CANBIF Fall 2016

Count me in. There is something irresistible about beer stalking a target and dropping a load of carefully selected brew goodness on their porch! Cheers

 

Strangely I just tried to send a package via Canada Post. They asked what it was (they've never before), so I said wine. She said it was a dangerous good and they couldn't ship it.

Any recommendations for a shipping company? Is there anyone that will ship beer if they know what it is?

 

AFAIK only licensed entities (stores/wineries) are allowed to ship wine in Canada or from the US, and beer is only allowed in the same province for now.

But Craft Canada uses FedEx in multiple provinces, might be that new agreement thing. Still not sure its legal yet. http://www.canadacraftclub.ca/shipping-your-beer/

Also, FedEx would be more than happy to ship your wine if they could, which is why I think they don't care if you ship it, but they still say it's against policy for consumer to ship to consumer. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfo...should-be-removed-says-fedex-canada-1.3161391

 

Allô Philippe,
you can add me to your list.
I am GRM on RateBeer.

 

I would very much like to participate and this would be my first time. Will PM you my details.
Can add me on Untapped at Benjjjamin

 

SHIPPING
See this really good link on the laws by province:
http://www.winelaw.ca/cms/index.php...atid=23:shipping-border-import-laws&Itemid=27

And here is my experience with shipping my beer in Canada...

Canada Post
You can ship alcohol via Canada Post if you have a Canada Post service contract or VentureOne/Small Business Account AND you have to make your labels at home using an Electronic Method so you can select the "Adult Signature Required" option. Making a small business account is fairly straight forward and the last time I did it (about 6 years ago) I just indicated I was an infrequent eBay shipper. Didn't cost me anything, and at that time i didn't need a business number or anything, and so long as you are registered as a Small Business with them it is ok, see this link:
https://www.canadapost.ca/tools/pg/manual/PGnonmail-e.asp#1378246

FedEx and UPS Canada
FedEx and UPS have similar policies - it is only available via contract - BUT
providing you print off your labels online you do not need to indicate the contents. What happens is if a bottle breaks in shipping is they may open it, and it voids your insurance coverage, but in most cases they will still deliver it especially if you check the "Adult Signature Required" box. They might give you a warning about their policy but legally (in most cases) it is not illegal to use couriers to transport alcohol in Canada.

That all said. These are internal policies set by corporation not laws, they are there to ensure that appropriate taxes and governmental controls are maintained because liquor is a provincially regulated commodity and the courier doesn't want to be held liable for incorrect distribution (to minors for example). UPS and FedEx will respect customer privacy so they don't require nor should be asking for a shipment contents UNLESS you send outside of Canada which you then need to declare to Customs. When they do ask, it's usually to evaluate whether or not to offer extra insurance, because base insurance is only $100 and they want to make sure you are given the opportunity to make sure it is covered especially if it goes missing or is damaged. If I ever do get asked, I just say "personal goods worth about $50 bucks" and that usually is enough.

So Jonny - You are right...

their policy states that, but it does not actually prevent you from shipping it.

I use UPS and have never had any issues - (just open an account through their website). I print my labels at home and box it up and just drop it off at a UPS Store. When they see the label all ready to go they assume you know what you are doing and just take the box.

 

Yes, the importation limits are still controlled by each province, which is a pain. Even more confusing because each delivery company has their own policies. In the case of Canada Post, they could not provide any Federal regulation prohibiting alcohol when Shawn pressed them, but their official policy is they will ship wine but not beer. Of course, it depends on who you talk to as to whether they will deliver or not - ON would not deliver or allow pickup, NS will allow pickup, etc. In the case of Fedex, I heard they got pinched once shipping alcohol into NL (with super low import limits), so I believe they made a policy of not shipping alcohol anywhere in Canada.

JonCorbett has the right idea. I signed up for a CP small business account last year - super easy for anyone to do, no actual business required. That way you can print your own labels and just drop off the package, as long as it's going within Canada. I wouldn't mess with International. I usually say it's breakable collectibles or something similar on the box.

Best practice is to pack really well, and try to keep things clean in the case of breakage. I've seen people use either one big bag or several small bags just in case. Also a good idea if you're bringing stuff home with you when flying, as I learned the hard way coming back from SFO.

 

I always just use the Ship In A Click option with Canada Post. No questions, just drop off and walk away.

 

Would love to participate, but truly not sure I could provide a good enough box from here in Manitoba. Our selection is lacking and I'm not sure our locals would be all that popular.

 

I'd be happy with a box of Manitoba locals. Some of the users who take part in this are tickers above all else, and would love a box of new ticks, even if the beer isn't a world beater. I for one would love to get a box with Half Pints Burly Wine and Humulus Ludicous just to help me on my quest to try the Canada Top 100. The rest of the box could be Coors Light and I'd still consider it a win!

 

I'll jump in again.

 

Free shipping in October (yes, anyone can create a small business account):

https://www.canadapost.ca/web/en/pa...eetuesday|complete_profile&forceVouchFor=true

 

I had a great time last time, unfortunately I'm out for this round. I'll be back in the spring!

 

Sounded like it could have been quite a boon, but alas, the terms reveal as follows:

The Offer is only valid for shipments that weigh under 5 kg. Shipments that exceed this maximum weight may incur shipping costs at CPC’s standard rates.

If anyone is shipping something below 5kg, they're not doing CANBIF right ...

 

Doh! Missed that. Might be worth checking though to see if there is any sort of discount with the promo code.

 

I'm in too. This is gonna be my first CANBIF! Saw the pictures from the last thread and this seems really fun to discover products from across the country.

 

Sorry guys, I think I've got to be out for this one. Should be up for it next Spring though!