you so much :-)

[YourAuntiesPanties]

Morning!
I think that parcels sent light packet have to fit through the "slot of doom" at the post office...(be less than 2cm thick?) I could be wrong, but I think it's just a step up from letter mail....

Small Packet is pretty affordable, and usually pretty quick, I have had good experiences with it! Again, I I think there is a weight limit, before you are bumped up to premium shipping....It's always available as an option if you ship online, but be careful if you are buying postage at the PO, they never offer this choice (to me anyways) they always try to suggest Expedited Parcel instead, I have to ask for Small Packet if I buy postage there, haha, one lady didn't even know it was an option!! :)

both are good options, imo, I am just feeling jaded with Canada Post and their crazy prices today!! :)

[Former_Member]

to be sent Light packet the parcel has to fit in the slot so must be under 2cm thick. You save a considerable amount of money by packing your items accordingly. I assume you are talking about mailing to the US or Internationally since light packet and small packet are only available to these destinations not within Canada.
If you get the folded pamphlet from the post office you can see the weight and measurement levels for the flat rate costs. The limit for small packet to the US is 1000g and 2000g to International destinations.
Light packet goes up to 500g but at that point small packet is sometimes cheaper.
Expedited shipping does include insurance and tracking which neither light packet nor small packet do, so you have to self insure these services..
Luckily within Canada we can still send material items by letter post provided they are under 2cm thick, whereas to the rest of the world letterpost has to contain paper only.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the feedback. .

When you say "self insure" do you mean hope for the best, and if something happens, you pay out of pocket?

[Former_Member]

No there is a site you can use to buy insurance for your parcels called insurepost.com, it is easy and can be paid from your paypal account.
Check this thread for all the information you need on shipping for Canadian sellers
https://www.etsy.com/teams/7654/etsy-international/discuss/6779956/page/282

[HiddenEarthGems]

Thank you. This is all really helpful.

[Former_Member]

Thank Elizabeth, this was really helpful tip!

[Former_Member]

You welcome but i can't take credit i learn these things from the thread i mentioned above. Very helpful gals , there is still so much to learn even after 7 years on Etsy.