Streamlining the shipping process...and reducing cost.

[javax.swing]

My process now: I have a template which I use to print directly onto Expedited Parcel labels. Stick those on packages, wait in line at post office, weigh, pay posted rates, leave. I also use FedEx Ground online, and that lets me just drop off the package there prepaid, which is nice, but I'm paying posted shipping rates for them as well which are most (but not ALL) of the time higher than EP rates. I sold individual DVDs during the summer, most of which went via Letter Post. Hello standing in line with 200 individual packages to mail *GROAN*.

There has to be an easier and cheaper way to do all this. What kind of volume etc are UPS/FedEx/CP looking for for me to get a discount beyond posted rates (I have Venture One, but that's not much of a discount since anyone can have it and use it). I'm getting out of DVDs and into Home Audio so I'll be shipping mostly parcels now.

As an aside, suggestions on customs brokers to use? Does anyone here have tax exemptions for their busines? Does that require you then to charge tax when you sell?

Suggestions from your own experiences on shipping? What sort of shipping strategies do you folks use? Comments/suggestions on my situation?

[sunward-hobbies]

First Class mail - no discounts that I know of.

For Canada Post, I think Level 1 is either over 100 or 750 packages a year.

If you are doing 200 first class packages, you should either buy stamps in bulk ( I use Business Depot and pay with paypal ) or you should get a postage meter. You pay a monthly fee and a fee every time you refill the postage, but for 200 at a time, it would be worth it.

For Fedex and UPS, give them a large number and get a big discount. After a year your account gets re-evaluted.

Avoid customs brokers. Scum of the earth. You only need them for shipments to the US over 200.00USD. Use your courier. ( I am not sure about Canada Post as last year there was a hugh problem with fees. ) Every other country - buyer's problem.

[javax.swing]

Oh I should have clarified...I meant for importing. I do try to buy from within Canada, but some deals are just too good to pass up south of the border.

Can you clarify "either over 100 or 750 packages a year." ?

There is a problem with buying stamps in bulk to ship to the USA...I wouldn't normally have to pay GST if I bought them at time of shipping, but buying in advance means paying GST, or 20 cents per package more. Adds up, so I decided not to do stamps.

[auctiondropnship]

Clear the items on your own I do it's simple
Todd

[javax.swing]

I do that with FedEx Ground here in Mississauga (east of Toronto). I'm far from the border though, so that's pretty much the only viable option. Some stuff shipped from the West Coast goes through Vancouver though, and I need a broker for that since it doesn't come through the local port...

[sunward-hobbies]

javax-
changes everything if you are importing in Canada.

If speed is not a concern, then use The Post Office only. Only $5.00 customs fee and not always charged. If speed is important, especially for business supplies, then sign up with a courier so you know the fees.

as for 100 or 750, I don't remember the tier levels.

as for GST, with your volume, you should get registered and so you don't have an expense.

[niko*_*]

Can you clarify "either over 100 or 750 packages a year." ?

This number does NOT include small packets, only packages over 1 kg. This is for new customers, if you already have an account, your small packets count towards your quota.

Sucks for me as most of mine are small packet. CP told me no, I dont meet the quota with 50-100 a week as they're all small packets.