Shipping Simplified: A Guide for Canadian Merchants

For Canadian e-commerce businesses, shipping can present unique hurdles. Is international expansion too costly? Are rural deliveries a constant headache? ShipStation and UPS are here to debunk five persistent shipping myths. 

This guide, complete with a comprehensive checklist, will help you streamline your shipping process, reduce costs, and easily connect with customers, no matter their location. Get ready to truly empower your Canadian business to thrive!

Myth 1: “Shipping Across Provinces is Just Like Shipping Locally.”

Let’s face it: Canada’s a big place, and each province has its own quirks when it comes to logistics and carrier networks. The good news? You don’t have to become an expert in every regional nuance. With the right tools, you can easily navigate these differences and find the most efficient and cost-effective way to reach your customers, no matter where they are in Canada.

Navigate Provincial Shipping Like a Pro:

[ ] Know the playing field: Research any specific regulations or requirements for shipping to different provinces through Transport Canada or other federal government sites (e.g., hazardous materials, labeling).

[ ] Explore your options: Don’t assume one service fits all. Compare rates and services for different provinces to find the most cost-effective choices.

[ ] Simplify with reliable carriers: When you ship with UPS on ShipStation, you can rely on the UPS national network for consistent and reliable inter-provincial shipping, plus access deep discounts.

[ ] Factor in transit times: Be realistic about delivery expectations. Understand that shipping across longer distances will naturally take more time.

Myth 2: “International Shipping From Canada is too Expensive.”

Don’t let the thought of international shipping costs hold you back from global expansion. While it’s true that factors like customs and duties are involved, navigating the complexities doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right strategy and resources, you can unlock affordable ways to reach international customers and tap into exciting new revenue streams.

Make International Shipping Affordable:

[ ] Understand the costs: Accurately calculate potential customs duties and taxes before your customer checks out to avoid surprises.

[ ] Explore international services: Investigate various international shipping options offered by UPS on ShipStation and other carriers to find services that fit your budget.

[ ] Access deep discounts: When you ship with UPS on ShipStation, you instantly gain access to deep discounts on international services of up to 85% off.*

[ ] Leverage trade agreements: Research if Canada has any Free Trade Agreements with your destination country that could reduce tariffs.

[ ] Optimize your packaging: Use appropriately sized and lightweight packaging to minimize shipping costs.
 

Myth 3: “Rural Shipping in Canada is a Headache.”

While it’s true that reaching remote areas requires extra care, it doesn’t have to be a constant source of stress. With the right network and attention to detail, you can ensure your packages arrive safely and reliably, building trust with customers no matter their location.

Streamline Rural Deliveries:

[ ] Choose carriers with strong rural networks: Opt for carriers known for their extensive reach into less populated areas. Utilize UPS’s extensive rural coverage and the convenient UPS Access Point^® locations on ShipStation. 

[ ] Ensure accurate addresses: ShipStation automatically validates addresses against official databases and can even auto-correct domestic and international addresses to prevent common errors, ensuring precise delivery information for rural areas.

[ ] Communicate proactively: If delays are expected for rural deliveries, inform your customers upfront to manage expectations.
 

Myth 4: “Canadian Customers Don’t Expect Fast Shipping.”

In today’s world, speed is king, no matter where your customers are. Customers appreciate efficiency and want their orders in a timely manner. Offering fast and reliable shipping isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a key way to keep your customers happy and coming back for more.

Meet Canadian Shipping Expectations:

[ ] Offer expedited options: Provide faster shipping choices for customers who are willing to pay for quicker delivery. 

[ ] Consider weekend delivery: Explore if Saturday delivery is an option in your key markets to enhance convenience. UPS was the first integrated carrier in Canada to offer Saturday residential delivery at no extra cost!

[ ] Be transparent at checkout: Clearly display estimated delivery dates so customers know what to expect.

[ ] Provide real-time tracking: Keep customers informed with tracking updates through ShipStation’s customer notifications.
 

Myth 5: “Dealing with Customs is a Challenge.”

While the term “customs” might seem intimidating, it’s better to think of it as the necessary process for connecting Canadian businesses with the global marketplace. Customs forms may even be easier than you think with the right guidance and tools at your disposal.

Navigate Canadian Customs with Confidence:

[ ] Generate accurate documentation: ShipStation helps streamline your customs forms, handling them electronically or providing printable versions depending on the carrier, and offers resources for proper completion. 

[ ] Know the rules: Familiarize yourself with Canadian customs regulations and requirements for the types of goods you ship.

[ ] Access Valuable Resources: Leverage ShipStation’s webinars, blog posts, and support teams to stay informed and educated on international shipping and best practices.

[ ] Go Paperless: Take advantage of UPS Paperless® Invoice on ShipStation, a service that digitally sends required package information to customs agencies, saving you time and money by eliminating the need to print and attach documents.

[ ] Keep good records: Maintain organized records of all your international shipments for easy reference.

There you have it! Shipping doesn’t have to be a pain, but rather a powerful engine for your business. By understanding these common myths and leveraging the combined power of ShipStation and UPS, you’re well-equipped to tackle provincial, international, and rural deliveries with confidence. 

*Discounts off UPS daily rates. Rates are limited to shipping from the U.S. only. Rates and any applicable discounts are subject to change at any time without notice.

Madison Unruh

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