Chitchats to US

[rocketscollectibles]

So with the CP strike i started using chitchats as they have good rates. Tho i noticed when i print label that it is not my return adress

I understand domestic would go to their branch for pick up

But for US they say they do not process returns back to canada? Means that if package is undeliverable because of buyer mistake in the adress or anything, we just lose our package with buyer able to claim money back? Dont its a super risky shipping service or am i missing something?

[byto253]

I believe that it first goes to the US address on the return address, and is then forwarded to Canada.  To use USPS I am pretty sure that a US return address is required.

The best thing to do is call chitchats and ask about how returns work.  I have found they 

are very helpful.  

[rocketscollectibles]

Actually its written you need to be a registered to something. I think you need a registered business number  

''To use our U.S. return address and have returns brought back into Canada two things are required: a completed Power of Attorney (POA) form and registration with CARM. The CBSA is introducing a new digital initiative called CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management) and registration will be required in order for our customs broker to clear your shipments back into Canada

(...)

If your return settings are not updated, any return shipments will be held for 15 business days before they are disposed of''

For international its even more drastic. They clearly state no return to sender at all, you just lose your package

Just wonder with eBay if its returned to sender, and package gets disposed by carrier, if in all cases buyer is protected by money back guarantee (even when its buyer fault)

[regs43]

I have a USPS PO Box, so I put that in for the Chit Chats USPS Labels. But I did read the above that Rocket quoted, and I read it to be you would lose your item. Most of my stuff is like $20.00 or less so if its lost oh well LOL Basiclly like INR for untracked Canada Post stuff.

Good luck, if you get a more clear answer after talking to them please update, would be interested to know 🙂

[byto253]

I use a parcel holding service in Ogdensburg, NY and have that as my US return address so did not dig into the return part.  I did call in to chitchats to get that setup a few years ago as I had some trouble getting it done myself online.

That said I have not had a delivery returned to me due to non-delivery or delivery problems.  If it is a buyer requested return, they still have to return it to your invoice addresss and not the chitchats return address.   

But from what you posted, Chitchats has what is required clearly laid out so shippers can decide to do that or not.  It's good to have it posted so folks are aware.  

[ilikehockeyjerseys]

Go to the Chit Chats website on an actual computer (not mobile).

Click Returns on the left drop down side. 

On the returns page there will be a Power Of Attorney form you have to fill out. I don't remember if it is a PDF. If it is a PDF you can use Adobe Fill And Sign on Android or iOS. Fill that out and choose Chit Chats as your return option.

There is also something called CARM that is a government requirement. You are required to register for this. This is fairly new. 

Keep in mind, if a buyer provides the wrong address, or fails to pick up their package, their buyer protection is voided. You could consider putting a disclaimer on your listings that your US shipping service disposes of undeliverable items. But eBay's policy already dictates things like refusing an item or not picking it up void buyer protection. Putting a disclaimer is more something you can point to if a buyer complains, so you can say you were up front about this in the listing.

Keep in mind, all services are you to require a POA and CARM, unless you have your own US return address.

If you don't want to provide a POA and set up CARM, I would look at it like you might look at sending something lettermail. When you send lettermail, there is a risk that you lose the package because a buyer can claim it didn't arrive. You might still send lettermail because the price point enables you to do do business that you otherwise wouldn't be able to do. If you send Chit Chats you might lose an order if USPS screws up and it is returned to sender, but the price point compared to UPS or Fedex enables you to do business that you otherwise wouldn't be able to do. It's the same thing, you just have to decide if the potential reward outweighs the risk. 

[ilikehockeyjerseys]

You should consider registering for a business number if you're conducting business on eBay and claiming the income. You're going to encounter multiple platforms that require you to have a business number. As far as I am aware, registering as a sole proprietor doesn't have any real downsides. It would also enable you to register for GST and capture input tax credits. (GST is separate from a BN, you can have a BN without registering for GST).

While it is easy enough to do it on your own, even paying an accountant to set it up for you would probably pay for itself if you're spending a significant amount on GST. eBay fees, shipping labels, supplies, cost of goods, most will have GST on them that you should be able to collect if it is for business purposes.