Shipping from US to Canada?

[toastythebaker]

Hey guys I'm going to start shipping my items to Canada. I've never shipped international before so this is uncharted territory for me. What's the easiest/cheapest way to ship to Canada these days? I'd like to print a label through eBay if possible. Or just print a label in general because I don't want to consistently be standing in line at the post office. What do I do about customs forms? Where do I get them? Do I attach them to the package? If I could just get a quick crash course for shipping to Canada that would be great. Thanks guys!

[buyselljack2016]

@toastythebaker 

On the rare occasion that I ship to Canada I use USPS.  That generally works out better for the buyer. Have heard that with UPS the buyer may be paying some import charges that are not needed.

I avoided using the eBay GSP.

I have never used eBay's  "International Standard  Shipping"

I do the labels right on eBay. Customs form is included.

[ryanrobyn]

cheapest way is first class international on items up tp 4 pounds. I NEVER had a problem.

Drawback to sending anything int'l is the new fee being assessed for doing so on top o f all other fees.

[toastythebaker]

Do you get a shipping discount when printing a label through eBay?

[buyselljack2016]

@toastythebaker 

There is a "online" shipping label discount , as opposed to going to the PO to ship.

Have not shipped to Canada in a while, but I expect the  "online" label discount on eBay would be the same as any "online" label.

[wastingtime101]

Another vote for shipping direct with USPS First Class Package International on any package under  4 lbs in weight and under 1 cu ft in size.

The eBay International Standard Delivery service may save $1-2 on the label, but in the end it costs more for the buyer because DHL handles the international leg of delivery. DHL charges additional fees that the buyer might not see with the USPS option (delivered by Canada Post).

The Global Shipping Program will cost buyers a fortune so unless the item is large and heavy, I vote no on using GSP for Canada.

You can print USPS labels through eBay. It's a shipping label and customs form all-in-one, pre filled based on your listing details. You'll get the standard online commercial rates.

I'm not sure if eBay allows you to edit the customs form - I think they do - and I always recommend making edits to the item description. eBay will pre fill the entire listing title: Nike Air Jordan Mens size 11 Limited Edition Vintage 1990 blah which is better changed to something more generic like Shoes  or Sneakers or Mens Footwear.

[toastythebaker]

I ship a lot of things in tubes. The smallest tubes I use are 26" long. Will I still qualify for USPS First Class Package International? If not, would I need to use Priority International?

[wastingtime101]

Read this link. Scroll down to First Class Package International. There's an item value limit of $400 with the service.

• Maximum combined length, height, and width is 36 inches (42 inches for rolls/tubes).

[toastythebaker]

Thank you! 

[umoraski]

I do get a discount on the International Shipping Label through Ebay.   Maybe a couple of Dollars or more.

[sticker_space]

Important and noted. Thank you.

[jupiter_collectibles]

DON'T DO IT. THE MAJORITY OF PROBLEMS I FACE ON EBAY ARE FROM BUYERS FROM CANADA. JUST HAD ONE LEAVE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK BECAUSE I DIDN'T USE BUBBLE WRAP EVEN THOUGH THE ITEM WAS NOT DAMAGED. THEY COMPLAIN ABOUT EVERYTHING. 

[kh-cathy]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.