eBay Workshop with Canada Post: Friday, May 27, 1-2 PM ET

[carly@ebay.com]

Please join us on Friday May 27 from 1-2 PM ET for a workshop with Canada Post. Kim from Canada Post will be here to answer all of your questions about Canada Post and how you use the various services with your eBay business.

If you are not able to attend, you can leave your questions here in advance of the workshop and they will be answered during the workshop, and you can come back in and check the answers.

Hope you can join us!

Carly

[dnc_ont]

What is the minimum volume required to obtain an Small Packet USA/Intl Agreement/Contract with Canada Post?

I recently noticed that such a thing exists while searching the CP website.

[chick2026]

Does Canada post offer free envelopes/shipping items that the USPS does?

[islandchicks]

Please clarify the new rules on "printed matter". I was able to send books weighing less than 250g by lettermail to the US and internationally. Recently I was informed by the CP outlet staff that they must be sent Small Packet, as the new rules specify only LETTERS or papers and not books, CDs, etc. The difference in cost is significant even though the envelope is within the size and weight restrictions for a letter. Thanx 😐

[laurahowes]

Hello!

I just wanted to thank Kim for coming here today. I'm glad to hear there will be more workshops in the future.

My main concern is a clarification of the new rules re: USA Lettermail. Just what can be included in lettermail rates and what customs documentation is required? (I currently use the green CN-22 form).

Side point: I had to phone Tech Support today because of problems with EST (:(), but they were very helpful and raised my opinion of CP in general!! (:))

[canadapost2]

Hi thebabysbasket

We'll take a look at the PayPal idea and see what we can do. A great idea!

As for barcoding on items, try VentureOne online shipping with EST. All these come barcoded, and the small business Expedited rate offered is 5% lower than the Regular Parcel rate you would pay at the counter without VentureOne.

- Kim

[laurahowes]

Will Canada Post also now refuse to accept letterpost entering Canada from the US and International destinations which contains other than paper (ie: CDs or DVDs )?

supergroovies: why would they do that as there are no restrictions on domestic lettermail?

[cabbages.n.kings]

In lieu of domestic small packet rates many people would applaud the results of increasing the 3rd dimension of Other Letter-mail from 2cm to say 10 cm.

[quatsinosound]

In lieu of domestic small packet rates many people would applaud the results of increasing the 3rd dimension of Other Letter-mail from 2cm to say 10 cm.


Ditto.... __________________________________________________________________________

Living the Lifestyle of the Poor and Unknown

[maryo1961]

cabbages.n.kings that would be a great idea! I could then compete with the US and there low shipping rate of the same items I sell!

[laurahowes]

Whoa! 10 cm?? I'd love it, but I'd settle for 3!

[islandchicks]

I have been dealing with the same retail CP outlet for more than a year and have a V1 card. It seems odd that the staff would not mention anything about the EST service available through CP. Can you provide us with a bit more information on this service i.e. does it save any additional money for the user and briefly, what is it? Many Thanx 😐

[canadapost2]

Hi maryo1961

This question fits with some of the other questions we got pre-workshop. Basically, if you are sending letterpost, there shouldn't be any goods inside. This is for customs reasons.

A: Unlike “Domestic” Lettermail, goods are not permitted for movement as USA or Intl Letter-post. Regulations only support the movement of letters, cards, postcards (ie. Paper items only) as Letter-post. Items containing “goods” must be mailed via Intl/USA Distribution services (eg. Small Packets, Xpresspost-USA, Xpresspost-International). Work is underway to clarify what is acceptable as Intl/USA Letter-post. Check Canada Post’s online postal guide for updated information

Thks as well to: maryo1961

[dnc_ont]

When was this change to US/Intl Letterpost made, and why was there no announcement made to us, the customers?

[maryo1961]

So you are saying that I have to send an item that cost my customers $5 that they now have to pay Small Packet?? Great you just put me out of business!

[laurahowes]

Work is underway to clarify what is acceptable as Intl/USA Letter-post.

When can we expect a definitive answer? Can I continue with status quo in the meantime? How exactly can this be enforced (hate to be the one to say it!)? Why is there a customs issue when CN22s can be used?

[dnc_ont]

The Postal Guide by the way, still contradicts itself. One one hand it says no "goods" as you say, but the "Customs Requirements" section still lists using the CP22 green form for all letterpost containing anything other than documents, items up to $500 value, and the CP22 and another form for over $500 value. The Postal Guide is poorly written, and difficult to understand.

[canadapost2]

Hi phoebescollectables,

Thanks for your question about cubing - ie. charging by the size of the package instead of the weight.

Cubing charges are standard industry practice. Our transportation costs are determined by the space that items take up in the trucks or planes they travel in.

- Kim

[tobyshitzu]

I have multiple replies from Canada post, specifically asking if a DVD can go US letterpsot, that clearly say yes and use a CN22 customs form! There is *massive* confusion top to bottom at canada post on this issue!

[laurahowes]

islandchicks: EST is the greatest timesaver I have discovered, I never set foot in the Post Office anymore.
Yes, there is an additional 2% savings on most services. If you have a Venture One card you can go and sign up right now, use the online version.

[canadapost2]

We had some questions about our website:

Q: Web site confusing. Not easy to find pricing etc,

A: I hear you. The Canada Post website is continuously improved and there are plans to re-design canadapost.ca. Attached is the main reference page (http://www.canadapost.ca/business/default-e.asp) On the left hand side there are specific choices – Online Business Centre, Online Tools, Rates & Prices – these sections offer a lot of information about Canada Post and what’s available to you.

We're going to try to make it better.

thanks,

- Kim