Question
Buyer wants the cheapest shipping AND either insured or tracking.
What are the options? Been awhile since I shipped to Canada, thought there was no insurance available on air letter post ...
Answer
I am fairly certain the only online tracking available internationally from the USA is Global Express Mail (EMS). That provides insurance and online tracking and the fastest delivery. But it is more costly. The only tracking that eBay and PayPal accept is online trackable choices that the sender cannot alter. They won't accept paper receipts, photocopies, or emailed attachments, etc.
I've had people tell me that they get paper certificates of shipping etc., but those are not online. And the other postal offerings don't often apply to international.
There may be other choices for insured such as Registered but I haven't checked. I'm sure some others will chime in on this.
Answer
Cheapest would either be Air Mail or surface, depending on the weight.
You can get Registered Mail service, which is essentially insurance, but it is expensive, starts at about $8.00.
Make sure the Customs form is completed including value, signed, dated, indicaation of contents and such.
PRINT IN CAPITAL LETTERS the address, and make sure it is properly formatted and has CANADA below the addy.
Canada is getting picky.
http://ircalc.usps.gov/
You can calculate the postage and get more info from the USPS Rate Calculator, link above.
Answer
You can get regular insurance (costs $1.85 instead of the US $1.30) on Airmail parcel post to Canada. As I understand it, parcel post is for packages weighing over 4 pounds and (or?) exceding the dimensions allowed for letter post. It requires the several sheet carbonless customs form. You might call the post office to be sure what the requirements are and what can be insured.
Answer
Originally Posted by 4Dcats
You can get regular insurance (costs $1.85 instead of the US $1.30) on Airmail parcel post to Canada. As I understand it, parcel post is for packages weighing over 4 pounds and (or?) exceding the dimensions allowed for letter post. It requires the several sheet carbonless customs form. You might call the post office to be sure what the requirements are and what can be insured.
Ahhhh! Thanks!
My package did not apply (8 oz), but great to know this info.