post office staff training

[kcgwynne]

I tried to buy a roll of $1.00 stamps(not sold by the roll but individually) so that should be 50 x $1.00. I have done this multiple times at the other location. The clerk I get tries to sell me rolls of "P" stamps. I can't believe I have to explain to her that they are worth $1.00 when sold individually but in multiples they are only worth $0.85(so far lol) and won't work for what I need.

The second and more experienced clerk comes over and I think this will solve the problem as we went through this a month ago. (She even phoned the main branch for guidance). She wanted to know what I wanted the stamps for. I told her it for light packet to the states. One $1.80 and Two $1.00 stamps with a CN22 form. I then get a lecture on how the lowest stamp I could buy was $1.20 to the states and light packet had to go through them with a special sticker. I don't think I help much by saying I have already mailed a couple hundred packages this way for years.

I picked up my parcel(reason for being there) and went to the other post office. They sold me the stamps no problem. My only worry is I put a couple packages in the first mail box by the counter, is she going to reject them for spite or let them through.

Just a little venting so I can pick up my parcels there with a smile on my face.

[katlover1952]

I know what you mean about needing a little training.  Last year when the small packet rate when up in price I needed to get the rate for the 3 tiers. They can't seem to look it up in a book anymore (now that they have the new improved scales hooked to the PC etc right there!) and in order to get a price for you they have to put a package on the scale and then measure it. My local Post Office gave me the number of some postal center (not sure where) so I phoned there. I had already mailed one parcel under the new rate so knew the first tier price. I was told on the phone that the small packet rate had not increased. I said "yes it has as I just mailed one parcel but needed rates for the other 2 tiers plus UK & Australia. She checked with someone else came back on the line and insisted that the rates had not increased. I again told her they had so she went and checked with her supervisor and after about 20 minutes on hold came back and said "Oh yes they have increased" and gave me the rates.  So Yes I can totally identify with you!!! Guess nobody reads the memos or maybe they forgot to send the memo. LOL!

[michaelbb2]

"light packet had to go through them with a special sticker"

All light packet and small packet items now have to have a customs label I believe to go to the states.  My post office showed me that I have to go online to declare the items and value....then print off a bar code and attach it to the package.  This way all customs has to do is scan your item at the border and all your info is already online for their viewing.  It is supposed to streamline the process.

If I do the print-off my self then it costs nothing extra but if my post office does it then there is a fee.......maybe this is related to the problem that your post office was experiencing.

This change was made just recently and I don't think it has been adopted across Canada yet but I don't know that for sure.

[pierrelebel]

Canada Post Bulletin #804302

Sending a parcel to the US or Internationally?

Customs NOW requires information in a new way

Blah...blah... blah...

At the bottom of the form distributed in all Canada Post outlets:

Currently these requirements only impact the following services:

Xpresspost - USA, Expedited Parcel - USA, Xpresspost - International

[pierrelebel]

You can order directly from Canada Post:

http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/productsservices/send/postagestamps.jsf

Those $1.00 stamps are meant for individual lettermail (under 30g) posted within Canada when postage is purchased individually.  The actual rate as you know is only $0.,85.  The extra fifteen cents cover a service charge to dispense individual stamps.

But yes you can order any denomination you want and combine them to make up any rate.

However, if you wish to use a few stamps to make up a rate, you would be much better off purchasing from stamp dealers offering surplus stamps at 20% or 30% discount from the Canada Post posted prices.  You see them advertising (on eBay and elsewhere) as "below face".

[ricarmic]

Quick addition to Pierre's comment, make sure the below face stamps you buy have the gum on them.... "uncancelled" AKA reused stamps are illegal....good stuff should say "full gum" or MNH (Mint Never Hinged) or MH (Mint Hinged)....

[zee-chan-jpn-books]

Nope, don't have to go online to do special labels for light packet. I just use the free CN22 forms I grabbed from post office.

[maggiebvintage2010]

All mail other than letters/documents has always required a customs declaration.  You can use the CN22 free labels from the Post Office, or print them on PayPal.  The HS Code is required on the services in pierre's post.  As other posters have noted, Light Packet and Small Packet do not require this information.  PayPal requires the HS Code info on all labels- this was a business decision, not a requirement.

Here is the link to the CP Customs barcode info:

https://www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/apps/cdc?execution=e2s1

If you are printing PayPal labels, all the required information will be included on that label.  If you are buying postage at the Post Office, or using stamps, you need to print the barcode as above, or send it to your mobile device.  You take the barcode or your mobile device with your parcel to the PO.  The clerk will scan the information and print your label.  You do not attach the barcode you printed to your package.  When  the label is generated at the PO, all information is sent electronically to the Customs of the receiving country, as well as to Canadian Border Services Agency.  When you parcel arrives in the other country, the label generated by the PO or PayPal will be scanned and the info matched with what was sent in advance.  This speeds up customs clearance.

The fee charged by the Post Office if you don't provide a barcode is for them to look up the HS Code at this site:

http://www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/apps/wtz/personal/findHsCode?execution=e1s1

The change was made in March, and is in force across Canada.  When they implemented it, they did a trial roll-out starting with a few selected POs.  

There have already been many posts about this.  You may want to bookmark the links so you can easily complete the requirements.