It is possible to find lightweight items from USA companies combined with free shipping. However on heavier items it's nearly impossible to see the friendly free shipping feature. All Canadians know that freight costs from the USA to Canada can add a huge cost to the products they purchase. This is what makes it frustrating, as prices in the USA are generally less expensive then those purchased in Canada. This is due to a multitude of reasons which we will not go into here. However the object is to find the least expensive landed cost.
To determine landed cost you have to first determine the freight cost. Always find out the exact freight cost and never assume or go by the companies regular posted shipping rates as surcharges are often added for Canadian customers. Searching for USA companies that offer free shipping helps save you this time and trouble. Often times the companies that offer free shipping to Canada are thoroughly familiar with shipping to Canada. You always want to purchase from a company that knows how to process paperwork so your order easily glides through customs. A company that knows the NAFTA specifications and applies them is also extremely important in saving you money.
Brokerage rates are also important in determining your landed cost to Canada. Again, dealing with USA companies familiar in shipping to Canada is important here. There are many price breaks on a companies volume shipments through customs. Special brokerage rates are also given to select companies. Brokerage charges combined with shipping can cause your landed cost to become much higher than purchasing domestically. You want to ask the company what the brokerage charges are before you place your order.
Freight and brokerage charges are the key. You want to deal with a company that gets a discounted brokerage charge and passes that charge unto you. It's a good idea to ask the company how often they ship to Canada and if they know the NAFTA specifications.
In general companies that offer free shipping are the experts in exporting to Canada. Now nothing is carved in stone, but knowing they offer free shipping is a tell on their level of expertise. Otherwise they would be charging you full freight and brokerage rates.
Now the question is how do you find these companies? The answer is simple, use a search engine and search for exactly what you are looking for. Any of the main search engines will do such as Bing, Google or Yahoo. Enter the product and then "free shipping canada". For example if you were looking for jewelry boxes, your would search for "jewelry boxes free shipping canada". Looking for gift bags? Then enter "gift bags free shipping canada". Can't be easier than that right? These companies show up near the top of the search engines because they often publicize free shipping to Canada on their websites.
While few USA companies ship free to Canada and give you low brokerage rates these companies are out there. Your job is to find them and in the process save yourself or your company money.
Wayne Fetta formed and is currently CEO of Fetpak, Inc. Fetpak's distributes internationally with a focus on small to mid size business and helping them acquire their packaging supplies in a cost effective and timely manner. Fetpak's free shipping policy to the 48 Contiguous States and All of Canada keeps things simple and saves customers a substantial amount of money. Browse Fetpak's website for all your packaging needs: Website- http://www.fetpak.com
