Prepaid Express Post Envelope

[pioneergirl210]

I have a potential customer in Ontario (I am from Saskatchewan). They feel my shipping is too high and would buy if I shipped Prepaid Express Post Envelope. I can't find it in my drop down menu. I would be glad to find a cheaper shipping option but don't know how to do it.  I find shipping to be quite confusing so far.  Can anybody help me please? I would very much appreciate it.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

@pioneergirl210 

Really depends on the size requirements.  Link attached with the rate options. Rates depend on the regions involved. Cheaper rate for local vs 2 different regions.

https://www.canadapost.ca/shop/mail-pack-ship/prepaid-envelopes-and-boxes.jsf

You would be able to purchase at your local postal outlet. Just upgrade your parcel to flat rate shipping. and don't forget to add PST/GST to your prices

Alternative way is send them what you see when you do a rate check at Canadapost. Most buyers are totally unaware of what postage costs. Many think for some reason its based on the value of item. Link attached for checking rates. If you have a small business account discounts may apply.

https://www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/apps/far/business/findARate?execution=e1s1

-Lotz

[pioneergirl210]

Thanks so much for your help.

[reallynicestamps]

Canada Post has had those prepaid envelopes for decades.

Does the customer mean the more recent prepaid shipping boxes?

In any case, while you can order both from the Canada Post website, you can't just buy one. For that you trot down to the local post office or postal outlet where they are hanging on the wall.

The prices can be good on some bulky lots.

But.

Your cost for  a label with your Small Business Solutions card, printed at home or purchased over the counter may be better.

The envelopes and boxes don't give you the SBS discount.

https://www.canadapost.ca/cpc/en/business/small-business.page?

Also.

Be wary of a customer who is making demands about your shipping practices. Only you can decide what is the service that protects you best.

This goes double triple for a new seller who is anxious to make those first sales.

Some sales are not worth having.

And yes. Shipping is confusing.

You do have your SSB discount number right?

While some sellers will pass the small savings on to the customer, most of use the discount to pay for packaging and self-insurance (Cookie Jar Insurance is the board jargon for that).

[pioneergirl210]

Thank you for your help. I did check the boxes and that won't work out cheaper. In fact, I wasn't able to find where you could send anything for $10.00 Prepaid Express Post Envelope anywhere in Canada. Yes, I do have my SSB discount number. Thank you for checking! I haven't passed on the small savings to the customer so far.

[pjcdn2005]

Very few of your items are small enough to ship in an express flat rate envelope and unless you are both in the same zone, which you aren't, it's rarely less expensive to use one of those envelopes.  If you want to share which item the buyer is asking about, we might be able to help.

[pioneergirl210]

Thank you so much for your help. The item is Nike Men's Small Dri Fit Track Pants. They weigh at total of 300g in a polymailer 31x31x1. Sent regular parcel post it costs 17.94. I could probably fit it into a Prepaid Express Post Envelope 26X15.9X1.5 but that would cost 16.01. Hardly a great saving. Have I sent you all the information you need? If not, let me know what else you need. Thanks so much!

[pjcdn2005]

I think that price is for a regional envelope which could be used in the western provinces plus some postal codes starting with P so that might work for your buyer if they are in the right area. But I have an envelope in front of me and I honestly don't know if I could even fit a tshirt in one of these.The outside of the package is 26cm x 16 cm. A regular size business envelope is 24 x 11 so the xpresspost one is not that much larger. But ultimately it is up to you how you ship it. I haven't used a small flat rate box but I think those are around $18 so that would be more. You might be able to ship it lettermail if packaged properly but there is a risk without delivery confirmation. If you have small business number for Canada Post (free online) You could try net parcel through Paypal. I believe they have some good UPS rates. But ultimately it is up to you if you want to use another method other than Canada Post. For me it is a major hassle because there is no UPS depot close by.