If there’s one thing that keeps small business owners awake at night, it’s shipping. 

Believe me, I’ve had my share of sleepless nights over packages that went missing, boxes that arrived looking like they got into a fight with a forklift - once we had a shipping carrier that put the forks though a big pair of amethyst wings 😣. After years of trial, error, and a bit of luck at Stonebridge Imports, here’s what I’ve learned—and how you can ship smarter without losing your mind (or your profit margins).

TL,DR:

• Test your packaging – if it rattles, fix it. if it can’t survive a light kick, it won’t survive UPS.

• Save money – use Freightcom for rate comparisons,  and sometimes two small boxes are cheaper than one big one.

• Optimize costs – letter mail in Canada works for small crystals (if under 0.8”), cross-border de minimis rules help avoid duties in the USA.

My Shipping Reality Check

Early on, I realized shipping could eat up profits faster than my dog inhales treats. In Canada especially, shipping to a big city versus a rural area can be like night and day. UPS and Canada Post each have their sweet spots:

• UPS is awesome for most urban deliveries, especially if you can swing discounted rates. But watch out: no PO boxes allowed, and base rates can start at $20-$30. We negotiated (and still do) for up to 80% off, but it all hinges on volume.

• Canada Post is the go-to for rural areas and PO boxes. If you’re sending at least 50 packages a month, you’ll unlock better discounts. And don’t forget their letter mail hack—if your item is under 0.8 inches thick and under 500g, you might ship it for $3-$4 instead of $20. Just make sure it can slide through their mail slot (because no one wants a “return to sender” situation). Keep in mind that this works great within Canada but not so much internationally because of the customs requirements.

Negotiating Like You Mean It

I can’t stress this enough: negotiating is where the magic happens. Think of it like haggling at a flea market—carriers have wiggle room in their pricing, especially if you’re consistent. At Stonebridge, we get quarterly rate reviews. If we’ve shipped a bunch of packages, we can usually pry out a better discount. The key? Keep shipping volumes steady and always ask for better terms. Worst they can say is “no,” right?

Another perk of setting up an account with a courier is that you can request a computer, printer, scale and shipping labels full package for free!

The Right Packaging: Size Matters

Fun fact: using a box that’s too big can cost you more in dimensional weight charges than the product is worth. Early on, I shipped a tiny crystal in a giant box—let’s just say I practically donated half my profit to the carrier.

• Standardize box sizes: At Stonebridge, we mostly use 12x8x8 (120 lb crush test) or 6x6x6 for smaller orders.

• Fill it up: Void fill is your friend. If it moves when you shake it, it’s not ready to go.

• Two small vs. one big: Sometimes, sending two smaller boxes is cheaper (and safer) than one giant box that begs to be drop-kicked in transit.

The Shake Test, The Kick Test, & The Amazon Drop Test

• The Shake Test

• After sealing up a package, give it a firm shake.

• If you hear anything rattling around, open it up and add more void fill.

• This quick step ensures your items aren’t rolling around in transit—which is one of the top causes of breakage.

• The Kick Test (Surprise Edition)

• Here’s where I like to give new packing staff a little scare: I “accidentally” bump (okay, lightly kick) their freshly packed box without warning.

• Why do I do it? Because shipping environments can be rough, and if our packages can’t handle a gentle kick in the warehouse, they won’t survive a conveyor belt drop.

• The moment of shock usually cements the lesson: pack items so well that a random jolt—or a more forceful nudge—won’t mean broken products and unhappy customers.

• Amazon Drop Test

• Amazon famously requires packages to pass a standard drop test: dropping the box from certain heights (usually around waist level or about three feet) onto its corners, edges, and faces.

• This helps simulate all the bumps and knocks a package might experience in real-world delivery scenarios.

• Incorporating an Amazon-style drop test into your packing routine gives you extra peace of mind—and fewer customer complaints about damaged goods.

Balancing Costs & Customer Happiness

At Stonebridge, we’ve tried flat-rate shipping, subsidized shipping, and everything in between. The goal is to strike a balance: you don’t want your customers fainting at checkout because of high shipping fees, but you also can’t absorb all the costs yourself.

• Flat-Rate Shipping: Simple to explain to customers, but might mean you’re paying more out of pocket if you’re shipping something bulky.

• Subsidies for Remote Areas: If a customer is in a far-flung location, we’ll bite a portion of the shipping cost. It’s worth it to keep them coming back—and not blame you for living in the middle of nowhere.

Automating the Chaos: Freightcom for the Win

Comparing shipping rates across multiple carriers can feel like you’re juggling cats—chaotic, slightly dangerous, and definitely not fun. That’s why I use Freightcom to handle the heavy lifting. It goes beyond Shopify’s built-in shipping options and even integrates with Squarespace if you’re rocking that platform. In my experience, Freightcom consistently scores better rates than what Shopify Shipping offers, letting me zip through side-by-side carrier comparisons without losing my sanity (or half my day) refreshing rate pages.

Why Freightcom Rocks

• Better-Than-Shopify Discounts: I’ve literally saved up to 80% on some shipments, which makes me want to high-five my laptop.

• Squarespace Integration: If you’re a Squarespace fan, no worries—Freightcom plays nicely there, too.

• Smart Tracking & Volume Monitoring: Freightcom keeps tabs on how much you ship and automatically shows you when you can score even sweeter deals from carriers.

And here’s the cherry on top: I’m part of Freightcom’s affiliate program, so if you sign up using https://live.freightcom.com/signup?PROMOCODE=ShipNSave you’ll not only unlock awesome rates but also help support my ongoing quest to make shipping less of a headache. Consider it our little shipping secret.

How We Handle Shipping & Refunds at Stonebridge

At Stonebridge Imports, we’re all about stress-free deliveries and making sure you love what you receive. We offer free shipping on most orders over $300 (see Shipping Policy for all the specifics), and if you’re unsatisfied or something arrives damaged, we’ve got your back with fair and simple return options (Refund Policy).

• White Glove Shipping Insurance

• For extra peace of mind, consider our optional shipping insurance. It covers loss, theft, or damage in transit and allows for full-value replacements or store credits if anything goes wrong. It’s a safety net that might save you from unexpected headaches!

Below is a snapshot of how we do things, and feel free to use it as a template for your own policy:

• Cancellations & Returns: Cancel any time before your order ships, and return defective or incorrect products within 30 days.

• Non-Refundable Items: Earrings, Yoni Eggs, Crystal Peens, Live Sale, and Off-The-Truck items are excluded.

• Shipping Exceptions: Heavy items like Himalayan salt products and some remote locations may incur standard shipping charges—even if your order is over $300.

• Insurance Matters: If you didn’t purchase shipping insurance, carrier liability might provide limited coverage, but we can’t fully guarantee replacements.

For the nitty-gritty details, check out our complete Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

International Shipping: Canada ↔ USA

Let’s face it, shipping between Canada and the U.S. might seem like you’re crossing the Grand Canyon on a tightrope, but it doesn’t have to be scary. Here are some quick tips to help you clear customs and keep your customers (on both sides of the border) grinning:

• Customs Docs & HS Codes

• When shipping internationally, you’ll need to fill out the right customs paperwork.

• Make sure you’ve got the Harmonized System (HS) code and country of origin correct—these help customs know exactly what you’re sending and where it came from.

• A little attention here goes a long way in avoiding delays (and mysterious extra fees).

• De Minimis Rules

• USA (Section 321): Goods valued under $800 USD typically skip duties and taxes, which can save you (and your customers) some cash.

• Canada: The rules are a bit more complicated, but generally, there’s a threshold (often around $40 CAD for taxes and $150 CAD for duties under certain trade agreements) that changes periodically. If your shipment stays below that magic number, you might dodge extra charges.

• Passing the Parcel

• Within the U.S., shipping is usually cheaper (and sometimes faster) than shipping within Canada—go figure!

• If you’re sending something from Canada to the States, Canada Post often hands it off to USPS, and vice versa. Keep an eye on tracking once it crosses the border, because it’ll likely switch carriers.

• Because Tariffs & Politics

• Policies can shift faster than a cat on catnip—especially with trade agreements and tariff rules.

• And who knows? With the latest “new” President Trump tariff buzz, it might all change again next week—so stay flexible, my friends!

In short, do your homework on HS codes, be mindful of de minimis limits, and remember that once your parcel crosses the border, it’s off on a multi-carrier adventure. With a bit of planning, shipping crystals (or anything else) internationally will be more about happy customers than customs headaches!

Recommended Tools & Supplies for Smooth Shipping

Here are some of the key tools and materials we swear by at Stonebridge Imports—plus some handy and vetted Amazon (Canada) links if you want to check them out (no cat-juggling required):

1. 4x6 Thermal Label Printer

• Why Thermal Over Inkjet? If you’re printing lots of shipping labels, a thermal printer uses heat to print (no ink!), so you won’t be replacing cartridges every other day. It’s faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective in the long run.

• The cheap one to get you started: MUNBYN 130B Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer

• The best one, Zebra printers are the workhouse of the industry; best quality overall: Zebra GK420D Zebra Direct Thermal Label

2. Shipping Scale

• Get one that is hardwired instead of batteries. Super annoying to change the batteries and they also auto-shutoff faster, so you have to turn it every box.

• For light packages: Amazon Basics Digital Postal Table Top Scale with AC Adapter 

• For heavy packages: Smart Weigh Digital Heavy Duty Postal Scale (exactly what we use)

3. Tape: It’s More Important Than You Think

• Quality Tape: Cheap tape might peel off in extreme temps (cold warehouse or hot delivery truck). We go for brand-name packing tape that sticks under all conditions. Also they peel out quieter, weird perk right?, but it gets annoying sometimes how loud they get.

• Water-Activated Tape (WAT): If you’re shipping high volumes (or want to look super pro), WAT forms a stronger bond with boxes, is more eco-friendly, and faster. It’s what we use.

• Recommended Options: Heavy-Duty Packing Tape, Water-Activated Tape Dispenser.

4. Tape Gun

• Why You Need It: Because one-handed tape maneuvers beat wrestling with a tape dispenser any day.

• Our Favorite: Tape Gun with an ergonomic handle so you don’t sprain your wrist sealing 200 boxes in a day.

5. Packing Boxes

• Local vs. Specialty: Find a local box supplier for everyday sizes to save on shipping costs. (We use KeyPack in Kitchener, ON for more affordable bulk orders.) For unique or specialty sizes, Uline is solid—but can be pricey.

• Eco-Friendly Notes: Look for boxes made from recycled materials when possible.

• While doing research for this blog I came across this company that makes skinny boxes that fit this oversize lettermail section, check out: Theslotbox.com

6. Protection Wrap

• Double-Layer Tissue & Honeycomb Paper: We love these for wrapping fragile crystals—no one wants shards arriving at their doorstep!

• Small Bubble Wrap: Is okay too, probably easier to get started for protecting delicate items like jewelry or smaller crystals.

• Link to Examples: Honeycomb Paper Wrap.

7. Void Fill

• Crumpled Brown Paper: Our go-to for filling extra space. It’s recyclable, budget-friendly, and easy to store.

• Large Bubble Packs: Handy for cushioning bigger voids, but be aware these are less eco-friendly if they’re plastic-based.

8. Going Green

• We try to use eco-friendly materials whenever possible—recycled paper, compostable mailers, and water-based inks on labels. Customers notice (and appreciate) those extra green touches.

Whether you’re shipping a single gemstone or a pallet of crystal lamps, the right tools make all the difference. A solid label printer, good tape, quality boxes, and protective materials will save you time, money, and the occasional curse word when something goes sideways!

Wrapping It Up

Shipping can be complicated, but with the right mix of negotiation, packaging smarts, and software automation, it doesn’t have to be terrifying. A well-thought-out shipping strategy keeps customers happy, protects your bottom line, and gives you more time to focus on what you really love—growing your business.

So go forth, ship fearlessly, and remember: when in doubt, shake it, kick it, and compare those rates like your business depends on it. (Because, well, it kind of does!)

Got any hilarious—or harrowing—shipping tales of your own? Share them with me, and let’s commiserate (and maybe learn a thing or two together).