Solved: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping -...

JacquieVintage · ‎02-10-2011

On top of my "real" job and my etsy shops, I also work part-time at a Canada Post outlet, for 4 years now. I'm very knowledgeable about all things related to shipping. I can be your resident expert! Ask away and I will do my best to answer clearly.

jackie ♥

Here's the original post from a forum thread I started before etsy did the shut-down to teams :( It describes CP's rate increases for 2011, which took effect on January 17th.

Like clockwork, Canada Post is raising their rates as of January 17th. I work at the post office part-time so I thought I would give my fellow Canadians a head's up. Here's a link to the complete list of new rates including all the price tables you could ever want (a very helpful sleep aid for insomniacs!).

http://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/prices/ (click on the red "new prices" button)

I'm not sure how bad the increase is for domestic and US Expedited parcel rates, but here are the new Lettermail, Oversize Lettermail, Light Packet, and Small Packet rates.

Lettermail (max 24.5 X 15.6 X .5cm):
Canada >>
0.59 (0-30g)
1.03 (31-50g)
USA >>
1.03 (0-30g)
1.25 (31-50g)
International >>
1.75 (0-30g)
2.50 (31-50g)

Oversize Lettermail (max 38 X 27 X 2cm):
Canada >>
1.25 (0-100g)
2.06 (101-200g)
2.85 (201-300g)
3.25 (301-400g)
3.50 (401-500g)
USA >> (printed matter only)
2.06 (0-100g)
3.60 (101-200g)
7.20 (201-500g)
International >> (printed matter only)
4.10 (0-100g)
7.20 (101-200g)
14.40 (201-500g)

Light Packet (max 38 X 27 X 2cm):
USA >> 4% increase over 2010
2.36 (0-100g)
4.92 (101-250g)
7.91 (251-500g)
International >> 3.5% increase over 2010!
4.60 (0-100g)
9.25 (101-250g)
15.80 (251-500g)

Small Packet (max L + W + H = 90cm)
USA >> 7.5% increase over 2010!
Surface 5.85 (0-250g)
Airmail 7.46
Surface 8.35 (251-500g)
Airmail 9.90
Surface 12.41 (501g-1kg)
Airmail 15.36
International >> (rates vary according to the country.. please see zone and rate tables through the link above. Amounts below are for shipments to the United Kingdom, zone 02 - surface rates are 10% higher than 2010, airmail rates are 8% higher, except in the 1-2kg category)
Surface 6.54 (0-250g)
Airmail 8.53
Surface 8.95 (251-500g)
Airmail 17.06
Surface 15.02 (501g-1kg)
Airmail 33.45
Surface 21.07 (1-2kg)
Airmail 50.26

I don't know about you, but I am really bummed about this. Increases of 7 and 10% are really going to hurt!

Convo me if you have any questions.
(Posted at 2:55 am, January 3, 2011 EST)

TigersandDragons · ‎06-28-2012

A thread about using couriers to ship outside Canada:
Here's this link: www.etsy.com/teams/7654/etsy-international/discuss/10520105/page/1/
While quotes vary for couriers, and in most cases the fees are high enough to scare some customers away, I thought just some general ideas about pricing and choices would give sellers something to start from... The "time and cost" quote pages for UPS and Fedex (I use the .ca sites) aren't too difficult to use.
Thanks Cindy!

View solution in original post

JacquieVintage · ‎10-19-2012

Hi everyone,
Below is the expanded version of the etsy blog article about shipping issues for Canadian sellers being published tomorrow (Oct 19th, 2012). Many thanks to Nada Alic, our Canadian Community Manager on Etsy, for spearheading this project. Yesterday she issued the first-ever Etsy Canada Newsletter, which we should all be excited about! I for one look forward to us Canadians banding together in a positive way. If you didn't receive the newsletter, you need to change your account settings. Go to Your Account > Settings > Emails. Under "Your Subscriptions", click on "Canada Newsletter". To reach Nada, http://www.etsy.com/people/nadaalic#

EXPANDED ARTICLE ON SHIPPING ISSUES FOR CANADIAN SELLERS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Postal rates are so confusing, how do I make sense of them?

Yes, the rate system at Canada Post is confusing. Take heart, you are not alone in feeling that way. Here’s a brief rundown to help demystify it all. Start with the item you plan to sell, packaged up as if you are ready to send it. Weigh it and measure it on all three sides (L x W x H). (Try to use metric, which is the default that Canada Post uses).

IF your item weighs LESS THAN 500 grams (including packaging):

IF the package dimensions are greater than 38cm x 27cm x 2cm – go to the second section below.

IF the package dimensions are 38cm x 27cm x 2cm or less, AND you don’t require insurance or tracking – you can ship your item at the cheapest rates Canada Post offers (namely, Lettermail/Oversize Lettermail or Light Packet). Note: be aware there’s also a MINIMUM measurement restriction on the length and width, 14cm x 9cm.

IF your item weighs MORE THAN 500 grams, OR it doesn’t fall into the categories above:

You have to use one of the parcel services. Available choices depend on the destination, broadly categorized as Domestic (within Canada), USA, International (all other countries). Note: some services have weight/dimension restrictions.

Domestic Parcel Services:
Regular Parcel
Expedited Parcel (for Venture One cardholders, 5% discount off Regular rates plus faster delivery times)
Xpresspost
Xpresspost flat-rate prepaid envelopes (weight restrictions apply, up to 500 grams, and up to 1 kg)
Priority

USA Parcel Services:
Small Packet Surface/Airmail (maximum weight 1 kg; maximum dimensions 90cm L+W+H; minimum dimensions on the length and width 14cm x 9cm)
Expedited Parcel USA (minimum dimensions 21cm x 14cm)
Xpresspost USA (minimum dimensions 21cm x 14cm)
Priority Worldwide (minimum dimensions 30cm x 22cm)

International Parcel Services:
Small Packet Surface/Airmail (maximum weight 2 kg; maximum dimensions 90cm L+W+H; minimum dimensions on the length and width 14cm x 9cm)
International Parcel Surface (minimum dimensions 21cm x 14cm)
International Parcel Airmail (not available to some countries; minimum dimensions 21cm x 14 cm)
Xpresspost International (minimum dimensions 21cm x 14cm)
Priority Worldwide (minimum dimensions 30cm x 22cm)

Shipping is so expensive, can my small business survive it?

The short answer is “yes*”. Note the asterisk. As anyone who ever encountered that little star after enticements for “Free Shipping” or “Buy One Get One” knows, the devil is in the asterisk. It asks you to buy more, do more, or in the worst cases, eliminates you altogether (“Not available in Canada” anyone?). The asterisk means there are conditions you need to meet to get that freebie. For the question here about your business’ survival, how do we get to “yes”? What does the asterisk demand of you as a small business owner?

1- Know your customer

Research studies that analyze online shopping behaviour all say the same thing: the number one reason for abandoned shopping carts is the cost of shipping. The percentage is somewhere around 60%. In addition to that sobering statistic, we small sellers must accept “free shipping” as the new standard that customers now expect. Flat-rate shipping is another one that became ubiquitous before the free-shipping frenzy began. Understand that there’s a psychological barrier when it comes to shipping costs. Customers bristle no matter what they are and that’s why free shipping works for mass consumer goods like electronics and clothing. I think most Etsy shoppers understand that its sellers aren’t able to offer deep discounts on shipping, which gives us all a little breathing room. However, what customers will tolerate for shipping costs depends on many factors which may be different from seller to seller. General demand for your item, how unique it is, its price level, all these play a role in how your customer perceives the shipping cost. If you can figure out how your target market feels about the added cost of mailing, you are one step ahead. Consider asking your customers when you send them a thank-you email. Create a short survey. It’s an easy way to collect valuable data and you might be surprised at how eager people are to answer your questions. I tried it for my re-branding project and it worked really well for me. In general though, I think sellers need to decide on a reasonable ratio of shipping cost vs. item price, and stick to it. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. Be realistic. Adjust your packaged quantities, offer volume discounts, explore ways to minimize packaging. And most importantly, research what other sellers are doing! Which brings me to the next point:

2- Know your competition

We sellers are up against a giant wall of competition, both online and off. And in the spirit of healthy competition, we should have no qualms about mirroring what our successful competitors are doing. For us Canadians, it’s a fact of life that most of our competition is located in the USA, where sellers get the benefit of much more favorable shipping rates from the US Postal Service compared to ours at Canada Post. It creates another challenge, but not an impossible one. Figure out who is selling the same or similar products as you. Don’t restrict yourself to Etsy either. Take a look at all shopping venues, big and small, online and off. Take note of how much they charge for shipping to different destinations; add it to their stated item price to arrive at a total cost. You’ll eventually get a sense of where the middle ground lies and where you can place yourself into the mix. You may find you need to increase your item price while lowering your stated shipping in order to compete. Doing this may require you to amp up your descriptions to highlight how your item is special or unique. (Something we all should be doing anyway!).

Note: When reviewing the bigger sellers, be aware that they likely benefit from lower commercial shipping rates, volume-discounted. At Canada Post, the threshold of eligibility for commercial rates is around 750 shipments per year. So if you have that kind of volume, contact Canada Post immediately!

3- Know your item

A seller wondered about shipping the soaps she sells. The individual bars had to be sent at the Parcel rate because they were too thick for the cheaper Lettermail/Light Packet rate. One bar’s total cost would be a whopping $12 to the customer. Suggestions were offered: make a “travel” or “sample” size bar in a thinner size to allow for the cheaper rate; bundle bars in sets of three to reduce the per-bar shipping cost. What can you do to alter your items in order to reduce their shipping cost? This is an important question to ask yourself. Before designing your next incredible piece, take into account how much it will cost to ship.

How do I calculate rates?

The quickest and easiest way to get a rate is by going to Canada Post’s website at www.canadapost.ca. On the home page, click on “Find a Rate”. There’s a default section for parcels, and another section for letters/documents. Enter your package weight, dimensions, and from/to information. Make sure you respect the minimum dimension restrictions for USA/International parcels (as noted in the first section above). The results will omit certain service options if you don’t.

From your local post office, get a copy of the fanfold pamphlet “Postal Prices”. This guide is a handy and essential reference. It has all the basic information including Lettermail/Oversize Lettermail rates, Light Packet & Small Packet rates, min/max weight and size restrictions, and other useful information all at your fingertips. You can also get the pamphlet online at www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/prices/ . Under “Postal Prices Fanfolds”, click on Canada, USA, or International to view or print each section.

Another handy reference I recommend to print is the rate table for International Small Packet. Countries are slotted into zones, numbered 1 through 10. Each zone has its own rate for both Surface and Airmail. The alphabetical list of countries with applicable zones, and the rate table can be found here: www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/prices/SBinter-e-04.pdf

For domestic parcel rates (within Canada), the rate tables are rather complex. I don’t recommend using them as it’s much faster to use the “Find a Rate” function on the website. If you play around with it, plugging in different destination postal codes, you will quickly get a sense of the average cost by geographical area for a particular package size/dimension. One important thing to note: the lowest domestic rate tier is calculated for parcels weighing 0.75 kg or less (1.7 lbs). So essentially, whether your item weighs 100 grams or 700 grams, the starting rate is the same. In contrast, the US postal service rate structure has several increments in the lower weight categories.

Reminder: If you list your items for sale in US dollars, don’t forget to convert your shipping costs before adding them to your listings!

Fuel surcharge: an extra amount Canada Post charges over and above the base parcel rates, using a percentage that fluctuates periodically. It applies to all parcel services except Small & Light Packet. You can check the rate here: www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/aboutus/news/fuel/default.jsf

What tips do you have for packaging to be cost effective?

In general terms, smaller is better. Lighter is better. And in some cases, flatter is better.

When considering your packaging options, ask yourself:

Does it really need that much protective stuffing?
Don’t overpack. For fragile items, a bigger box isn’t always better. As long as the item is tightly buffered on all sides, it should be safe. Most damage is caused by shifting, when the item moves around inside. Styrofoam peanuts are light but they create gaps. If you use peanuts, pack them in tightly.

Are there lighter options than a cardboard box?
Try poly mailer envelopes, which are light, cheap, and available in a range of sizes. If your item is fragile, instead of a cardboard box try wrapping it in cut-up cardboard to fit, then place it in a poly mailer. Explore other options. Look through a packaging catalogue for creative ideas (Uline is a good one).

Reminder: be aware of the min/max dimension restrictions for certain shipping services such as Light & Small Packet, USA Expedited, etc.

In what case can I get tracking? Is it worth it?

Tracking is a protective feature that allows a lost parcel to be traced through the system. You can’t buy tracking separately as an add-on. It comes bundled with certain parcel services only, which are:
Domestic Regular Parcel
Domestic Expedited Parcel
USA Expedited
International Surface/Air Parcel
All Xpresspost
All Priority

Key things to note:
- All Lettermail, Oversize Lettermail, Light Packet, and Small Packet do not have tracking.
- Tracking is key to fighting any non-delivery disputes/claims initiated on Paypal.
- Canada Post has ways of tracing Small Packets even without a tracking barcode.

Is it worth shipping a more expensive way simply to get the tracking? Maybe. Maybe not. It all depends on your comfort level and how the added cost fits into your business scenario and profitability. Also, some customers (particularly Americans) are accustomed to tracking and become uncomfortable if they don’t have it. That discomfort can be softened if you explain its higher cost and how you will handle things if the parcel is lost. The hard part is when a parcel is taking longer than expected to arrive at its destination. Without tracking, you (and consequently, your customer) have no way of knowing what the delay is about or where the parcel is. Communicate with your customer, ask them to be patient. And have a plan ready for how you will deal with the situation if too much time goes by without successful delivery. Will you refund the customer? Ship a replacement? In my experience, lost parcels occur very rarely. But when it does happen, think of it as part of the cost of doing business. The most important thing is to make sure your customer is satisfied.

What about insurance?

Canada Post offers insurance on all parcels except Light Packet (Lettermail and Oversize Lettermail are not considered parcels, and therefore carry no insurance). The insurance covers your parcel against loss (non-delivery) and damage. Glass and ceramic items are not covered against damage. Services that have insurance include $100 Canadian of coverage in the price of the postage (except Domestic Regular Parcel – you have to buy the insurance as an add-on). With the exception of Small Packets (which carry a maximum of $100 coverage), you can purchase additional insurance in $100 coverage increments.

The process to file a claim is fairly straightforward. Call Canada Post’s customer service line at 1-800-267-1177 (if your parcel has a tracking number, you can also file a claim online at www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/support/helpcentre/default.jsf#ia4 ). Make sure you have all relevant shipping documents in hand. It may take a few weeks before you see a refund cheque, but the whole process works quite well. In the case of a lost parcel, you will have to wait 30-90 days after the shipping date (depending on how it was mailed) before you can open a claim. Best thing to do is call Canada Post as soon as you feel the delivery delay is significant. They will tell you when you can officially file a claim. In the case of a damaged item, as soon as your customer makes you aware of it, ask them to take photos and send them to you. Make sure they keep all the packaging. Canada Post may ask to see all the photo evidence.

Third Party Insurance Options

You can buy insurance online through 3rd party companies at low cost. Some will even insure the types of packages that Canada Post doesn’t insure, such as Light Packets. I haven’t tried it personally, but I hear from sellers that it’s easy to do and reliable. Two companies I know of are:

www.insurepost.com
www.shipinsurance.com

Should I consider alternative shipping methods such as Fedex or UPS?

It doesn’t hurt to look into it. Generally speaking, courrier services are more expensive than Canada Post. Some ground services may be less expensive to the USA, and are worth exploring. Both Fedex and UPS have fairly easy websites to navigate and they have toll-free numbers to call if you prefer talking to a real person. Bear in mind that your US and international customers may be responsible for paying brokerage fees, duties and taxes when their shipment arrives. The costs can be quite high. There’s a good Etsy forum thread on this topic at the International Team page here: http://www.etsy.com/teams/7654/etsy-international/discuss/10520105/page/1

What do I need to know when shipping internationally?

Some sellers are afraid to ship parcels internationally. There’s no need to be! The only difference is you have to fill out a customs form to include a description of the item(s) and the corresponding dollar value. When mailing an international parcel, take note of the expected delivery time and communicate it to your customer. Be aware that occasionally packages can be delayed while clearing customs in the destination country. Also, it’s important to note that some countries charge recipients duties and taxes on their shipments. Most international customers are pretty savvy about it but it never hurts to mention it in your policies or customer correspondence.

The quality of postal delivery systems around the world can vary. With time, you will learn which countries are more susceptible to disappearing and/or damaged parcels. For shipments to more rural, non-urban areas, parcels sent by Surface (ground) can be riskier. Airmail is recommended.

Are there any discounts I can get? I heard about a Canada Post account – am I eligible for that?

Yes, any small business owner is eligible for a discount program called “Venture One”. You can apply online at the Canada Post website (https://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/business/solutions/ventureone.jsf ), or pick up an application at your local post office. There are no special requirements to join. Venture One members enjoy a 5% discount on certain shipping services and products. The discount applies to:
Regular Parcel – domestic (service becomes Expedited Parcel, with faster delivery times)
Expedited Parcel USA
International Parcel Surface/Air
Xpresspost (domestic, USA, International)
Xpresspost prepaid envelopes
Priority (domestic and worldwide)

In addition to the 5%, you can enjoy another 3% discount when you purchase and print your shipping labels online using Canada Post’s Electronic Shipping Tools (EST). After you join Venture One and have your member number, you will need to register on the website in order to access EST. Your registration also gives you the ability to order shipping supplies through the website.

Are there any tips or tricks I should know about?

- Your shipping task will be much easier if you get yourself a scale. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on it. A simple kitchen scale works for small to medium parcels (hunt one down at a thrift shop!) Bathroom scale works fine for larger parcels. It’s always a good idea to double-check your parcel’s weight at the post office before mailing.

- For Oversize Lettermail and Light Packet parcels where the 2cm thickness restriction is very key, you can purchase a special plastic template from Canada Post. Sellers call it the “slot of doom” because when you have one millimeter too many you pay the more expensive rates. The product number is 540008029.

- Be sure to compare the price of prepaid Xpresspost envelopes to the Regular (or Expedited) parcel rates for domestic shipments within Canada. In certain cases, it can save you money. The small cushion envelopes are quite roomy (although there’s a weight limit of 500 grams).

- When mailing to the US and International destinations by Lettermail, Oversize Lettermail, or Small Packet, you will pay the GST/HST on the postage if your total spend is less than $5.00. Try to bundle your shipments so the total is over $5.00.

- Measure your parcels before going to the post office. Postal clerks are not infallible. Measuring mistakes can happen, and the difference of even 1 cm can increase your costs needlessly.

- Use Canada Post’s customs/shipping labels as your guide to make sure your parcels meet the minimum dimensions for Small Packets, Expedited USA, and Xpresspost USA/International parcels. If the label lies flat, you’re ok. If you have to fold the label over two sides, your parcel is too small.

If you have any questions about shipping, convo me anytime. I'm happy to help!

jacquie

View solution in original post

JacquieVintage · ‎04-16-2013

CP INTERNAL ANNOUNCEMENT

My postal outlet received the following announcement today (caps added for emphasis):

"Effective immediately, you no longer have to complete the shaded areas of the following US and International counter labels OR DATE STAMP THE CUSTOMER COPY OF THESE LABELS when selling the service:
- Xpresspost International
- Xpresspost USA
- Expedited Parcel USA
- SMALL PACKET (including Tracked Packet)
- International Parcel Air/Surface

Because the Retail Postal System (RPS) prints the item particulars on the customer receipt and the postage meter label, you can save time since you no longer need to manually complete this information."

I foresee trouble from this new directive. Some sellers have already reported date-stamp resistance from postal clerks. So now that they are being told they "don't have to" the problem could multiply. 3rd party insurers have said the date-stamp is the only proof of mailing they will accept in the case of a claim. Clerks aren't being told they "must not" date-stamp, only that they "don't have to". In my opinion, we can still request (demand lol) that they do. The request should not be denied.

View solution in original post

JacquieVintage · ‎04-23-2014

UPDATE - CUSTOMS DATA COLLECTION

On page 290 of this thread, I mentioned a new process being implemented at CP outlets. The process will go live on May 20th (currently in test mode at select outlets). Postal clerks will be required to key in item descriptions and values for the international services affected (USA Expedited/Xpresspost and Int'l Xpresspost). At some point, CP will also introduce an online process for shippers, which will generate a "barcode" containing the customs information related to a parcel. The customer brings the printed barcode to the postal outlet where it will be scanned, thereby avoiding the clerk having to type the information into the system. You can see what the online capture form looks like by going here:

www.canadapost.ca/customs

Today I learned that come August, if a customer does not have the customs barcode they will be charged a $2.00 fee (!)

View solution in original post

JacquieVintage · ‎03-27-2015

ANNOUNCEMENT

Today I learned that CP's Venture One program is going bye-bye on March 30. It is being replaced by the new "Solutions for Small Business" program. The internal memo has very limited information. Some of things it says:

"Members who purchase qualifying parcels...at retail or online will save more based on their SPENDING BEHAVIOR. The percentage they will save, when purchasing qualifying parcels... will vary based on their EARNED SAVINGS LEVELS." (words with caps were bold in the memo).

"Starting April 1, existing Venture One members will receive a Direct Mail piece promoting the new program. An email will also be sent customers who have provided an email address. Shortly after, existing customers will receive new membership cards with the same membership number as their VentureOne card. This transition will happen over a period of weeks."

"With Solutions for Small Business, we'll reward your repeat business with savings levels that automatically grow with you....
- up to 28% off Expedited Parcel shipping
- up to 40% off international shipping
- up to 15% off Unaddressed Admail"

"View the savings levels at canadapost.ca/smallbusiness/savings to see how much you could save."

The above webpage doesn't work yet. Presumably they are waiting until April 1.

I'm a little worried about what this could mean for us!!

"

View solution in original post

cindylouwho2 · ‎12-21-2016

Canada Post price changes for business customers have been released, effective Jan 16 2017:
www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/prices/SBParcels_2017-e.pdf

as usual, they have not released light packet prices yet.

Lettermail:
Canada:
https://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/supportdocuments/advanced_lm_pricesheet-e.pdf
so no oversized lettermail increase within Canada!

and elsewhere:
https://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/supportdocuments/advanced_lp_pricesheet-e.pdf

View solution in original post

cindylouwho2 · ‎12-16-2017

Thank you Beth! Here is the direct link to the parcel price increases & the official news that light packet is being discontinued;
https://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/assets/pdf/business/parcelRate_2018_OoC_en.pdf

View solution in original post

cindylouwho2 · ‎02-10-2011

Jackie, this is great! thanks for volunteering to take questions here. I will know where to send people :)

My only CP expertise is how to beat the slot of doom, but I AM good at it LOL

Vitrine · ‎02-10-2011

Thank you for the info!
The price increase really eats into earnings. I'd say between wrapping, envelopes and postage it comes to $10 on average to the US.

cindylouwho2 · ‎02-10-2011

Vitrine, if you can get your package under 2 cm thick, the postage to the US is just $2.36 plus tax.

I wrote a post here with packaging options (scroll down):
http://etsyalberta.blogspot.com/2009/07/shipping-packaging-info.html
but it is out of date.

There are a couple of shops on Etsy that have the smaller boxes too, but just one is currently stocked:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60533721/50-pack-teal-blue-cotton-filled-11-size
she has different listings for different colours & amounts.

This place has "charm boxes" in several colours:
http://www.fetpak.com/whstore/main.pl/slist?16

If anyone has any suggestions for smaller lots of large packaging solutions, I would love to hear them. I have a 10 cm pendant sitting on my desk right now that I am going to have to cut a bigger box down for.

Former_Member · ‎02-10-2011

LOL Slot of doom! That was good... its so true too. :P

Former_Member · ‎02-10-2011

As far as boxes go... I skip them all together because they are thicker and heavier. What I do is place the item on a single sheet of cardboard just big enough to surround it, wrap the whole thing is bubble wrap (very tight) and then wrap that with a pretty paper, put my sticker on it and stick it in an envelope.

Usually with this method I can pay regular postage or very minimal air mail. :)

cindylouwho2 · ‎02-10-2011

Some of my stuff is too fragile to go in bubble wrap (at least, bubble wrap that is less than 2 cm thick! LOL) so I need to use the boxes. That is why I have invested so much time in finding sources of the ones that fit through the slot. Everything I sell is under 100 g so it doesn't affect my weight unless they buy several things

JacquieVintage · ‎02-10-2011

cindylouwho2: great idea to brainstorm questions/concerns about packaging solutions! I will think on this and post any ideas I come up with.

One other thing, about this comment you made:

"if you can get your package under 2 cm thick, the postage to the US is just $2.36 plus tax"

Regarding the tax, it's important to know that you should not be paying any GST/HST on shipments to the USA or International, if the total amount of shipping fees is $5.00 or more. This rule applies to the combined total, no matter how many parcels you have. For example, if you are mailing 3 light packets to the US, costing $2.36 each, you should not pay any GST/HST. If you are mailing only ONE light packet at $2.36 you will pay the GST/HST. So, it pays to wait until you have over $5.00 worth of US/Int'l parcels before mailing them!

cindylouwho2 · ‎02-10-2011

good point about the tax not applying over $5! Unfortunately I often can't wait that long, as I average 5-6 items sold a week but can have substantial gaps in my sales, & often people are buying more than one item. I can't really wait more than a couple of days to ship, or I wouldn't be getting many repeat customers, I think

ClosetGothic · ‎02-10-2011

Jackie - would you mind coming over and working for NZ Post.. please?

silverworkshop · ‎02-10-2011

Wow Jackie, thank you so much for your post. I feel like every time I go to the post office I get different answers - sometimes I even don't mail my items and go to another post office because the rates make more sense!

Out of curiosity, do most of you just post regular mail? I've started doing that to bring down shipping costs but am rethinking it - I've just had a package not make it to it's destination.

Former_Member · ‎02-10-2011

I use regular surface mail mostly - went to Air round Christmas. Only one thing has gotten way-laid but I think that was by Customs.
I have now started to make more skinny things for ye olde Slot of Doom.
The Post Office people laugh when I called it that.

Yes, Jackie - thank you for this - saved and printed. Now all I need to do is get a scale.

Former_Member · ‎02-10-2011

Hi Jackie!
I have a question about insurance... I have had a conflicting answers, when we pay for insurance on a package I have been told Yes, glass items are insurable...But when we had to file a claim (has only happened once) They told us the clerk was wrong and Canada Post does not insure any glass items... Usually the value is $100.00 or less

As well any tips for lowering costs on Large packages?

minouette · ‎02-10-2011

Thanks so much for offering to take questions Jackie!

I try to send all my prints airmail, unless they are very small and go in letter post. I have found that surface mail to the US a) takes a very long time b) is much more likely to go missing c) is much more likely to be damaged. But this is just my personal experience.

I would like to second the request for tips on large packages. I find I get different prices at different postal outlets!

silverworkshop · ‎02-10-2011

Thanks for the feedback studiozuzu. My package just arrived to it's destination so, so far so good with regular mail!

JacquieVintage · ‎02-10-2011

ClosetGothic:

Haha! I would love to! I've never seen NZ, I hear it's beautiful. Make me an offer and I'm there ;)

Vitrine · ‎02-10-2011

Great tips everyone! thank you!
Sometimes I'm lucky that it's less than 2cm, but i package my items really well because i don't want them to reach broken (which has happened to a friend of mine using just paper-wrapped items in bubble mailers).

JacquieVintage · ‎02-10-2011

WestCoastGlass:

your question:
Hi Jackie!
I have a question about insurance... I have had a conflicting answers, when we pay for insurance on a package I have been told Yes, glass items are insurable...But when we had to file a claim (has only happened once) They told us the clerk was wrong and Canada Post does not insure any glass items... Usually the value is $100.00 or less

As well any tips for lowering costs on Large packages?
___________________________________________________

About insuring glass, CP insurance only covers glass or ceramics against loss (non-delivery), it does NOT cover glass or ceramics against damage suffered in transit. The reason is they cannot control how well these fragile items are packaged up by the sender. This rule applies to every service CP offers, regardless of item value or destination. Your best defense against damage is a well-packaged parcel. CP recommends double-boxing fragile items but I've never done that in my hundreds of fragile things safely shipped. The key is to have a big enough box so that your item "floats" inside, surrounded tightly by paper or other material. The item itself should be tightly encased in bubble wrap (it's the best) and paper on top of that. If you are shipping more than one item in the box, make sure you wrap each piece separately so they are not touching. For small items, I usually don't use a box. I wrap the item in bubble and paper, then I take a piece of corrugated cardboard (cut from a box), tightly encase it, then pop it in a bubble envelope or polyethylene bag. Layering is the key. Can you describe what happened with the item you needed to make a claim for?

For lowering costs on large packages, it's a bit tricky. The shipping cost is based on a combination of weight and size. But, the most important factor is size. For example, a small and light item packaged in an oversized box will cost nearly as much as a bigger, heavier item packaged in the same box. I'm guessing this is because the box takes up that amount of space in CP's trucks and planes regardless of what's inside or how much it weighs. SO. Keep your parcels as small as possible without compromising the security of what's inside. If you follow my packaging suggestions above, you will find that you can save space.. the tightness and layering of how you package is the crucial part. Another thing to consider with larger packages is whether Expresspost prepaid envelopes are a good option for you or not (for domestic shipments only). You will need to do some comparing of costs with an example of one of your parcels. For US and Int'l shipments there are no prepaid envelopes available, so it all comes down to how you package for those. If you can give me a specific example of your item, I can offer some suggestions!

JacquieVintage · ‎02-11-2011

One other thing about large parcels.. if you don't have a Venture One card yet, get one! It gives you a 5% discount on Regular & Express domestic parcels, and Expedited & Express US parcels.. plus the delivery time is faster!

Minouette: there is no obvious reason why you would be getting different rates at different postal outlets. Assuming you are talking about domestic parcels, it could be the way they are measuring your item. Before you go to the post office, measure your parcel (in centimeters) and write it down on your box. Make sure that is what they enter into the computer. For Small & Light Packets to the US and Int'l, the biggest issue is weight. (As long as the size is less than 90cm L+W+H, the size doesn't matter). If your identical item is priced differently from outlet to outlet, the only thing I can think of is that the scales might be calibrated differently. But this shouldn't affect it by more than a few grams. So unless your item is right on the edge of the different weight categories (ie: close to 100g, or 250g, or 500g, etc) it shouldn't affect the price. Can you give me an example of when this happened to you?

And about your comment on the slow speed of Surface Mail, the delivery standard is 10-14 business days. Are you finding it's slower than that? Strangely, I've had the opposite experience to yours. I find my Surface parcels to the US arrive just as quickly as Airmail! I have even suspected that they put Surface parcels on the plane to fill up empty space. It's hard to know for sure. I go with Surface Mail mostly because it's the cheapest way.. and with the latest price increases, even more so.

Former_Member · ‎02-11-2011

This thread is wonderful. Thanks Jackie, very informative!

Former_Member · ‎02-11-2011

Fedex does insure glass and ceramics, if you're mailing anything oversized or heavier than 1 kilo I would recommend checking for Fedex ground rates at Fedex.ca.

Compared to Expedited Service, Fedex is less "size" sensitive, and depending on where you're situated and what state you're shipping to, Fedex Ground can sometimes be less than Expedited. It is approx. $2.50 more to ship to a residence (be sure to check off the "shipping to a residence" box), so some of my customers have items shipped to their office/work to save more.

Not every Fedex depot accepts ground parcels, so check online or call Fedex to check if there is one convenient to you.

minouette · ‎02-11-2011

Thanks for your response Jackie! I don't have any figures in front of me, but I shipped the same print to the US and the price I got was $2 cheaper than when my boyfriend took the 2nd one to another postal outlet. They were packaged flat, with cardboard to prevent bending. They were both sent 'small package US air mail'. I doubt there was any significant difference in weight or dimensions (the product was identical).

The L+W+H < 90 cm rule is very helpful! I'm often torn whether I should attempt to send something flat and risk that it gets bent or in a poster tube. Knowing that it's generally only the weight that matters helps.

I find the website bewildering, so I really appreciate you taking the time to answer questions!

TigersandDragons · ‎02-11-2011

The $2 difference could be that one was sent light packet airmail and the other small packet airmail. Light packet has no insurance coverage for loss, while small packet does...I found this out the hard way after a Christmas order didn't arrive.

JacquieVintage · ‎02-12-2011

minouette: If an item fits the slot of doom (max dimensions 38 X 27 X 2cm), and the destination is US or Int'l, there are actually 3 (!) options you need to be familiar with.

1) Oversize Lettermail >> for printed matter only (including photographs, artwork, etc.. anything with a paper/cardboard format); max weight 500g;
no insurance; delivery time same as Airmail (7-10 business days). Weight categories: 0-100g, 101-200g, 201-500g

2) Light Packet >> contents can be anything; max weight 500g; no insurance; delivery time same as Airmail (7-10 business days). Weight categories: 0-100g, 101-250g, 251-500g. (Note the 2nd category is 250g vs O/S Lettermail 200).

3) Small Packet >> contents can be anything; max dimensions < 90cm (L+W+H); max weight 1kg (US), 2kg (Int'l); $100 max insurance coverage; 2 service choices Surface (10-14 business days US/6-8 weeks Int'l) or Airmail (7-10 business days). Weight categories are the same as Light Packet, plus 501-1kg, and 1-2kg (for Int'l only).

I suspect that tigersanddragons is right. You probably paid for the Small Packet Surface rate $5.85 instead of the O/S Letter rate of $2.06. But you say your receipts both say Airmail? Then it might be that the 2nd one was a few grams over the 100g mark. I'd have to see your receipts to know for sure. Sometimes postal clerks make assumptions or forget to ask pertinent questions, especially if there's a long line-up of people waiting. No excuse, I know. The best way to avoid paying for a service you don't need or want is to be armed with all the right information beforehand. If you're clear on CP's standards and pricing for the type of item you're selling then you'll have fewer shocks and surprises!

TigersandDragons · ‎02-12-2011

Jackie's right about being prepared. Many times I have had clerks at affiliated postal outlets try to put lettermail postage on my jewellery envelopes because it's the cheapest....many do not know about light packet or understand only printed matter can be sent by lettermail.

Even when I buy from the USA I find it best to check out rates and sevices on the USPS website so I can request the service that suits me best....some US sellers aren't clear on shipping options to Canada.

Fastest to Slowest shipping options
At Canada Post: Priority->Express->Expedited->AIR(Air Parcel/AirSmPacket/AirLightPacket/Lettermail)->Surface

At US Postal Service (for International):
GlobalExpressGuaranteed(GXG)->Express Mail(EMS)->Priority Mail->FirstClassMail

Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!

Re: Canadians: Ask me about Canada Post and shipping - I work there!