It's sickening, isn't it? $18 is the cheapest rate we can get with them to send a one inch cube to/from major cities like Vancouver and Toronto.
They desperately need a small packet rate in Canada, especially if they want to curb the oversize letter mail usage. I'd pay $8 between urban centres to get a tracking number for my one inch cube, for example - but since I can't, I'll roll the dice and spend $1.94 without one. Seems to me, they're missing an opportunity- especially for regular customers.
For the US it isn't so bad, especially if you choose Small Packet Air.
ChitChats Express is the way to go for US sales to stay competitive with US sellers. I ship most of my small items tracked, for an average of $6.50. If you don't live near one, your profit margin may suffer.
This is the best I've done within Canada for my small items:
1). ChitChats Express nationally for most major cities $12-13 ish.
2). Xpresspost small padded envelope $14-ish (for BC, AB, SK, MB).
3). Anything larger, and/or going to a remote location in YT, NU, ON, QC or the Maratimes, you need to use a flat rate box. The small ones are $19.41 with GST.
