Former_Member
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Shipping question - what is the best way to confirm receipt?

I was wondering if anyone had any advice in regard to how best to handle confirming receipt of an item by a customer.

I live in Canada, and have been using Canada Post when I need to ship items that have sold, as it is the most affordable option I have found. The price of shipping jumps up significantly if you add a tracking number. As such I have sent a couple items without tracking numbers and then attempted to follow up with the purchaser via convo/message to make sure they received their item (if I haven't heard anything in a reasonable amount of time or had feedback).

In two instances I have had no response whatsoever to a polite message or two inquiring as to whether their item arrived safely. I am not sure what else I can do, as I don't want to have to charge sky high shipping fees, in comparison to the price of my items. I also don't want to harass customers by continuing to message them. Any suggestions would be awesome!
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Former_Member
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Re: Shipping question - what is the best way to confirm receipt?

Your shipping costs seem low to me. I don't know how much more it would cost you to add tracking in Canada, but you might consider increasing your prices to include the cost of tracking, not only as a courtesy to your buyers so they know when to expect the item, but also as protection for yourself so that you have proof when an item arrives and buyers can't claim that they never received the item just to get another free one from you. Most buyers on Etsy are honest and wonderful to work with, but once in awhile, there are some that aren't!
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Former_Member
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Re: Shipping question - what is the best way to confirm receipt?

In a situation like that, I think no news is good news. Don't worry if they don't contact you.

Most people who buy from me buy, don't leave a note and I never hear from again. I can only assume that they are happy with their purchase if they never write or say anything! In addition, I never ask for feedback unless someone messages me that they are happy (I just find it tacky and needy to ask, personally). I think 99% of people who have a problem will contact you.
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Re: Shipping question - what is the best way to confirm receipt?

I send all my orders with tracking. However my last package I sent with tracking still shows it has not delivered. I convoed the cust about this and she replied the package had arrived. I do not know what happened with the usps tracking but this time it did not work. Although I worried for days until I contacted the cust I will still continue to add the tracking.
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GoTo
Crafty Poster

Re: Shipping question - what is the best way to confirm receipt?

Honestly, if I don't hear from a buyer I don't worry about it. If someone leaves feedback or sends a convo I know they got it, other than that I just assume no news is good news.
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Former_Member
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Re: Shipping question - what is the best way to confirm receipt?

Thanks so much for the responses! This has helped put my mind at ease in regard to shipping.

Much appreciation :)
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Crafty Poster

Re: Shipping question - what is the best way to confirm receipt?

You're welcome. :)
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Re: Shipping question - what is the best way to confirm receipt?

Hi Sara,

I also live in Canada and use Canada Post. If you print your labels through PayPal, it provides a tracking number for free. That's what I do.

Sarah

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Former_Member
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Re: Shipping question - what is the best way to confirm receipt?

Sara--I'm glad you posted that...I'm in Canada too and would have suggested the "no news is good news" approach (that is what I use) but I didn't realize the PayPal labels had tracking.
Thanks!
Laura
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Re: Shipping question - what is the best way to confirm receipt?

No problem! :)
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Former_Member
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Re: Shipping question - what is the best way to confirm receipt?

Sometimes, the post office is better because I cannot measure the actual weight of the item. So, I go to the post office. when I pack a scarf, I am not sure it is within the height limit. So, I didn't try the PayPal. Next time. The Canada Post don't charge HST on above $5 shipping costs. But, PayPal does.
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Former_Member
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Re: Shipping question - what is the best way to confirm receipt?

Food for thought. Thanks for the tips on Paypal and taxes!
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