Buy/Sell/Trade Forum

I had 6 go missing last summer (not delivered and not returned), but have had no problems since then. I think there was a crackdown in July-August in the US. Now I just keep it thin and not too rigid and split it into 2 envelopes if it's a slightly larger trade.

I go to the post office every time because they weigh it every time and there seems to be a different cost every time. I was told by a post office employee that they're more strict now and a letter must just contain paper , that's it . Now I just put the cards in toploaders , keeping the letter as small as possible , haven't had any problems yet . Anything more than that is considered a parcel . 

yes. that's what i was told:
"If you use plastic, the US will probably return it now;

they are getting more strict this year."

Exactly how I sent the trade out again for the third time (as a greeting card) . It was weighed by the post office clerk and he charged me $2.09 plus tax ........   Ironically the two previous times I tried to send in a bubble mailer they charged $3.60 and returned it to me . Wonderful way to do business .... refuse $3.60 and settle for $2.09 . SMH

Cards arrived without a problem within one week . Clearly this is the way to go in the future  !!!!

after i win the lottery, I'll be paying for everyones postage

This has happened to me multiple times, especially over the past year. Up until a few years ago, I was very satisfied with Canada Post, but lately, it’s been terrible.

Canada Post doesn't really have any control over regulations of other postal administrations. If they know something is likely to be rejected by say the US Mail, I'd rather they tell me that up front and then make a decision.

What's maddening to me is the inconsistency sending within Canada. Go to the postal counter and you'll be told one thing. Prepare it yourself and just drop it into a mailbox differently than what told in person, and it goes through no issues.

I have to say, I've stopped using cardboard backing, and since then none have been rejected. Cards (usually 2 per to increase thickness) in a penny sleeve, then a 9 pocket page tightly taped. So far no issues either in delivery or damage.

But by far the biggest issue I have right now is the increase in theft, which is not just a postal issue sadly. Prior to recently, I can not remember anything ever being stolen in the mail. Since the fall, between TCDB and exchanges done outside this platform, I think I am at 13 or 14 envelopes which have been stolen. They're clearly not disappearing from the destination mailbox, as in each case I have mailed multiple envelopes on the same day and every one of them disappears. Somebody somewhere in the Canada Post logistics chain locally is clearly helping themselves to stuff they think may have value.

Same as most of you, I was told unless its paper, it's not letter mail. I said it's a picture, they said no that has to go parcel. I get around it by putting cards equally in 9 pocket sleeves and wrapping in a half of a file folder I get at the dollar store. I send multiple PWE's to cut down on weight. Pay a little for folders but cheaper than sending as a parcel. I tried cut up cereal boxes to fit the envelope but it is hard and they get suspicious. Bubble mailers are a thing of the past to ANY International destination unless you send it small packet, tracked packet, parcel etc. I had one come back from Australia for the same reason. I can see this happening in Canada soon, guaranteed.