Handling Your Packages: Repacking, Disposal & What We Can’t Do
When using a parcel forwarding service like ShipByMail, one of the most common questions we hear is: What happens to my package once it arrives at your facility in Canada?
Whether you’re buying multiple items, looking to consolidate orders, or just trying to save on shipping, how your package is handled behind the scenes makes a big difference.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- How we repack and consolidate parcels to reduce your shipping costs
- What we can safely dispose of to save space and weight
- What our team can and can’t do due to customs, safety, or courier restrictions
Repacking Services: Get More Value from Every Shipment
What is Repacking?
Repacking is the process of removing unnecessary packaging and repacking your items into smaller, more efficient boxes. It helps lower your costs by reducing the volumetric (dimensional) weight, which most couriers use to calculate fees.
Why It Matters
- A pair of sneakers might weigh only 1 kg, but the original shoebox could increase the dimensional weight to 3 kg
- By removing that bulky box, you save money instantly
- It’s ideal when buying from stores like Costco, Canadian Tire, or Hudson’s Bay
How It Works with ShipByMail
Once your parcel arrives, we’ll upload photos and measurements.
You’ll see the option to request repacking in your dashboard.
We’ll consolidate multiple items, remove unnecessary materials, and prepare the smallest, safest box possible.
➡️ Want to learn more about repacking? Read our full blog: How Consolidation Saves You Money
Free Disposal Services: Clean Up, Lighten Up
You don’t need to pay to ship things you don’t want. ShipByMail provides free disposal of:
- Retail packaging, like shoe boxes, plastic wraps, cardboard inserts
- Marketing materials, such as flyers or catalogues
- Empty product boxes or damaged packaging not needed
You can request disposal during checkout or by contacting our support team directly from your dashboard.
🟨 Note: If your parcel contains personal items or questionable material, we may require written approval before discarding anything.
When Disposal Isn’t Possible
There are situations where we cannot discard certain items, including:
- Perishable goods (e.g., opened food, certain supplements)
- Hazardous or flammable materials
- Unclear items lacking proper documentation or identification
If your parcel falls into one of these categories, we’ll contact you before proceeding.
Service Limitations: What We Can’t Do
❌ We cannot open or modify sealed products
- Open tamper-proof or factory-sealed goods
- Swap components between products
- Adjust product labels or ingredients
❌ We do not ship restricted goods
- Perfumes, colognes, nail polish
- Lithium batteries not installed in devices
- Vapes or e-cigarette devices
- Aerosols or pressurized containers
🛑 See our full list of prohibited items here.
❌ We cannot act as a third-party fulfillment center
- Offer custom labeling
- Provide gift wrapping or kitting
- Assemble, test, or rebrand your products
Extra Services That Enhance Your Experience
Although we have limits, ShipByMail offers many premium services that improve your shipping flexibility:
- Photo proof of items before shipping
- Split shipping (send part now, store the rest)
- Return to sender assistance
- Buy For Me service for shopping at Canadian stores
💡 Tip: If you’re not sure whether we can do something, reach out. Our support team is quick to reply and always happy to clarify.
FAQ: Package Handling with ShipByMail
Q: Can I ship only part of the parcel and discard the rest?
A: Yes, just open a support ticket and let us know what you’d like to keep or discard.
Q: Do you charge for repacking or disposal?
A: Basic repacking and disposal are free. If the job requires extensive work or special boxing, we may charge a small fee. We’ll notify you first.
Q: What if the product value declared by default is incorrect?
A: You can change the customs value and description at checkout. You’re always in control of your declaration form.
Q: Can I return an item if I don’t like it?
A: Yes! We can help return your item to the original Canadian store if it meets their return conditions. Just contact support.
Conclusion: Your Package, Handled With Care
At ShipByMail, we know your package is more than just a box—it’s your hard-earned purchase. That’s why we treat each parcel with care, efficiency, and transparency.
Whether you want to save money through repacking, get rid of unwanted packaging, or simply understand what we can and can’t do, we’re here to help every step of the way.
✅ Ready to simplify your international shopping from Canada?
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