Is it REALLY an Exciting News for eBay Sellers: CP "Tracked Packet" ???

[sap-tech]

Here's a brief and quick comparison:

A. FOR SHIPMENTS to USA

1. Parcel of 30x20x15cm 0.75Kgs valued for $100 to ship from Montreal to Oregon:

    Before:

      Small Packet AIR Non-Trackable with $100 insured value - $15.56

      Expedited Parcel USA Trackable with $100 insured value - $25.31

    NOW:

      Small Packet AIR Non-Trackable NO INSURANCE - $15.56

      Expedited Parcel USA Trackable with $100 insured value - $25.31

      Tracked Packet USA Trackable with $100 insured value - $19.45

2. DVD 0.17Kgs valued for $20 ship from Montreal to Oregon.

    Before:

      Small Packet AIR Non-Trackable with $100 insured value - $7.80

      Expedited Parcel USA Trackable with $100 insured value - $19.84

    NOW:

      Small Packet AIR Non-Trackable NO INSURANCE - $7.80

      Expedited Parcel USA Trackable with $100 insured value - $19.84

      Tracked Packet USA Trackable with $100 insured value - $16.10

B. FOR SHIPMENTS to International:

1. Parcel of 30x20x15cm 0.75Kgs valued for $100 to ship from Vancouver to Australia:

    Before:

      Small Packet AIR Non-Trackable with $100 insured value - $38.78

      International Surface Parcel Trackable with $100 insured value - $46.57

      International Air Parcel Trackable with $100 insured value - $62.48

    NOW:

      Small Packet AIR Non-Trackable NO INSURANCE - $38.78

      International Surface Parcel Trackable with $100 insured value - $46.57

      International Tracked Packet Trackable with $100 insured value - $62.48

2. DVD 0.17Kgs valued for $20 ship from Vancouver to Australia.

    Before:

      Small Packet AIR Non-Trackable with $100 insured value - $10.23

      International Surface Parcel Trackable with $100 insured value - $41.73

      International Air Parcel Trackable with $100 insured value - $48.64

    NOW:

      Small Packet AIR Non-Trackable NO INSURANCE - $10.23

      International Surface Parcel Trackable with $100 insured value - $41.73

      International Tracked Packet Trackable with $100 insured value - $48.64

==================================================================

Now if we closely examine the cost, we can say:

1. There's NO WAY now that you can send a small item worth $100, or less, without worry because of the insurance, for less than $15.00 out of Canada.

2. Tracked Packet USA cost a bit more than Small Packet Air and a bit less than Expedited Parcel USA but gives you both traceability and insurance.

3. Tracked Packet International is actually just a replacement of the International Air Parcel before.

4. To conclude, it will cost you more now to ship outside Canada with peace-of-mind for small items valued up to $100 .

So, IS IT AN EXCITING NEWS FOR YOU!???

Let us tell them. . .

Esteban

[waterships]

Ok, what you say is great - except that 80% of the time I used surface parcel post to the USA (buyer preference) which was much less and now does not exist anymore. Using round figures - I could send up to 250gm for $6.00 (including $100 insurance) whereas my cheapest insured option now is tracked packet at $15.00. Like that is really fair to my buyers. Sigh.....

[latte403]

Canadapost is either crazy or stupid!

Get your packages to the USPS system and they are much cheaper

to ship. Reduce the shipping cost and get the money back

to your pocket. Depending on your location, many sellers help each other.

Montreal: montreal books will take your packages to USPS for about $1 per package

Calgary: DYK home plus will take your packages to USPS for about $1 per package

Vancouver: Books to the border will take your packages to USPS for about $1 per package

Toronto: Chat Chi express will take your packages to USPS for about $1 per package

All you have to do is to print your USPS label online at home. These sellers will help you!

My 2 cents

[block36]

The manager of my postal outlet told me that CP's decision to discontinue insurance on SMALL PACKAGES was made in view of a lot of fraud, i.e. dishonest people were taking advantage of this insurance and were making false claims.

I believe it could be.

But why to discontinue SMALL PACKAGE SURFACE shipping?

Did they think that all SURFACE shipping will be replaced by AIRMAIL SHIPPING?

Many people who were considering purchses with SURFACE shipping option, will not make these purchases because even the SURFACE shipping was not cheap.

Yes, as a seller I am in disadvantage since I will not sell the item, but Canada Post will not get the parcel either (not SURFACE and not AIRMAIL!).

Seems to me that someone did not do a proper underwriting in regards to risks of potential business.

As was mentioned in other Topic's comments the CP's pamphlet of 01/13 incorrectly shows the cost of LIGHT PACKETS' shipping cost (lower than it actually is)

To the best of my knowledge, the customer is entitled to published price since the pamphlet was published by the seller himself. I know few similar cases in the stores.

Are we ready for CLASS ACTION??? 

😉

[Anonymous]

For latte, is there any place in Manitoba that will take our packages to USPS??  I used to go to Grand Forks ND to drop off packages some years ago until I become mobility limited with serious health conditions that tend to sap my energy at any time.  So I had to stop going there since then.  I miss going to Grand Forks ND as they have fantastic shopping stores and one best Chinese restaurant that we usually stop for lunch or supper each time.

[femmefan1946]

Well if your definition of "exciting" is "Oh god, oh god, oh god, we're all gonna die." *, the word has been chosen well.

How often have you needed to claim on insurance? How much did you lose before the claim(s) and how much did you get back from CP?

Do you actually need insurance or are you paying more in premiums (the difference between the SPA rate and either insured rate would be the premium, for this purpose) than you will ever need?

Have you considered using a third party insurer like shipinsurance? If you do a lot of shipping you might consider an annual contract with a company like Hugh Wood International, who will also insure your stock, including at and travelling to shows.

Have you considered "cookie jar insurance"? This is simply adding a few pennies- or dimes- to your shipping and handling rate to cover occasional loss, damage or specious claims. The amount would vary with the number and value of your sales as well as the number and value of claims-won or lost- you have historically had.

The whole question may be moot, once you run the numbers.

* I did a Firefly marathon this weekend and am totally geeked out. Sorry.

[cumos55]

The cost of shipping is what it is...

Each seller makes a decision,  and sales progress....  depending on a buyer's perception of the cost of shipping.

Each seller has to decide.

Although  Tracked Packet is not here yet....

All listing for books weighing 0.5 to 1.0 kg  have been revised to the cost of Tracked Packet to the US, and using Expedited Parcel to ship the books.

US buyers have paid the Tracked packet price  for books costing $25 and more....

A critical factor is that if the buyer wants it they will pay the cost of postage....

Make your choices  and proceed...  Test the market

[westernstargifts]

Don't forget that there will also be a fuel surcharge on the new Tracked Packet.

[toff3]

Block,

I am convinced that Canada Post withdrawing insurance from Small Packets was the usual cost-cutting exercise and not due to excessive claims. The vast majority of eBayers are honest and simply want to receive what they ordered.

CP discontinued Small Packets Surface to USA to force their customers to use a higher-priced service (Air) and thus generate more revenue for CP. Same thing happened with the introduction of the fuel surcharge, the zonal system for USA, and Expedited Parcel - USA for all parcels heavier than 1 kg.

As to the incorrect prices for Light Packets to USA in the Postal Prices pamphlet, sorry, Block, you don't have a leg to stand on. Note the disclaimer on the front:

Prices are subject to change without notice.

As I keep saying, Canada Post can do what it wants, whenever it wants.

Tom

[selectvin]

Yes everyone the buyer may pay the cost of postage but when all is said and done they ding your stars big-TIME... Then what!!!

I had a buyer in Switzerland ask for surface as he did not want to pay for AIR shipping at the end of Dec. No problem and off it went advising buyer of a 6 week turnaround. Buyer was elated however yesterday buyer says where is my package. I had forgotten that I sent surface (with full permission from buyer) and CP quickly reminded me. Good news today he says he received it BUT I am sure they mark your stars SLOW shipping..

[selectvin]

Canadians will be zapped (5 stars) and there is NOTHING we can do about it.

[toff3]

Selectvin,

And as we sellers all know, buyers dissing sellers for slow shipping when the order was quickly shipped but took a long time to be delivered is a perversion of eBay policy. Many buyers do not understand what eBay means by "shipping time" and will never do so because the wording is so poor. Instead of fretting about buyers dinging your stars, why don't you go after eBay?

It's high time this problem was resolved once and for all.

Tom 

[cumos55]

Shipping internationally

Low ratings came from international buyers.

--------------------------------------

As a soon as an international buyer pays  I send the following email.....

Thanks for purchasing this book.

Your purchase will be in the mail  on Wednesday, January 2.

Via Canada Post surface mail  it should take about 6 to 7 weeks for delivery
provided the parcel  does not get caught up within the postal system or in
customs.

Once dropped off at a local postal outlet,  delivery will be the
responsibility of Canada Post  and the postal service in the United Kingdom.

Recent deliveries to the United Kingdom,   have taken  about 6 to
7 weeks.

The parcel will be fully insured by Canada Post.

Should you have questions at any time  please do ask.

-------------------------------------------------

So far so good.....

Buyer was informed with respect to who is responsible for slow delivery

------------------------------------------------------

If the buyer did a search on eBay and found information about Detailed Seller Ratings....  they would know the exact meaning of each rating and on which part of the transaction that the seller should be rated.

[inuk_the_polar_bear]

I very much the "shipping stars" whine would go away. Find something, real in your life, that is important. That is not important.