@wicks-n-suds wrote:
Hi,
Do I print a declaration form off on their website indicating what’s in the package and hand it to the person at the drop off point? Is that the manifest? I’m nervous about getting the shipping label and declaration form wrong because even though it’s in my city, it’s still a 20 min drive. I’ve never mailed anything to USA before, only Canada.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated or a step by step process of what happens when I go there. Thanks very much!
I can't speak to Chit Chats process specifically (I'm close enough to the border to handle cross border importation myself) but generally you'll need the following: a manifest declaring the type of goods going to each person, a USPS scan sheet (allows the post office to scan one sheet for all your packages), and invoices for the shipments. They want those on the outside of each box but I suppose inside works just as well since it only comes into play If CBP needs to inspect a shipment. The manifest is what Chit Chats uses to generate their electronic "paperwork" they need to file with CBP prior to packages being imported across the border. They likely have a specific manifest format or an electronic form to fill out on their site. CBP doesn't require HS codes in their electronic manifesting system that all cross border importers use, just a text description of the goods.
I'd call them and get a walk though of the process. I would specifically want to know what they would suggest for a lead time on dating your shipments based on their pickup schedule with the drop off point and how long it takes them to get across border. You'll want to know this so you can setup an appropriate handling time on your ebay listings. When you print a label it'll ask you to specify the mailing date. They can re-date the packages using a sticker correction in the even they process it later than you have dated the shipment, but the main thing with any cross border shipping like this is to manage your buyer's expectations and set your handling time to avoid ebay late shipment (having your packages scanned by a USPS post office within your stated handling time prevents this) defects.
You'll have to decide if you are listing on ebay.ca or ebay.com. With .com you can select USPS shipping classes as your shipping method to generate an accurate ETA (in conjunction with your handling time, the ZIP code pairings and shipping class determine your ETA shown to buyers). On ebay.ca you'll have to use one of the more generic shipping service options and see what the ETAs look like. ETAs are a huge buying factors for US buyers these days so get that bit right. Just keep in mind that if you are selling on .com funds received will be in USD so converting back to CAD will result in a small loss.
Shipments to the US don't require a customs form on the box/label (the information on the manifest covers this and is used to create an electronic entry with CBP for the shipment prior to importation), and anything international will have the customs form printed as part of the label. If they still allow users to purchase their own postage have a look at Pirateship, they have the best overall rates for USPS (priority mail cubic rates and they discount first class international (rebranded but exact same service) cheaper than anyone else) and no monthly fees like the other postage resellers.
Some other posters here have used Chitchats and can give you more specific information.
