Canadian Shipping and Handling Fees Guide for Buyers & Sellers

Hello!
Whether you are buying an item from eBay, or are selling something, I have compiled a list based on my personal experience as well as others to help some of you save time, as well as money on shipping and handling fees.  Some sellers will charge outrageous shipping & handling fees, or it might just be a high estimate.

*Most of these tips can be used outside of Canada as well.

Buyers- A few tips to save some Canadian buyers money when buying an item from eBay

1. When buying from a seller from another country, generally the seller's posted s/h fee will be high estimate.  Simply send the seller a question through the "Ask a Seller a Question" link in the auction, with your postal code and province. 7/10 times, I find the seller will  reply with a reduced rate.
2. If the eBay item you are looking at has an outrageous S&H fee, and you have emailed them asking for a fair amount and they declined, you can report it at the bottom of the auction (report this listing>listing policy violations>circumvention of eBay fees), or you can report it at the excessive shipping and handling form.  An example is when you find a DVD for $4.99, but then they want $24.99 for shipping and handling, and it obviously will not cost that amount.
3. When buying out of the country, specifically to the U.S., be careful about what shipping service you use.  If you use UPS or FedEx, they can charge you brokerage fees that may be worth more than the auction amount!  This generally applies to their "cheaper" basic shipping. You can find more information on their website, or phone them. If you use just general courier, such as USPS, they will only charge you a small amount to bring the item into the country. Also, keep in mind you might have to pay customs based on the value.
   You can find more info. on this in my "Beware of Hidden Fees" guide.

Sellers- Some tips on how to save money when packaging and shipping items.

1. To get started, I highly recommend getting a VentureOne card through Canada Post!  They are free to get, and will save you an instant 5%, as well as free insurance up to $100.  You can register online, or go into your local post office and ask them for a registration pamphlet.
2. Recycle your boxes and bubble wrap! No need to go out and buy some new stuff! If you have just got a package, just tuck that box away, with the extra bubble wrap or misc. stuffing. I have a small cupboard I tuck all my extra stuff away, until I need it. 
   
3. Canada Post charges a ridiculous amount for their boxes. Instead of buying it through them, go to your local convenience or grocery store for extra boxes (grocery store's will generally only have big boxes).
4. Instead of buying stuff to protect your package, simply either use your extra bubble wrap (from step #2) or rip up some of your old newspapers.
5. Instead of buying your envelopes through Canada Post, get them through a dollar store, or S.O.S.  You will save TONS of money by doing this!
   
6. If you are sending an item in its original box, and not sticking it inside another box, make sure you wrap it up to conceal what it is. Instead of buying brown paper wrap through Canada Post, I prefer to recycle my brown paper grocery bags.
7. If you are shipping a video game, some times I will fold the game box and stick the game disc in a paper sleeve, and stick it all in a padded envelope. This can save the buyer and seller shipping costs, and also the cardboard game box will not get all dented! (only do this if you advertise in the listing you will do it, or have asked the buyer if it is ok with them)
   
8. Finally, to save time and money, you can print shipping labels online, it saves an extra 3% (so you can gain a total of 8% by using steps 1 and 7). Make sure you have a fabric tape measurer, and a small kitchen scale to weigh the package.
   

    I have saved tons of money buy doing these steps, and since I have most of this stuff sitting around in my         home, it makes it fast and easy to send out! 

International Buyers- International buyers do not need to fear buying from Canada! Here are a few things to consider though (it generally works both ways, whether you are buying from Canada, or are in Canada buying internationally)

1. Shipping times can increase when shipping internationally, due to customs.
2. You may have to pay taxes on your item entering the country, by customs.
3. Some shipping couriers may charge outrageous brokerage fees (UPS, FedEx).
4. Shipping fees in Canada can be higher, it costs more to ship.

Thanks for taking the time to read this guide, I hope it has been helpful to you, and will save you some money.  If it has been helpful, please click the "Yes" button.  The more "Yes" hits this guide gains, the more people will be able to see this guide, and help them out!


-LaRock-BC