@retrorexgames wrote:
I have seen print labels on envelopes, but I think it was from USPS and not Canada Post. There's no way to just print shipping labels for envelopes than? My only option is to use stamps?
You need to understand the difference between shipping within Canada and outside (either to the U.S. or internationally). The weights, rates, and requirements are quite different.
Within Canada, if your item will ship in an envelope (or bubble mailer) that is no larger than 37 x 27 x 2cm, and no heavier than 500gm, you can use the inexpensive lettermail service, but you must use stamps (unless you have an office-style label machine, like the ones Pitney-Bowes sells, but these are expensive to buy and to maintain, and only worthwhile if you have a really huge volume of mail).
Within Canada, over the 37 x 27 x 2cm size and 500gm weight, you are into domestic parcel rates of one type or another, which, as others have said, are expensive and vary greatly depending on your location and the destination. A parcel going from Toronto to Vancouver is going to cost more (and take longer) than from Toronto to, say, Ottawa. However, you do get a discount if you use Paypal labelling for these services.
From Canada to the U.S. the rates and weight breaks are different. For smaller, lighter items you should really use Light Packet or Small Packet (you can do Paypal labels for these although there is no discount on Light or Small Packet). I find the rates on Light/Small Packet USA are still fairly good. I know a lot of sellers use letter mail for smaller, lighter items to the USA that are under that 2.0cm thickness, but strictly speaking items that are sold commercially should not be sent by lettermail. The Light/Small Packet USA Paypal labelling feature includes a section for Customs declaration, which must be completed for each item in the parcel. This is a lot less trouble though than filling out a Customs form at the Post Office.
Beyond the Light/Small Packet USA services you are into the more expensive tracked services. You do get a discount for these by using Paypal labels, and it's significantly more than you'd get from Canada Post even with a small business discount.
Canada Post's International services are similar in name to the USA services, but much more expensive. Again, you can use Paypal labelling for Small/Light Packet International, but there are no discounts for those services, only for the tracked services.
I would strongly advise you to go to the Canada Post website and spend 2 or 3 days perusing it, studying the services available, and printing out a summary of the domestic and international rates. Canada Post has just updated their site so I can't point you to a specific page, but start with the home page and look for the link to "Send a Parcel". Although the Canada Post rates will not reflect the Paypal discounts, they will give you a good place to start. Don't bother with the business section/services for now.
You will also need to access HS Code tables if you're selling outside Canada, as you'll need to enter an applicable code on the Customs declaration for each item that you ship outside the country. These codes are available on the Industry Canada website -- go to Industry Canada, and then search for HS Codes. I'd suggest you either make a note of the codes you'll be using most often or print out the appropriate table(s) of codes for reference.
I probably don't need to say this, but have all your packing and shipping materials on hand before you even put up the first listing. Make sure you have a reasonable supply of postage stamps, packing tape, oversize envelopes, and bubble envelopes and/or boxes that will fit all of your products.
If you're planning to make a business, however small, of your eBay selling, go to the Canada Post website and sign up for the "Solutions for Small Business", as you'll get some small discounts if you ever have to buy postage or pay for shipping at the Post Office (or use Canada Post's online shipping label system in an emergency -- don't bother with CP online labels otherwise). While you're on the Canada Post website, order a supply of "Labelopes" -- the plastic stick-on coverings that will contain and protect your Paypal labels on the envelopes or boxes you send. These Labelopes are free, and Canada Post will ship them to you for free. I'd start with ordering 50 and see how quickly you use them.
If you're wise, you'll also invest $15 or $20 in a postal scale. You can buy these at any hardware or department store. Don't get the kind with the cup or bin on top -- you want the flat type, on which you can place a parcel to weigh it. Either a digital scale or regular old-style work equally as well.
Some sellers suggest using discount postage stamps for mailing parcels. Personally I think you have to be willing to spend the time and effort on this (and know where to source enough discount stamps) to make it worthwhile. You also need to know when the stamps are more of a savings than the Paypal discounts (such as the fairly generous discount on Expedited Parcel labels).
Preparation, study of the services, and attention to detail are the key factors to make shipping successful. It is, without doubt, the hardest part of selling on eBay, the biggest hurdle for newcomers, and the biggest pitfall for the unwary. The best advice I can give you is to do your homework thoroughly before you even list your very first item.
Best of luck in your business!
