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Flat Rate Box Product & Rules
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What is the Canada Post-eBay Flat Rate Box?
The Canada Post-eBay Flat Rate Box is a box designed for shipping goods sold on eBay. You can use the Flat Rate Box to ship items, weighing up to 5 kg or 11 lb, using:

  • Canada Post's Expedited Parcel™ service within Canada at a flat Regional rate of C$8.66, and a flat National rate of C$11.66;
  • Canada Post's Expedited Parcel™-USA service to the United States at a flat rate of C$16.66
The Flat Rate Box can ONLY be used with Canada Post's Expedited Parcel or Expedited Parcel-USA Flat Rate Box shipping labels. These labels must be created, purchased and printed through eBay's Online Shipping tool. The Flat Rate Box shipping label and Flat Rate Box CANNOT be used separately.

Is eBay's Online Shipping tool the only place where I can create, purchase and print a Canada Post Expedited Parcel or Expedited Parcel-USA Flat Rate Box shipping label?
Yes, you can only create, purchase and print a Flat Rate Box shipping label through the eBay (also known as PayPal) shipping tool.

Do I need to be a registered eBay user to create, purchase and print a Flat Rate Box shipping label?
Yes. You must be a registered eBay user to create, purchase and print a Flat Rate Box shipping label. Begin your registration now.

Can I print a Canada Post Expedited Parcel or Expedited Parcel-USA Flat Rate Box shipping label through Canada Post's Electronic Shipping Tool or Ship-in-a-click™?
No, you cannot. Flat Rate Box shipping labels are exclusively available through eBay's Online Shipping tool.

Can I purchase a Canada Post Expedited Parcel or Expedited Parcel-USA Flat Rate Box shipping label at a Canada Post Post Office or on the Canada Post web site?
No, Flat Rate Box shipping labels are exclusively available through eBay. You must create, purchase and print a Flat Rate Box shipping label through eBay's Online Shipping tool in order to ship an item using the Flat Rate Box.

Can I use the Flat Rate Box with a shipping label other than a Flat Rate Box shipping label?
No, you can ONLY use the Flat Rate Box with a Canada Post Expedited Parcel or Expedited Parcel-USA Flat Rate Box shipping label. The Flat Rate Box cannot be used with any other shipping label. Your shipment will be refused by Canada Post if the Flat Rate Box and Flat Rate Box shipping label are not used together.

Can I use a Flat Rate Box shipping label with a box other than the Flat Rate Box?
No, you must use a Flat Rate Box shipping label with the Flat Rate Box. The Flat Rate Box shipping label cannot be used with any other box. Your shipment will be refused by Canada Post if the Flat Rate Box shipping label and Flat Rate Box are not used together.

Is a Canada Post Expedited Parcel Flat Rate Box shipping label the same as a Canada Post Expedited Parcel shipping label printed through eBay's Online Shipping tool?
No, they are different. You now have two options to create, purchase and print Canada Post's Expedited Parcel or Expedited Parcel-USA shipping labels through eBay:

  1. Expedited Parcel Flat Rate Box shipping labels are available for shipments within Canada at a Regional flat rate of C$8.66 or a National flat rate of C$11.66. Expedited Parcel-USA Flat Rate Box shipping labels available for shipments to the United States at a flat rate of C$16.66 (please review Canada Post's definitions of regional, national and USA). These labels MUST be used with a Flat Rate Box.
  2. Expedited Parcel shipping labels are available at rates based on the origin, destination and weight of your shipment. These labels can be used with any type of packaging EXCEPT a Flat Rate Box.

Can I use the Flat Rate Box with Canada Post shipping services other than Expedited Parcel?
No, the Flat Rate Box is clearly marked "Canada Post Expedited Parcel Service". You can only use the Flat Rate Box with the Expedited Parcel Flat Rate Box shipping labels at the pre-determined flat rates for Regional, National, and USA shipments, available only through eBay's Online Shipping tool (see Flat Rate Box Pricing). You cannot use the Flat Rate Box with any of the other Canada Post shipping services available through eBay's Online Shipping tool.

Can I use the Flat Rate Box for shipments outside of Canada and the USA?
No, you can only use the Flat Rate Box for shipments within Canada and to the USA, using the proper Flat Rate Box shipping labels.

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Flat Rate Box Size & Weight
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What Canada Post-eBay Flat Rate Box sizes are available?
The Flat Rate Box is available in one size only. The dimensions of the Flat Rate Box are 28 cm (L) x 21.5 cm (W) x 14 cm (H) or 11" (L) x 8.5" (W) x 5.5" (H).

Is there a maximum weight limit for the Flat Rate Box?
Yes, the Flat Rate Box has a maximum weight limit of 5 kilograms (11 pounds), including packaging materials.

Is there a minimum weight limit for the Flat Rate Box?
No, there is no minimum weight limit.

What can I ship in the Flat Rate Box?
You can ship any amount of mailable material, up to the 5 kg (11 lb) weight limit. You cannot ship dangerous or other non-mailable material. For more information, please see the Canada Post Guide.

Can I change the shape of the Flat Rate Box to accommodate larger items?
No, you cannot change the shape of the Flat Rate Box. The box flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. You cannot enlarge the design of the box in any way. If you alter the box to accommodate your item, Canada Post will refuse the shipment and return it to the sender.

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Flat Rate Box Shipping Service
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What Canada Post shipping service is used with the Flat Rate Box?
Canada Post's Expedited Parcel and Expedited Parcel-USA services are available at one of three flat rates to ship the Flat Rate Box (see Flat Rate Box Pricing below).

What does Canada Post's Expedited Parcel service (within Canada) include?
Canada Post's Expedited Parcel service includes:

  • Reliable delivery to every address in Canada, including post office boxes
  • Tracking and Delivery Confirmation
  • On-time delivery guarantee
  • Coverage for loss or damage up to C$100
  • Ability to purchase additional coverage for loss or damage up to C$5,000

Can I track and confirm delivery of my Flat Rate Box shipment?
Yes, you can track and confirm delivery of your shipment online. Once you have printed your Flat Rate Box shipping label through eBay, a confirmation email is automatically sent by PayPal to you and your buyer. The email includes your shipment's tracking number and a tracking link to check the shipment's status. You can also track your shipment online from My eBay (Items I've Sold view, under Action, click "View Shipment Status" in dropdown menu) and your PayPal account (under Action, click "Check Shipment" link). All links will automatically take to you to the Canada Post 'Track a Package' page on their web site, and you can view your shipment's information and delivery status.

When is my Flat Rate Box shipment scanned and tracked by Canada Post?
Your Flat Rate Box shipment contains a bar code which is scanned and tracked by Canada Post at the following stages of delivery:

  1. When the Flat Rate Box shipping label is created electronically by you, using eBay's Online Shipping tool.
  2. When the shipment is first accepted by Canada Post (automated post offices and postal facilities).
  3. When the shipment enters the postal facility where it is being sorted and directed to its proper destination.
  4. When it reaches the final stages of the delivery process and is "Out for Delivery" by a letter carrier or driver.
  5. When it is successfully delivered.
Note: Depending on the means by which the Flat Rate Box shipment was handed off to Canada Post and the number of steps the Flat Rate Box shipment may take through the Canada Post network between its origin and its destination, some of the scanning steps may not be necessary, or scanning capabilities may not exist.

What are the service or delivery standards for Canada Post's Expedited Parcel service?
Expedited Parcel has an on-time delivery guarantee and delivers the next business day locally, 1 to 3 business days regionally, and 2 to 7 business days nationally between major urban Canadian centres.

Expedited Parcel-USA has a delivery expectation of 6 to 12 business days from major urban centres in Canada to major urban centres in the United States (some exceptions apply). These service standards are not guaranteed.

Can I purchase the Signature option with the Flat Rate Box shipping label?
Yes, you can purchase the Signature option for Expedited Parcel for an additional cost of C$1.50 for Flat Rate Box shipping labels within Canada. However, you cannot purchase the Signature option for Expedited Parcel-USA Flat Rate Box shipping labels to the United States.

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Flat Rate Box Postage
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What kinds of postage can I use for the Canada Post-eBay Flat Rate Box?
You must create, purchase and print a Canada Post Expedited Parcel or Expedited Parcel-USA Flat Rate Box shipping label (with postage included) through eBay's Online Shipping tool (see step-by-step instructions below).

How do I create, purchase and print a Flat Rate Box shipping label through eBay's Online Shipping tool?
After you have successfully sold your item on eBay, you can access the Print Shipping Label button from eBay (My eBay - Items I've Sold section, or Closed Item Page) or from PayPal (My Account Overview - Account Activity). If you click on the Print Shipping Label button in eBay, you will be taken to the PayPal login page. Log in to your PayPal account and follow these instructions to create, purchase, print and affix your Flat Rate Box shipping label to the Flat Rate Box:

  1. Click the Print shipping label button in the "Action" column in your account activity.
  2. Select Canada Post as the Shipping Carrier.
    Note: When printing a label for the first time, you will be asked to agree to the terms and conditions, and to ensure your computer meets the following requirements:
    • Windows browsers: Internet Explorer 5.0 and above, or Netscape 6.2 and above
    • Mac OS browsers: Safari 1.2.4 and above
    • Javascript must be enabled on your browser
    • Popup blocker software must be disabled on your browser
  3. Under Shipment Information, select Expedited Parcel as the Service Type, and Select Flat Rate Box as the Package Type (Flat Rate Box only appears once Expedited Parcel has been selected).
  4. Under Shipment Options, enter the Total Insurance Coverage Value (this should be the closing price of your sold item).
    Note: If the Total Insurance Coverage Value is over C$100, you can purchase additional insurance coverage up to C$5,000 for domestic shipments and C$1,000 for shipments to the USA.
  5. Confirm your shipping details. Click Edit Shipment Details to make any changes. Purchase your Flat Rate Box shipping label by clicking Pay and Continue.
    For Flat Rate Box USA shipping labels, after you click Pay and Continue you will be asked to Enter Customs details to declare the contents of your package.
  6. The Flat Rate Box label will appear in a popup window, offering you two choices: Print Sample Label or Print Label. Ensure popup blocker software is disabled on your browser. To print, click Print Label.
  7. Click Print in the Print screen and the label is sent to your printer. Check your label before closing the window. Click OK if the label printed successfully. Click Cancel if the label did not print correctly, and try to print it again.
  8. Cut the shipping label in the middle on the dotted line, and affix the top portion of the Flat Rate Box shipping label to the Flat Rate Box (in the area indicated on the box). Do not tape over any part of the bar code on the shipping label.
    Note: For Flat Rate Box US shipping labels, you must sign the Customs portion of the shipping label in the Signature of Sender area.
  9. Pack contents securely without changing the Flat Rate Box shape. Remember, the Flat Rate Box has a maximum weight of 5kg (11 lb), including packaging materials.
  10. Drop off the Flat Rate Box at your local Post Office or in any Canada Post street letter box.

Is there a fee to print a Flat Rate Box shipping label through eBay?
No. There are no fees to print a shipping label through eBay. You are only charged the amount of postage.

How do I pay for my Flat Rate Box postage?
You can pay for your Flat Rate Box postage right from your PayPal account. When you purchase your Flat Rate Box shipping label by clicking Pay and Continue (see instruction #5 above), the postage amount is deducted directly from your PayPal account.

Is the postage amount printed on the Flat Rate Box shipping label?
No, the postage amount (i.e. one of the three Flat Rate Box flat rates) is not displayed on the Flat Rate Box shipping label.

Can I simply drop off my Flat Rate Box at a local Post Office (and avoid a potential lineup)?
Yes. Once you have affixed the Flat Rate Box shipping label to the Flat Rate Box (in the area indicated on the box), you can simply drop off the Flat Rate Box at any Post Office, or you can drop it in any Canada Post street letter box.

Are there any special instructions for the Flat Rate Box or Flat Rate Box shipping label I should know about?
Yes, you should take note of the following:

  • You must use the Flat Rate Box together with the Flat Rate Box shipping label - you cannot use them separately.
  • You must create, purchase and print a Flat Rate Box shipping label through eBay's Online Shipping tool.
  • Your Flat Rate Box shipment cannot weigh more than 5 kg (11 lb), including packaging materials, and you cannot change the shape of the Flat Rate Box to accommodate your item.
  • You cannot tape over any part of the bar code on the shipping label.
  • You MUST sign the Customs portion of the shipping label in the Signature of Sender area on Flat Rate Box US shipping labels.
  • You do not have to wait in line (should there be one) at a Post Office. You can simply drop off the Flat Rate Box, or drop it in any Canada Post street letter box.

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Flat Rate Box Pricing
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What is the cost of a Canada Post-eBay Flat Rate Box shipping label created, purchased and printed through eBay's Online Shipping tool?
There are three flat rates for the Flat Rate Box shipping label:

  • C$8.66 for Regional shipments within Canada
  • C$11.66 for National shipments within Canada
  • C$16.66 for shipments to the United States

Does the cost of Flat Rate Box shipping label include fuel surcharges?
Yes, the fuel surcharge is already included. You will not have to pay an additional fuel surcharge.

Does the cost of the Flat Rate Box shipping label within Canada include taxes?
No, you will have to pay the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the Provincial Sales Tax (PST or QST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), depending on your address in Canada.

Does the cost of the Flat Rate Box shipping label to the United States include taxes?
No, but you will not be subject to sales taxes because the Flat Rate Box flat rate to the United States is greater than C$5.00.

Do I receive the 25% savings on domestic shipments and 25% savings on USA shipments available through eBay's Online Shipping tool when I create, purchase and print my Flat Rate Box shipping label?
No, the 25% domestic and 25% USA savings available through eBay do not apply to the Flat Rate Box shipping labels created, purchased and printed through eBay's Online Shipping tool. The three Flat Rate Box flat rates have been created exclusively for eBay sellers who use eBay's Online Shipping tool.

How does Canada Post define Regional, National, and USA?
Canada Post defines Regional, National, and USA as follows:

Region Description
Atlantic Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Central Québec and Ontario, including Western Ontario (Postal Codes P7A to L, P8N, P8T, P9A, P9N, P0T to Y)
Western Western provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Western Ontario (Postal Codes P7A to L, P8N, P8T, P9A, P9N, P0T to Y)
Nunavut Postal Code X0A
Nunavut Postal Codes X0B and X0C
Northwest Territories Postal Codes X0E, X0G and X1A
Yukon Yukon


National: For use between regions within Canada.

USA: For use from anywhere in Canada to anywhere in the USA

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Flat Rate Box Ordering
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How do I order the Canada Post-eBay Flat Rate Box?
To order Canada Post-eBay Flat Rate Boxes, visit the Canada Post Flat Rate Box Store on the eBay.ca site. You can only order Flat Rate Boxes online through this eBay Store. You cannot order the Flat Rate Boxes on the Canada Post web site or at Canada Post Post Offices.

Do I need to be a registered eBay user to order the Flat Rate Box?
Yes. You must be a registered eBay user to order a Flat Rate Box. If you are not a registered eBay user, you will be prompted to register on eBay before completing your order.

How do I register with eBay?
It is free and fairly simple to complete your eBay registration. You must be at least 18 years old to register. Start your registration now.

Is there a minimum number of Flat Rate Boxes I can order?
Yes, the Flat Rate Box comes in a bundle of three, and you must order at least one bundle.

Is there a limit on the number of Flat Rate Box bundles I can order?
Yes, you can order a maximum of three bundles (nine Flat Rate Boxes) at a time.

Can I order just one Flat Rate Box?
No, you cannot order the Flat Rate Box individually.

Can I order a Flat Rate Box without logos on it?
No, the Flat Rate Box is only available with Canada Post and eBay logos on it.

Can I order Flat Rate Boxes and use them without a Flat Rate Box shipping label?
No, you cannot. You can only use a Flat Rate Box with a Flat Rate Box shipping label. You cannot use a Flat Rate Box for other purposes.

Are there any charges associated with ordering Flat Rate Box bundles?
Yes. While each Flat Rate Box bundle is offered free of charge, you will be charged a C$5.95 shipping and handling fee per bundle. Depending on your address in Canada, you will have to pay the GST, and PST, QST or HST.

Where will my Flat Rate Box order be delivered?
Your Flat Rate Box order will be delivered by Canada Post to one address of your choice, but it must be an address in Canada.

How long will it take to receive my Flat Rate Box order?
Due to order processing and shipping time, it can take up to 10 days for your Flat Rate Box order to arrive at your address. Delivery times may vary, depending on your address in Canada, and your order may arrive sooner or later than 7 to 10 days. Canada Post will deliver the Flat Rate Box order to your Canadian address using the Expedited Parcel service in accordance with published delivery standards.

In what form will the Flat Rate Box order arrive at my address?
Your Flat Rate Box order will arrive at your address in a bundle of three flattened boxes, secured by two plastic straps.

If I place an order for more than one Flat Rate Box bundle at the same time, will all my bundles be shipped together or separately?
If you place an order for more than one Flat Rate Box bundle at the same time, you will receive each bundle at your address separately.

Do I have to assemble the Flat Rate Box?
Yes, but it is very simple to assemble. Simply cut or rip the four cardboard tabs to release the box flaps. Construct the box and seal the box seams using proper shipping tape when you are ready to ship the Flat Rate Box.

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Flat Rate Box Customer Service
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What do I do if my Flat Rate Box shipping label does not appear in a popup window after I click Pay and Continue in eBay's Online Shipping tool?
If your Flat Rate Box shipping label is not appearing, it may be caused by your web browser's popup blocker feature. Ensure you turn off your popup blocker, and reprint your Flat Rate Box shipping label within the next 24 hours at no extra charge.

Can I reprint my Flat Rate Box shipping label?
Yes, you can reprint your Flat Rate Box shipping label within the next 24 hours after you have created the label. To reprint your shipping label, go to your PayPal account and access the Transaction Details page for your shipping label by clicking "Details". Scroll toward the bottom of the Transaction Details page and click "Reprint Label".

Can I void my Flat Rate Box shipping label purchase?
Yes, you can void your Flat Rate Box shipping label if less than 48 hours have elapsed since you created the label AND you have not used it to ship the item. To void your shipping label, you must void the label online by clicking "Void Label" in your PayPal account (click "Details", scroll toward the bottom of the Transaction Details page). You can also void the label by clicking on the "Void Shipping Label" link in your confirmation email from PayPal. Canada Post will be notified of your Void Shipment request and will respond within 15 calendar days. If approved, the amount you paid for the Flat Rate Box shipping label will be credited to your PayPal account.

What do I do if I want to cancel my Flat Rate Box order?
Once you have placed one or more orders for Flat Rate Boxes, you will not be able to cancel the order(s) and request a refund.

Who do I contact if I have a general question about Canada Post?
If you have general questions about Canada Post, please contact Canada Post at http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/aboutus/corporate/contactus.jsf or by calling toll free at 1-866-607-6301.

Who do I contact if I have a general question about eBay Online Shipping Tool?
If you have general questions about the eBay Online Shipping Tool, please visit the eBay Shipping Centre.

Who do I contact if I have a general question about selling on eBay?
If you have general questions about selling on eBay, please visit eBay's Selling Basics.

Who do I contact if I have a general question about eBay?
If you have general questions about eBay, please visit eBay Help.

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Flat Rate Box PayPal Seller Protection
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Are Flat Rate Box shipments covered by the PayPal Seller Protection Policy?
Yes, Flat Rate Box shipments qualify for coverage under the PayPal Seller Protection Policy, provided you meet the following requirements:

  1. You must have a Verified Business or Verified Premier Account at the time of the transaction.
  2. The transaction must be between a Canadian seller, and a US, UK or Canadian buyer.
  3. The payment must be listed as Seller Protection Policy Eligible on the Transaction Details page, or cleared by PayPal through Payment Review.
  4. You must accept a single payment from one PayPal Account for the purchase.
  5. You must not charge a surcharge for accepting PayPal.
  6. You must ship the purchased item to the address listed on the Transaction Details page.
  7. You must ship the item to the buyer within 7 Days of receiving payment.
  8. You must have trackable online proof of delivery from an approved shipper to the address on the Transaction Details page. For transactions involving $250.00 USD or more, you must provide a proof of receipt that was signed or otherwise acknowledged by the buyer and can be viewed online, (If you paid in a currency other than US dollars, the following amounts apply for this section: $325.00 CAD, ?200.00 EUR, £150.00 GBP, ¥28000.00 JPY, $350.00 AUD, 330.00 CHF, 1,600.00 NOK, 2,000.00 SEK, 1,500.00 DKK, 800.00 PLN, 55000.00 HUF, 6,000.00 CZK, $400.00 SGD, $2,000.00 HKD, $380.00 NZD), and
  9. You must respond to PayPal's requests for information within the time period PayPal specifies.

Do I need to provide a proof of Signature from my buyer for valuable items shipped with the Flat Rate Box?
Yes, for items with a value of US$250 or more, in addition to proof of delivery, you must provide proof of signature from the recipient. This proves the item was delivered to your buyer.

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