Every time a business owner selects a vendor for a new project – whether it's a new design, website, or something else – they rely on data to make the best decision for their business.
Costs, quality, efficiency, and other factors play a significant role in selecting the right partner.
As the digital marketplace expands, shipping services are becoming more integral than ever. In 2021, Canada saw a significant uptick in online shopping, with 72.5% of the population, or approximately 27.6 million individuals, embracing digital purchases.
In this new era of commerce, selecting the right shipping partner is no different from choosing any other service provider.
We analyzed 1,823,443 packages sent and delivered by Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, and Purolator during the second quarter of 2023 for the Buster Fetcher Shipping Report, and we're ready to share our insights about Canada Post.
‘First impressions last.’ Nothing beats the extraordinary feeling of being special, right?
The emotion, anticipation, and connection you establish with your customers during their first time buying from your store can create a long-lasting relationship. For sure!
Just think about it — let’s say you bought exactly the same product from two different stores. The first one arrived in perfect condition but packaged in a plain and simple box.
The second one also arrived in perfect condition, but this time it’s packaged in a special wrapper, with colorful ribbons, and even includes a handcrafted thank you letter with your name on it.
Now, let me ask you this — from which store would you buy again? The first one or the second one? I’ll let you answer that for yourself!
See? So if you’re still using some boring boxes for your product’s packaging, this is a sign for you to upgrade.
According to Pregis, excellent packaging increases customers’ perception of the product's value by 45%. That’s a lot!
In 2020, Canada Post and Purolator held dominant positions in the Canadian parcel shipping market, collectively accounting for 34% of the total market share.
As one of the leading players, Canada Post plays a significant role in shipping and parcel delivery in Canada. When it comes to shipping with Canada Post, the delivery time can vary based on several factors, including the destination province and the service option you choose.
Here is a breakdown of the average delivery times for each service, along with some interesting insights from our analysis:
Canada Post Regular Parcel is the entry price point for shipping with Canada Post.
While it is the most affordable option, it doesn't guarantee specific shipping times. Here's what we found in our analysis:
Did you know?Quebec is the province ranking as the fastest province to receive Canada Post Regular Parcel, which just takes 1.57 days. |
Although Expedited Parcel does not deliver as quickly as some other Canada Post services, it offers a guaranteed delivery date.
Here’s what our data shows:
BREAKING NEWS!If you are shipping to British Columbia you need to know that the fastest service is Canada Post Expedited Parcel. |
Xpresspost is one of the quickest ways to deliver packages across Canada with Canada Post, and it comes with a delivery guarantee.
Choosing the right day to send your packages can impact their timely arrival.
Here are some fascinating insights into how Canada Post delivery delays vary depending on the day of the week:
It is important to note that to claim a refund for a missed delivery date, the Canada Post employee must scan your package for proof of the delivery date sent.
If this doesn't happen upon collection, it will be scanned later at the station.
Quick Thought: Whether you're all about making your customers happy or you're keen on saving some cash, knowing the best days to ship can really help your shop stand out!
The cost of shipping is mainly influenced by three key factors: the weight of the package, the delivery zone, and the distance it needs to travel.
As an e-commerce business owner, understanding the average distance that packages cover when sent through Canada Post can be crucial in budgeting for shipping costs and finding strategies to optimize your expenses.
Knowing the average distance your packages travel can give you a better idea of your shipping costs, allowing you to more accurately predict your expenses and set competitive prices for your products.
Furthermore, this information can be a valuable asset when negotiating shipping rates with Canada Post, especially if you are in a province that typically sees longer shipping distances.
Knowing the average distance your packages travel can give you a better idea of your shipping costs, allowing you to more accurately predict your expenses and set competitive prices for your products.
Furthermore, this information can be a valuable asset when negotiating shipping rates with Canada Post, especially if you are in a province that typically sees longer shipping distances.
PRO TIPIf you run a business in one of these provinces that tend to have longer shipping distances, it may be worth negotiating better rates with Canada Post. Understanding the specific needs of your business, including the average shipping distances of your packages, can help you make more informed decisions and potentially save on shipping costs. |
Understanding the reasons for exceptions and the percentage of packages affected by them is crucial for businesses to prepare for potential disruptions in the delivery process. Let's dive into the details:
Exception information is essential as exceptions can prevent you from receiving refunds when a package arrives late. Knowing the reasons for exceptions and the carriers that tend to have higher exception rates allows you to better plan your shipments and minimize disruptions.
The delivery process involves several steps, from pick-up to final delivery. Any issues that arise during these steps can lead to exceptions. Understanding the steps involved in the delivery process lets you better track your shipments and address any issues that arise.
Exceptions can occur for a variety of reasons, including incorrect or incomplete addresses, delivery attempts outside business hours, or even unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather conditions. Understanding these reasons can help you take preventive measures to reduce exceptions.
On average, Canada Post has the highest rate of exceptions among carriers at 19.40%. Here is a closer look at exceptions by province:
For comparison, other carriers have different rates of exceptions:
Understanding the percentage of packages affected by exceptions and the reasons behind them can help you choose the best carrier for your needs and minimize disruptions in the delivery process.
Being proactive in addressing potential issues can improve your shipping success and customer satisfaction.
Take your shipping strategy to the next level with comprehensive insights and actionable data. Download the Buster Fetcher® Report for a deep dive into the trends and data that can shape your shipping strategy.
Get a full understanding of how different carriers perform, including Canada Post, UPS, FedEx, and Purolator. With our detailed report, you'll be equipped with the information you need to choose the best shipping options for your e-commerce business.
You can learn more how Purolator compares to Canada Post in this comparison.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your shipping strategy and improve your customer experience. Download the report today!
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