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Navigating Shipping and Returns During the Canada Post Strike

Learn how we're ensuring a smooth shopping experience this holiday season

Anticipate delays during the postal strike

  • Our eBay Money Back Guarantee will apply if your order is delayed because of the strike

  • We have extended Estimated Delivery Dates (EDDs) for all domestic, inbound, and outbound shipments using Canada Post services

  • Sellers have been encouraged to offer alternative shipping options on their listings

  • All Item Not Received (INR) claims made during the strike will be placed on hold until Canada Post resumes regular operations

  • We ask that buyers exercise patience with sellers before requesting returns, and vice versa

Buying and Selling During the Canada Post Strike

As you likely know, on November 15th the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) kicked off a national strike, which continues today.

While this strike can have a disruptive effect on shipping, eBay remains open for business. Most sellers have a large variety of carrier options that can deliver your order quickly and securely, including FedEx, UPS, eBay International Shipping, and a variety of alternative carriers serving regions across the country.

Canadian small businesses from PEI to Haida Gwaii use eBay to access new customers in Canada and around the world. We are proud to work with them as they deliver the products you need for the holidays.

Below you’ll find more information on the ways you can shop with confidence on eBay during the Canada Post strike.

How the Canada Post Strike Affects Shipping and Returns on eBay

Domestic Shipping:

  • Sellers are still able to access most regions in Canada using private carriers. 

  • If you are purchasing an item from a Canadian seller, be sure to check the ‘Shipping” section of the listing to see which carrier they use. 

  • If the listing offers Canada Post shipping, we suggest messaging the seller directly to ask them if they use an alternative service. Meanwhile, listings that offer any service other than Canada Post should be operational during the strike.

Shipping in rural regions:

  • If you or your seller are located in a rural region, it is possible that alternative carriers may not always be available. In these cases, eBay has extended the delivery window to offer sellers the necessary flexibility to provide their shipments when the strike has ended.

  • Some sellers can still access alternative providers within and into rural areas, so be sure to reach out to your seller directly if there’s an item you’re interested in, no matter where they’re located. 

eBay International Shipping:

  • eBay International Shipping does not rely solely on Canada Post for last-mile delivery. Since the strike, the large majority of eBay International Shipping has relied on carriers other than Canada Post. 

  • If you purchase an item from the US with eBay International Shipping, your estimated delivery windows should be unaffected by the strike. 

Requesting Returns:

  • We ask that buyers exercise patience with sellers before requesting returns, and vice versa. To avoid complications, keep in contact with your seller to partner on the best course of action while the strike continues.

FAQs

Rest assured, you remain protected under the eBay Money Back Guarantee even if your order is delayed due to the Canada Post strike. Should your order not arrive in a reasonable amount of time after the conclusion of the strike, contact us and eBay can step in with assistance.

eBay is taking actions to automatically protect your account from defects, including:

  • Late Shipment Rate (LSR) defects  

  • Valid tracking upload rate   

  • Negative or Neutral Feedback if you uploaded tracking before the case was opened and have a physical scan from the carrier 

  • Seller initiated cancellations 

In addition, all Item Not Received (INR) claims made during the strike will be placed on hold until Canada Post resumes regular operations.

If you require further information on these protections, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Alternative shipping options are offered on eBay during the Canada Post strike, including local pickup where feasible. UPS and FedEx services remain accessible through eBay Labels, and third-party couriers are also available.

For the best shipping experience when sending your order for Authenticity Guarantee verification, we recommend using major carriers such as UPS, FedEx, Canpar, or Purolator. These carriers ensure timely delivery during standard business hours, which helps avoid any delays.

We advise against using third-party couriers, as they often attempt deliveries after business hours, leading to repeated 'attempted delivery' issues.

Yes, eBay has extended Estimated Delivery Dates (EDDs) for all domestic, inbound, and outbound shipments using Canada Post services.

Information on the negotiations between the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canada Post can be found on Canada Post's website.