Shipping via PayPal, anybody?

[long_hitter]

Since CPC recently canceled my commercial account, I started using the PayPal option to purchase the postage via Canada Post. I like the fact that this way I have access to the Light Packet option for USA and Overseas, however I have encountered a problem. After the transaction is completed I cannot reprint a receipt indicting how much taxes did I pay in a particular transaction, all I see is the total. I have been sending emails to PayPal support, but they just have no clue, I keep getting stupid answers that simply do not address the issue. Do you guys have the same problem, is there a way to print such receipts?

I am registered for GST so I need to know how much do I pay to be able to claim it back.

Thanks

[numero_1]

cp cancelled your commercial account ?
didn't mail enough ?

[long_hitter]

Yeap, they increased my rates last year... I got pssed and started testing shipping via regular mail worked great so now I ship almost everything that way but it doesn't show as commercial shipments so they said I had not enough volume and canceled my account. I think that's stupid, they should just have reduced my discount ad leave me on the same level they offered me now (Venture One) What I miss is that i lost the use of the EST no bid deal.... their loss (Again) last time I reduce my total shipping expenses to 1/3 just using stamps !!

Also, believe it or not, parcels arrive faster than when shipped Expedite Parcel or Xpress Post to the US

[acofa]

Could you explain how you reduce shipping cost by using stamps?

[long_hitter]

I used to ship everything expedited parcel since it was a bit thicker than what's allowed to go as actual oversized mail. when my rates went up, I started shipping stuff in padded envelopes with stamps I was affraid they would send them back... haven't go a single back they are not to thick but thicker than the stupid CPC allowance

[jakeeangel]

You don't have to have a commercial account to use the online EST.

---

When you find doing what's right hard to do - you've got a problem.

[lindaspatternz]

your question was about how much gst on US or international postage. There shouldn't be any. I mail at the post office and if I go in line to buy postage, the clerk doesn't charge me gst if the postage is over 5.00. However, if I buy postage stamps and take them home to put on a package, then I get charged gst. As I understand it, we only pay gst on Cdn postage, unless it is under 5.00. If we buy loose stamps, the clerk can't verify what we're doing with them, so we get charged. linda

[dipmicro]

CanadaPost is a bunch of clowns. I asked for a volume quote from Purolator and Xpresspost, and Purolator (94% CP owned) sent 3! sales people to check my "facility". On their quote for Xpresspost and Expedited USA, they requested 1yr contract and annual volume at least 100 shipments to USA and offered same rate as Small Business rate on their website. Hell, I already have Venture one without any contract requirement and I can purchase their services even cheaper than online published Small Business rate through PayPal without any annual volume requirement.

Btw. why do you need to know how much taxes you "paid"? Your accounting package (or your sales record spreadsheet) should be able to calculate it from the total.

But you are right, IMO anybody collecting taxes on behalf of government should show the amount on the sales receipt, so if PayPal does not do that, you should be able to challenge such practice first to PayPal themselves and if you are not getting anywhere, then follow up with Ministry of Revenue (PST) or Revenue Canada (GST).

[laurahowes]

PayPal shipping has NEVER provided an adequate receipt. It's has been more than a year and they still have not addressed the issue -- and probably never will.

lindaspatternsz, there is GST on postage under $5 to the US, ie. Light Packet.

[ecbluestar]

Also note, using PayPal Canada Post shipping you can't add extra insurance for Expresspost, only default up $100 is covered, asking PayPal representative I got this answer;

Canada Post liability coverage for loss or damage is available at no extra cost for up to a maximum of $100.00 CAD for Expresspost. Any additional insurance will need to be purchased directly from Canada Post.

How that could be possible after label is already printed and shipping paid for, or they meant you can get insurance and ship directly from Canada Post?

[musicalobsessionsdotcalm]

I generally print the last page before hitting the 'pay'
button. That itemizes the postage and tax.