Canada Post new postal rates

[coulect]

Ever since the Canada Post new postal rates came into effect my sales on Ebay have evaporated. I am wondering if any other sellers are experiencing the same problems? Who is going to pay $25.00 for an item when the postage can cost $20.00?
I think the people at Ebay and Paypal 'dropped the ball' when negotiating with Canada Post.
Lewis

[cumos55]

And then look at the other end with Price plus shipping as lowest.

and I do apply the principle of shipping low priced items with lettermail or the equivalent.

I take into consideration price of the item,

and ... then the weight  of that item

and ... then the cost of shipping,

and .... then the cost of price of the item  plus cost of shipping

and finally with respect who just might want to buy that low priced book that has to be shipped as a parcel and not lettermail....

and usually buyers from outside of Canada  want the higher priced books

-------------------------------------------------------

Price dictates which books can be shipped as lettermail

Low weight items can be shipped as lettermail without insurance.....provided that the value of that item is less than $25  (sometimes as high as $35)

Weight of the book dictates where I start shipping as a parcel....and that is where insurance and tracking become a reality....

Anything above 500 grams falls into shipping options  with insurance and tracking.

[toff3]

Some quotes from Cumos:

Small packet to the US was never a big problem,  with one insurance claim about two years ago

Over 10 years the average was no more than one insurance claim per year

In 10 years I have had only one oversize parcel, with no insurance, disappear in the postal system

One of Cumos's conclusions from all this is that

Small packet without insurance just does not work

and, by extension, shipping of parcels over the Canadian border without insurance and tracking is unacceptable to him.

He then goes on to say

My biggest problem with international shipping... was the non-receipt claims with Paypal... Australia with three one after another,in the fall of 2009 and many others from Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Germany  Belgium

and that is when I blocked those countries....except for Germany.

Much of the blocking of countries had to do with the temperament of the buyers in those countries

So suddenly he has "many" INR claims. Did all these require refunds to the buyers? Or were they just expressions of discontent by impatient buyers, whom he failed to advise that mail can be unaccountably delayed? I strongly suspect the latter.

Apparently, Cumos considers Australians, Italians, Spaniards, the French, Portuguese, and Belgians to be impatient, the Germans less so. 

And then Cumos wants us to believe (post # 38) that if a parcel with insurance and tracking doesn't arrive within the expected time frame, the customer won't file an INR claim with PayPal, because the parcel is "tracked".

If anyone can make sense of all this, let's hear from you.

Tom

[cumos55]

The buyer can file a non-receipt ith Paypal when that buyer chooses.

Tracking will show when the parcel arrives in the destination country... and that usually is well before 6 weeks have passed.

Paypal uses tracking as an indicator of where the parcel is.

Buyer can file with Paypal.

With tracking Paypal will wait.

and that is the difference between a parcel without as in Small Packet, and a parcel with tracking.... International parcel

One gets the impression that a parcel with tracking is treated differently than one without tracking.

It has been several times over the past two years that  a parcel with tracking for surface mail  has arrived in the destination country with about two weeks... the parcel got  airmail delivery

[cumos55]

Several have come here and said... Tracking is useless, not needed.

They are the ones that rarely ship an item worth much over $25.

If at all possible I use oversize lettermail  without insurance or tracking... and that works well.

I sell...

Items weighing from 250 grams to 4 kg and sometimes.higher in weight

Items with a  value from about $12  to $200 and sometimes higher in value.

I have used a parcel option when required  for parcels weighing more than 500 grams, and they come with insurance and tracking.

I could use Small Packet Air to the US,  but for a couple of dollars more  I have tracking and insurance with Tracked Packet USA

For international shipping I could use Small Packet Air...  but for a few dollars more I can use an International Parcel option with tracking and insurance.

I use a shipping option appropriate for the weight and value of item I sell, and if insurance as well as tracking is available, I use it...

If you sell items valued at $25 and less then insurance and tracking may not be an absolute necessity..... 

Each seller does what is appropriate for the inventory they sell....

My approach to selling on eBay works for the inventory I sell.... 

[toff3]

Cumos,

I said I'd like to hear from someone who could make sense of what you wrote. That someone sure isn't you.

You've just confirmed, for the umpteenth time, that all this business with insurance and tracking is to cover your posterior, never mind providing your customer with the best, lowest-cost service.

Buyer can file with Paypal.

With tracking Paypal will wait. And so will your customer.

For international shipping I could use Small Packet Air...  but for a few dollars more I can use an International Parcel option with tracking and insurance

You conveniently forgot to mention that it's the International Parcel Surface option, meaning that this doubles or triples the delivery time as compared to (the cheaper!) Small Packet Air. But, never mind, you're in the clear, who cares about the customer?

You can buy all the insurance you want...but YOU pay for it.

Tracking? Maybe nice for you and PayPal but to your customer it's worth nothing.

Tom

[cumos55]

Here is a situation for you to work out.

A book..... 

Value $195.00

Weight 4.2 kg

To be shipped to the Netherlands

Tell me which Canada Post option I should use  to ship this book from the University of Manitoba  at R3T 2N2  to the Netherlands, and how much the cost of shipping will be..

When you identify the cost and shipping option, everything should be clear.

and to start... here is the link to Canada Post's website...

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

[cumos55]

The book's measurements are

34 cm x 26 cm x 5 cm

[toff3]

Cumos,

You just don't get it, do you?

When you identify the cost and shipping option, everything should be clear

Oh, it's clear alright, crystal clear. Using your example, we're faced with the usual wide range of options that the everloving Canada Post provides: a high surface rate and an even higher air rate, in this case $71.37 and $125.00 (a 76.5% markup).

Now let me see...which option should I choose? Decisions, decisions...

The above has absolutely nothing to do with what we've been discussing in this thread.

And by the way, where do you get the idea that International Surface Parcels are tracked? The only enhancement Canada Post offers on its website is insurance coverage up to $100 and the availability of more coverage for a fee.

Tom 

[toff3]

That should read $125.99.

Tom

[cumos55]

You use Small Packet Surface for International shipping..

and based on your feedback  you rarely sell something valued above $25

When it comes to postal options,  research with Canada Post would be appropriate.

International Parcel does have tracking

and International Parcel costs only a few dollars more than Small Packet Air... International shipping.

Here is tracking for a parcel travelling from Winnipeg to the Czech Republic

http://www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/apps/track/personal/findByTrackNumber?trackingNumber=CC193868615CA

tracking number CC193868615CA  if you have to add the number

Link to

http://www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/apps/track/business/findByTrackNumber?execution=e2s1

I provide a least cost option for shipping outside of Canada,  to the US and elsewhere...

Lettermail without insurance or tracking is the only shipping option that I use  and does not have insurance or tracking.

you know your situation.  It is time to do research on Canada Post that will help you understand the postal options, what they offer, what I do and why I do it..

I accept what Canada Post offers,  and available options are used in relation to the weight and value of inventory I sell.

You use the options  that are appropriate to your inventory.

[harry542]

Imagine trying to sell 3 dollar to 20 dollar items. Tracked packet is not feasible for any of those items. Maybe they are trying to get rid of sellers who sell small items(where the money is) which is what will have to happen. Maybe they only want the big bucks.

In my opinion and sorry to say experience, the insistence of the tracked packet has just taught more people how to steal.

Ebay and Paypal have created so many problems that I am considering just thowing it down and I know more sellers who feel the same way.

Tracked packet:

$17.00 plus USA

$50.00 plus International

harry

[cumos55]

Several things have an effect on how well we do as sellers on eBay.

Some things are fixed....  they apply to everyone that sells on eBay

This includes eBay, Paypal and Canada Post...

Whatever eBay/Paypal and Canada Post do applies to everyone. 

Then...

There are things that each of us can control....

The inventory each seller has

The cost of that inventory

The selling price of that inventory

It has become more difficult to sell low priced items on ebay...  adding FVF on shipping, and an upward adjustment of FVF on sales.

Several years ago eBay put the FVF of media (including books) up to 13 %... With the recent update  that FVF was reduced to 9 %  and insertion fees were modified dramatically resulting  in an overall saving  with respect to fees. 

Not everyone was negatively affected by eBay last adjustment in fees...

I used to sell a lot of sheet music  and music books... The low price of this inventory dictated that with an FVF on shipping  that the selling of sheet music  in the range of $5.00 each was no longer profitable.

What I sell today  is very much different than what I sold years ago....

Ten years ago  I looked at books and told  myself, as a Canadian seller .... It is not possible to sell books on eBay... competing with low media mail prices with USPS...  Today 100 % of what I sell is Books.... Lots of experimentation and thought allowed me to make the appropriate adjustments.

Everyone agrees that it is very difficult to sell low priced items on eBay, and if you do... you have to sell thousands of items each month... something few sellers can do..

People come here and express  a dissatisfaction with Canada Post's recent changes...

Those changes are here to stay....  and more changes will come in future years

Some sellers can adjust... some  cannot...

That is the way of business...Profit, and the bottom-line...

[toff3]

Cumos,

FYI

Firstly, I use International Small Packet Surface only when Air is prohibitively expensive. Secondly, only in exceptional cases would the value of the shipment have any bearing on the shipping service I use. Thirdly, and most importantly, any shipping option I use with the agreement of the customer.

Your statement

I provide a least cost option for shipping outside of Canada

is untrue. To quote from an earlier post of yours":

For international shipping I could use Small Packet Air...  but for a few dollars more [emphasis added] I can use an International Parcel option with tracking and insurance.

It's very interesting that your parcel to the Czech Republic was tracked and "successful delivery" recorded yet Canada Post on their website makes no reference to the fact that tracking of International Surface Parcels is at least a possibility.

BTW I note that the parcel took 49 days to reach its destination. Did your buyer file an INR claim with PayPal at any point during the parcel's transit?

Finally, Cumos, I'll thank you not to adopt a patronizing tone with me, e.g.

It is time to do research on Canada Post that will help you understand the postal options, what they offer, what I do and why I do it

I am pretty familiar with Canada Post's shipping options and I certainly know exactly what you do and why.

Tom

[inuitgifts]

cumos55, how do you use International Parcel Surface? I don't see it in Paypal shipping. Do you go to a Post office?

[cumos55]

Two things

(1) The Czech Republic parcel arrived in the country on April 4, and was finally delivered on April 16...

It took 12 days to go through customs...

(2) When International Parcel Surface is purchased... I get a tracking number.

and then I make sure that number is showing in My eBay... and I must assume that the buyer sees that number  and like me the buyer can use the number in order to  view the progress of the parcel.

The buyer can see that the parcel is in the Czech Republic on day 37...  and there was no need to file a non-receipt with Paypal..... 

and the buyer was able to observe the progress of the parcel through customs..

[cumos55]

Information about International Parcel Surface... Link to

http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/business/productsservices/shipping/international_surface.jsf

and under

the title .....Shipping is Simple

we find the following

And because more and more countries are now providing delivery status information electronically, you can check the delivery status of your items online anytime.  You can even get the latest tracking information sent directly to your inbox or wireless device.

[cumos55]

International Parcel Surface is available at a Postal Outlet

Visit the Canada Post website  to do a calculation for a parcel

http://www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/apps/far/business/findARate?execution=e2s1

Choose your delivery option 

Delivery within Canada,  to the US and then Internationally

and fill in the numbers and destination...

[cumos55]

Canada Post has removed insurance from their Small Packet option.

I had use small packet with insurance for many years.

Now I Use International Parcel Surface.

Tracking data for a parcel shipped to the Czech Republic is available.in Reply 49.

A comparison

(1) Using Small Packet surface, with or without insurance..Without tracking no one know that the parcel has reached the Czech Republic on April 4, Day 37.

The buyer must file with Paypal before day 45 , or lose.

Buyer files, and Paypal waits....

Buyer can ultimately escalate  the paypal non-receipt dispute.  The only person that knows the parcel has or has not arrived is the buyer.

Buyer can either say they received the parcel, or alternately  follow through with Paypal claim and get his money back....

Before January 2013  the seller made an insurance claim, while today there is no claim....

With Small Packet, with or without insurance,  the buyer is in control of the complete transaction.

Canada Post is happier without the insurance claim

(2) International Parcel Surface offers insurance as well as tracking....

The tracking for a parcel to the Czech Republic tells everyone that the parcel has arrived in the destination country on Day 37... well before day 45.

Buyer files with Paypal... Parcel is delivered on April 16. Tracking shows that the parcel is delivered. Paypal will not refund   because the parcel has been delivered...

There have been times where the tracking shows a parcel has been delivered, and yet not received by the buyer.....  In this situation  the seller will file an insurance claim with Canada Post on behalf of the buyer, and only after a period of investigation will the insurance claim be paid.... or  maybe not...

With tracking  the seller is in control of the transaction... The buyer cannot say it has not been delivered, and cannot get his money back, if tracking shows delivery to the buyer.... Paypal will not refund if tracking shows a parcel has been delivered.....

Tracked Packet also has tracking... seller is also in control with Tracked Packet.

International parcel  works to the benefit of the seller....  and is my choice for high priced items  to be shipped internationally outside of North America... 

This shipping option  is extended to all items weighing more than 500 grams, and listed on eBay....

Shipping to the US....

Tracking with Tracked Packet USA and Expedited parcel  USA also puts  the seller in control of the transaction.....

----------------------------------------------------------------------

One can understand that Canada Post removed insurance from the Small Packet option with reason.... no more unwelcome insurance claims.

Continued use of Small packet, without insurance  works only if the seller is willing to accept that the buyer is in control of the transaction, and the buyer can receive a refund of a full payment from Paypal , and the seller can do nothing to stop it...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Canada Post is what it is, whether we like the new postal rates or... not

They offer shipping options... and we as sellers select options appropriate to what each of us sells.

[toff3]

The mystery surrounding the uncertainty of tracking of International Surface Parcels has now been cleared up. Tracking outside Canada is only available if the receiving country provides it.

Cumos is intent on using a costlier and slower service (International  Parcel Surface) when a cheaper and faster one (Small Packet Air) is available. I hope for his sake that his customers don't wise up to this fact.

Tom

[pierrelebel]

"Cumos is intent on using a costlier and slower service..."

?????

Tom - what is your agenda?  You have - post after post - questionned how one successful and busy seller utilizes Canada Post services in what appear to be attempts to discredit him.

He obviously knows more about his business than you do. He clearly has more eBay experience than you do.  His record shows he generally sells and ships items of higher value than yours.

What are you trying to prove?  You do not like Canada Post?  We all get that.

I have always understood the purpose of these boards is to help other eBay users.  It would be nice to see you post something helpful for a change instead of constantly criticizing Canada Post and some of the sellers using their services because you lack understanding of their business model or do not agree with it.