Why I don't ship to Canada

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by iwantitiwinit

In the immortal words of Charlie Sheen.."What's this got to do with me?" Don't even know why this guy is busting them. He can clearly see the package passed thru customs. It's his fault not yours, if he doesn't want stuff held up by the canadian mounted postmen then move to the U.S.

He re-iterated in a recent email that he gets stuff 7 calendar days from the moment he pays. He also mentioned 'courier' again Still, this is nothing compared to the Canadian who bought a hat from me, opened a case while it was in customs, then bought another hat from me after the case was closed. No apologies, no communication. It ended up being good, as I sold two hats.

[grainsley]

I was under the impression that items from the U.S. to Canada (where I am) no longer have the option of tracking, they push you to use Purolator, which Canada Post just happens to own. I have had literally hundreds of purchases items from the U.S. make it to me just fine, never anything lost. I simply decided not to sweat it for at least 2 weeks after I have been told an item was shipped, and don't get overly concerned even at the 3 week mark. Once the seller says it is shipped, I have to have some blind faith, and it is now in the hands of USPS/Canada Post/Customs. Canada Post is very reliable, you can COUNT on them to be slow. It's even harder on some of us who live in fairly remote locations, as I do. I have had mail sent from Vancouver to Powell River, a five hour drive including the two ferries, and it took 6 days to get here. I think we have all been spoiled by email speed, but last time I checked you can't send a package that way.

[Runscott]

Grant, thanks for that post. It's so logical that there has to be a flaw in it

[iwantitiwinit]

Originally Posted by Runscott

He re-iterated in a recent email that he gets stuff 7 calendar days from the moment he pays. He also mentioned 'courier' again Still, this is nothing compared to the Canadian who bought a hat from me, opened a case while it was in customs, then bought another hat from me after the case was closed. No apologies, no communication. It ended up being good, as I sold two hats.

He must be confused because Canadian Thanksgiving is in October if I'm not mistaken, here in the U.S., where things matter, Thanksgiving is celebrated appropriately on the fourth Thursday of November. This holiday tends to slow up the mail process.

Are you sure your buyer isn't Adrian?

[grainsley]

Scott, logic is not one of the very few qualities that I am known for.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by iwantitiwinit

He must be confused because Canadian Thanksgiving is in October if I'm not mistaken, here in the U.S., where things matter, Thanksgiving is celebrated appropriately on the fourth Thursday of November. This holiday tends to slow up the mail process.

Are you sure your buyer isn't Adrian?

He wished me 'Happy Thanksgiving' in the first email complaint, so he had to be aware.

On a more positive note, I just learned that if you have a supply of customs forms (you have to order from the USPS or pick up at the post office), then you can actually purchase postage to Canada online and just attach the customs form, and the postman will pick up the package. His biggest complaint was that I didn't choose a shipping option that would get the item to him in 7-10 calendar days, so the only thing remaining is to make it clear to customers that for low-value items you are shipping first class and that it will take 3-4 weeks (to be safe).

I once lived at PO Box PML, Chignik, Alaska 995** for three years. At the time, very few in the lower 48 believed me, and I may have had a half dozen offers rescinded because of my Port Moller Location address. It is hard to send outside, and sometimes even within the US.

I am sorry this person has not shown more patience, but that comes with the territory, literally. I would not be hesitant to remind this person of where he is and how long it may take to even pass the most rudimentary of customs.

I used to send photos of the 1924 Port Moller Herring Chokers for encouragement...