Thread: Canada Post

Well, actually parcel post from the US.

I recently won an SRDrecher for a song on ebay and the seller is now telling me that it'll cost $10.90 to ship to Canada via Economy Mail Parcel Post. They also say Letter Post is not allowed, but would be happy to know of a better deal for shipping to Canadian customers.

He're's my question: Is every seller who's been shipping to me via Letter Post breaking the law, or is this seller misinformed and what IS the cheapest LEGAL way to send a straight razor across the border? What can I recommend as an alternative? Please remember this is international shipping even though it's the same continent.

Global Priority for up to 4 pounds in the USPS flat cardboard envelope is an actual $5 cost. Don't know if your seller is charging you to stand in line at the post office. I know that I cringe at mail requiring a green declaration slip. My post office is always very busy and I never get out of there without spending at least 20 minutes standing in line.

I have always been charged extremely high postage for anything I won on Ebay from someone in Canada (typically more than other international charges), and delivery is extremely slow (slower even than some shipping from Europe). Now you're experiencing the same thing in the other direction.

If you find out why I'd like to know.

Originally Posted by xman

Well, actually parcel post from the US.

I recently won an SRDrecher for a song on ebay and the seller is now telling me that it'll cost $10.90 to ship to Canada via Economy Mail Parcel Post. They also say Letter Post is not allowed, but would be happy to know of a better deal for shipping to Canadian customers.

He're's my question: Is every seller who's been shipping to me via Letter Post breaking the law, or is this seller misinformed and what IS the cheapest LEGAL way to send a straight razor across the border? What can I recommend as an alternative? Please remember this is international shipping even though it's the same continent.

Hi xman
Anything I've won from the states, or orders from retailers always work best when the mailer has used Global Priority Post USPS.

Stuff we mail out from Canada to the USA usually costs double what they pay to mail from the states.

One razor from the US usually costs between 5 and 6 dollars US to mail. But, if I mail one out, it's almost 9$ Cdn with Canada Post (padded envelope, well wrapped inside 'cuz I don't trust 'em).

I once sent some motorcycle emblems (Vintage not replaceable) and registered it. No weight to it at all, and I registered it. Insured at 20.00 it cost $15.00 Cdn to send to Wisconsin!!!!

Had no troubles other than cost.

- Gramps

I usually send razors in those little global priority envelopes and I believe the cost is $5. Still have to fill out the customs form though. Lynn

It all depends on whether you want to insure a package or take your chances. Global Priority Mail envelopes are $5 for the small and maybe $7 to $9 for the large (online quotes say one thing, the actual PO says different) Neither allows for insurance, both have maximum thickness allowance if the postv office bothers to check. I got caught doing just this last week as the lady looked at the slightly bulging mailer and said document.s booklets, etc.... ONLY.

I know the mailers are the cheapest, easiest way but what happens when the razor is lost or damaged. I have started requiring insurance on anything I sell over $20.

Tony

I suggested Global Priority and the seller told me that every time they go to the Post office with even a bubble envelope, anything other than paper mail, they get charged for Parcel Post.

Xman,
Here in the US regular priority mail can go in any type package. For Global though they always want a special packaging.
My post office suggest Airmail parcel post for International too and it can be insured. Economy Surface mail is very slow but actually cost far more than air.
The rate he gave you is realistic but there are cheaper ways but uninsured.
Tony

In my experience sending via US Mail to Canada as opposed to courier (i.e. UPS, Fedex) greatly reduces the likelihood of getting slapped with customs.