yisgood
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posted on January 4, 2001 05:16:50 PM new
I was just phoned by a Canadian who wants several items I sell. These items are very small and altogether the package wont be more than 2 lbs, probably only one pound and the value is about $200. What is the best way to ship? I heard that UPS adds a hefty brokerage fee on top of the shipping. I have to send it in a way that can be traced.
http://www.ygoodman.com
[email protected]
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dman3
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posted on January 4, 2001 05:23:17 PM new
I have had luck shipping things to canada USPS surfice and air item getting where send them within 2 to 5 days insome cases shipping to canada was cheaper then shipping the same Item inside the US.
http://www.Dman-N-Company.com
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yisgood
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posted on January 4, 2001 05:26:00 PM new
Thanks for the info, but how do you track? Can it be insured? Signature required? When I shipped a package out of the US once I was told that only Global Priority at $40 is insured.
http://www.ygoodman.com
[email protected]
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cyberjp
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posted on January 4, 2001 05:27:21 PM new
I have shipped via USPS Global priority and it usually runs around $7 for a package that size. It is very efficient and the customer's always seem to be pleased with the speed!
Joel
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stockticker
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posted on January 4, 2001 05:28:05 PM new
Definitely via U.S. post office. Couriers charge the recipient a brokerage fee. I'm not sure about tracing - wouldn't insurance be just as good?
I live in Canada and receive at least 3 packages a month from U.S. suppliers, each with a value of at least $600. All are shipped via the U.S. post office (surface or air) with insurance.
Irene
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dman3
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posted on January 4, 2001 05:31:04 PM new
insurance works the same for canada as it does when shipping to any US address tracking as well you can use DC no signature at the other end needed.
http://www.Dman-N-Company.com
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yisgood
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posted on January 4, 2001 05:34:04 PM new
Wow, thanks for all the responses. It looks like shipping to Canada is not the big deal I thought it was. What about Customs? Do they collect it upon delivery to the customer?
http://www.ygoodman.com
[email protected]
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ExecutiveGirl
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posted on January 4, 2001 05:39:50 PM new
I ship just about all my international packages by USPS Small Packet Air. I don't know if it can be traced or not though - but I've mailed out hundreds of packages this way and have NEVER had a problem.
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yisgood
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posted on January 7, 2001 02:14:20 PM new
Just went into the PO today (mine is open Sunday) and asked the postmaster. This is what I was told.
I am shipping very small items (smartmedia cards) the weigh an ounce. I can send it global priority in an envelope for about $4 without tracking or in a box with tracking for $8. It can not be insured and he was not sure that the tracking would even work.
I can send it parcel post for $13.50 and then pay extra for insurance. I would have no way to track it and if it did disappear en route, it would take months to get a resolution.
Since I am talking about packages in the $100-$200 range, does it really make sense to send them off into the ozone with no way to track it? If it disappears (or the buyer just claims it did) does it become my problem to replace? Do I charge the buyer $13.50 plus insurance on top of the fees he will already pay Bidpay? These are the reasons why I have been hesitant to ship to Canada.
http://www.ygoodman.com
[email protected]
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ptimko
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posted on January 7, 2001 02:34:25 PM new
yisgood,
My suggestion would be to negotiate with your custmomer as to the added shipping costs. If you didn't specify such things in your TOS you should update future auctions so that there is no misunderstanding...
As for import duty and taxes. My understanding is that it is the responsibility of the importer not the sender to pay such taxes. The package should arrive to the customer with the import duty and taxes COD. Just be sure to put the actual sale value of the item on the customs form so that the appropriate taxes can be charged. If you inflate the value of the item the customer will be charged taxes on the inflated amount...
I hate to bring up a "hot button" topic, but if a Canadian customer asks you to send the item as a "gift" just decline politely... 
If you want to be able to track the package is there any way you can send it registered, requiring a signature on delivery?
I would definitely recommend regular surface or air mail. I'm a Canadian and my own experience with couriers shipping across the border has been very negative. It's a long story and isn't relevant to this thread, however...
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cdnbooks
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posted on January 7, 2001 02:37:44 PM new
From the USPS rate calculator, one pound to Canada from USA
Global Express Mail (EMS) 2 - 3 Days $16.25 Max. length 42", max. length plus girth 79"
Global Priority Mail - Flat-rate Envelope (large) 3 - 5 Days $7.00 9-1/2" x 12-1/2"
Global Priority Mail - Flat-rate Envelope (small) 3 - 5 Days $4.00 6" x 10"
Global Priority Mail - Variable Weight Envelope (single) 3 - 5 Days $8.00 Max. length 24", Max. length, height, depth combined 36"
Global Airmail Letter Post 4 - 7 Days $3.75 Max. length 24", Max. length, height, depth combined 36"
Global Airmail Parcel Post 4 - 7 Days $13.25 Maximum length and girth combined 108"
Global Economy Letter Post (Surface) 4 - 7 Days $2.70 Max. length 24", Max. length, height, depth combined 36"
Global Economy Parcel Post (Surface) 4 - 6 Weeks $15.25 Maximum length and girth combined 108"
[ edited by cdnbooks on Jan 7, 2001 02:44 PM ]
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cdnbooks
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posted on January 7, 2001 02:42:03 PM new
Global Airmail Letter Post is the new name for Small Packet Air. It can't be insured but it can be registered. $300 value can be registered for an additional $8.25
To summarize the example, a one pound package can be sent to Canada for $3.75, about the same cost as Priority to the US.
A one pound package registered to a value of $300 will cost a total of $12.00 to send to Canada.
Not a lot has changed.
Bill
[ edited by cdnbooks on Jan 7, 2001 02:50 PM ]
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