Canada Post Shipping Question

[magiic]

I am wondering if anyone has any experience sending games via oversize lettermail to the states. I've used it for within Canada I am just wondering if anyone has any experience with it going to the states. What's the ETA, how picky are they on the thickness etc. And how do I get customs forms to stick on it. I know this isn't a deal but I figured this was the best place to ask it.

[ragnar14]

It takes maybe 2 weeks, but it's lettermail, it could take less or more. They may be picky if they know it contains an item like a game. It kinda depends on the post office. So don't fill out a customs form at all, lettermail doesn't need them. If they seem to suck you can just tell them it contains photos. Or just stick stamps on it and put it in a dropbox, that way they can't ask questions ;) Do make sure the letter is less than 2cm thick (max specs are 38cm x 27cm x 2cm and 500grams), if it goes over it'll need to be sent as a parcel or whatever.

[maigoyume]

what are you planning to ship? i occasionally send games via economy which is about $4, but that only works on dvd cases, gba boxes are a tad too large

[Phorty Ounce]

Another question:

How much does it cost to send a game through a bubble mailer, using the most cheapest method? Like $2-$3 or something?

[magiic]

I wanted to send letter post just to help cut costs. Every dollar counts. Last month I spent about $150 on postage lol. Sending Lettermail instead of Light Packet saves $1.01 on every game I send which in the long run probably would save me a game a year. I think I'll give it a go on the next game I send. Throw some stamps on it (I have talked in past of the stupid korean who works at our post office, she wont even let me send games lettermail within Canada because she doesnt understand how the little thickness tester thign works) and toss it in the box if it doesnt need a customs form. Thanks for the input.

@Phorty Ounce
It's $1.86 via lettermail to Canada
It's $3.10 via lettermail to the states
Lastly $4.11 (small business rate) to send a game to the states via light packet.

Within Canada anything over 2cm thick basically starts at $9 unless you are sending something really close to you.

[Phorty Ounce]

Ah, those are less than desirable rates, but I can live with it.

[magiic]

ya domestic rates suck big time

[cliffclaven2]

Because of that over 2 cm rule for within Canada (small packet rate) I've got an idea for traders. If you're trading games for the same system, just send the game disc, manual and overlay in a padded envelope. Each person keeps their dvd case. For protection, maybe put the game disc in a thin jewel case. Otherwise the dvd case in a padded envelope is usually too thick, although I bought a pack of bubble mailers at the dollar store once that fit under 2 cm even with a dvd case inside. They weren't very padded though.
Anyways, thats the kind of thing I think up while digesting supper. :D

[Phorty Ounce]

Nice idea. But still:

Damn you Canada Post.

[magiic]

Because of that over 2 cm rule for within Canada (small packet rate) I've got an idea for traders. If you're trading games for the same system, just send the game disc, manual and overlay in a padded envelope. Each person keeps their dvd case. For protection, maybe put the game disc in a thin jewel case. Otherwise the dvd case in a padded envelope is usually too thick, although I bought a pack of bubble mailers at the dollar store once that fit under 2 cm even with a dvd case inside. They weren't very padded though.
Anyways, thats the kind of thing I think up while digesting supper. :D

you dont even have to do that. I have found CP to not be very strict when it comes to 2cm. As long as the package has some give to it, it will be fine. I've sent games in thicker mailers and they have still been delivered fine.

[ragnar14]

what are you planning to ship? i occasionally send games via economy which is about $4, but that only works on dvd cases, gba boxes are a tad too large
GBA games can squeak through if you carefully flatten the box and seperate the flattened materials and cart with a piece of cardboard. Although collectors tend to get annoyed at flatened boxes (myself included), it's handy for anybody that just wants the game.

[snowsquirrel]

cliff claven,

I have suggested that idea in a number of trade. I have never had anyone take me up on the offer. Many seemed to be confused.

I hate stupid people.

~S

[maigoyume]

GBA games can squeak through if you carefully flatten the box and seperate the flattened materials and cart with a piece of cardboard. Although collectors tend to get annoyed at flatened boxes (myself included), it's handy for anybody that just wants the game.generally when i send gba boxes, they're still sealed, so thats not an option for me, thanks for the heads up though :)

[cliffclaven2]

you dont even have to do that. I have found CP to not be very strict when it comes to 2cm. As long as the package has some give to it, it will be fine. I've sent games in thicker mailers and they have still been delivered fine.

My experience with canada post is not as nice. I had one clerk get out the "plastic mail slot template thingy" and although my package slide through with a little persuading, they looked at me and said it was too thick. I said fine and took the game to a mall based "postal outlet" and sent it there without problems.

[magiic]

I dont even bother with the clerk at mine she is this useless korean women who barely speaks english. I just put two .93 cent stamps on it and drop in the box.

[cliffclaven2]

Nice idea. But still:

Damn you Canada Post.


Is that supposed to be a link?

[magiic]

no I think he was just trying to drive the point home

[Phorty Ounce]

no I think he was just trying to drive the point home

I should have italicised (sp?) it:

DAMN YOU CANADA POST.