If you run a small business in Canada, you already know how quickly shipping costs and delivery issues can add up.
I run Koko Kawaii Gifts, a Vancouver-based online sticker shop made for collectors. A big part of my day is packing and shipping orders across Canada, the U.S., and around the world.
For a long time, I mainly relied on Canada Post. I still use it for smaller orders, especially lettermail, but I now use Chit Chats for all of my tracked shipments.
After sending more than 2,000 shipments through Chit Chats, it has become an essential part of how I run my business.
I originally made the switch because I needed a more reliable alternative to Canada Post. What I did not expect was how much I would save on tracked shipping or how much better the overall workflow would fit my shop.
Here is why I switched, what my experience has been, and what other Canadian small business owners should know before trying Chit Chats.
Why I Started Looking for an Alternative
The real reason I started looking for an alternative to Canada Post was reliability.
After dealing with recurring labour disruptions, I realized I could not let my entire business depend on one shipping option.
When the nationwide Canada Post strike began in September 2025, packages stopped moving and new shipments could not be accepted. For my shop, it was a nightmare. I had customer orders caught in the disruption and had to deal with losses, refunds, reshipments, extra customer service, and a lot of uncertainty.
That experience finally pushed me to explore other shipping options.
I had known about private alternatives like Chit Chats, but I kept putting off the switch. Creating another account, learning a new system, and changing my drop-off routine felt like extra work I did not have time for. It was easier to keep using what I already knew.
In hindsight, being pushed out of that comfort zone was a blessing in disguise.
Once I started using Chit Chats, I discovered that I could have a reliable alternative while paying significantly less for tracked shipping. My workflow became more efficient, I could offer better rates to my customers, and my business no longer depended entirely on one postal service.
I honestly wish I had explored alternative shipping options sooner.
What Is Chit Chats?
Chit Chats is a Canadian shipping platform that helps small businesses access affordable shipping options across Canada, to the U.S., and internationally.
I create and pay for my shipping labels online, pack every order at home, and drop the packages off at a nearby Chit Chats location. From there, Chit Chats works with its shipping partners to deliver them to my customers.
For my business, it has become my go-to service for tracked shipping.
What Made Me Stay Was the Cost
Reliability was what finally pushed me to try Chit Chats, but the cost savings became one of the biggest reasons I stayed.
For the types of tracked orders I send, Chit Chats has consistently cost less than Canada Post. In many cases, it is not even close.
I notice the biggest difference on shipments going to the U.S. and international destinations, but Chit Chats is generally more affordable for my Canadian shipments too. The main exception is certain remote areas in Canada, where Canada Post can occasionally make more sense.
Saving a few dollars on one package might not seem significant, but across hundreds or thousands of orders, it adds up quickly.
Shipping costs also affect what customers see at checkout. Lower costs do not just benefit my business. They allow me to offer more reasonable tracked shipping rates to my customers.
For my shop, the savings have been substantial enough that I now use Chit Chats for every tracked shipment.
It Works With Shopify and Etsy
Another big advantage is that Chit Chats integrates with platforms many small businesses already use, including Shopify and Etsy.
I currently use it with my Shopify store, but I also used Chit Chats for about a year while selling on Etsy. With both platforms, I could import orders directly into Chit Chats, create shipping labels, and process shipments without manually entering each customer’s information.
That was a huge selling point for me.
If you sell on Etsy or Shopify, you do not need to completely change how you manage your shop to try Chit Chats. You can connect your store, import your orders, and keep everything organized within a familiar workflow.
As a solo small business owner, anything that eliminates repetitive work, makes packing faster, and reduces the chance of entering an address incorrectly is a big win.
The Drop-Off Process Is Easy for Me
My Experience With Reliability
Do I Still Use Canada Post?
Yes, definitely. I have not completely replaced Canada Post.
I still use Canada Post lettermail for some smaller orders when tracking is not necessary. For tracked shipments, I use Chit Chats.
Having both options allows me to choose what makes the most sense for each order. You do not necessarily need to rely on one shipping service for everything.
A Few Things I Would Check Before Trying Chit Chats
What Chit Chats Options Are Available in Your Area?
Before signing up, check which Chit Chats options are available in your area.
Having a nearby branch or drop spot is convenient, but it is not required. Depending on your location, other options may be available for getting your shipments to Chit Chats.
Consider which option would fit most naturally into your regular shipping routine.
What Kind of Packages Do You Ship?
Most of the orders I send are smaller, lightweight parcels, but I have generally found Chit Chats more affordable across different package sizes.
Your exact rates will still depend on the size, weight, and destination of each shipment.
To see what the savings could look like for your business, compare a few real orders you would normally ship. This will give you a more accurate estimate than relying on general examples.
Where Are Most of Your Customers?
Do Most of Your Customers Choose Tracking?
Most of my customers choose tracked shipping for the added reassurance of being able to follow their package from dispatch to delivery. I use Chit Chats for all of these shipments.
I also offer Canada Post lettermail for smaller orders when customers prefer a more affordable option and do not need tracking.
Having both options allows customers to choose the shipping method that works best for them.
Is Chit Chats Worth It for a Canadian Small Business?
For my business, absolutely.
Chit Chats has helped me lower my tracked shipping costs, and its Shopify integration makes processing orders much easier. The savings are especially noticeable on my U.S. and international shipments, but it is also more affordable for almost all of my tracked shipments within Canada.
Every small business ships differently, so I recommend comparing a few of your actual orders. Consider your usual package sizes, weights, destinations, and the Chit Chats options available in your area.
Based on my experience, switching my tracked shipments to Chit Chats has been absolutely worth it for Koko Kawaii Gifts.
Want to Try Chit Chats?
If you are considering Chit Chats for your small business, you can sign up using my referral link:
Try Chit Chats and receive a $5 welcome credit
If you sign up through my link, you will receive a $5 welcome credit when you create your account.
For transparency, I receive $0.10 for each shipment you send during your first month through the referral program. There is no additional cost to you.
I wish I had explored alternative shipping options sooner. If sharing what worked for my shop helps another Canadian small business owner find a better shipping setup, I am happy to pass it along. : )
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chit Chats cheaper than Canada Post?
For my tracked shipments, Chit Chats has been consistently cheaper. The difference is especially noticeable for U.S. and international orders, but it is also more affordable for almost all of my Canadian shipments. Your exact rates will depend on the package size, weight, and destination.
Can you connect Chit Chats to Shopify or Etsy?
Yes. I have used Chit Chats with both platforms. You can import orders and create shipping labels without manually entering each customer’s information.
Can you use Chit Chats within Canada?
Yes. I use Chit Chats for tracked shipments within Canada as well as to the U.S. and international destinations.
Do you still use Canada Post?
Yes. I use Chit Chats for tracked shipments and Canada Post lettermail for smaller orders when customers select the untracked option.
Do you need to live near a Chit Chats location?
No. Having a nearby branch or drop spot is convenient, but Chit Chats also provides other ways to send packages to its regional hubs for processing.
Is Chit Chats reliable?
It has been very reliable for my business. I have shipped more than 2,000 customer orders through Chit Chats without experiencing a major issue. Delays are possible with any shipping service, but my overall experience has been very positive.
Does Chit Chats have a referral program?
Yes. If you sign up using my referral link, you will receive a $5 welcome credit. I receive $0.10 for each shipment you send during your first month, at no additional cost to you.
Have you tried Chit Chats or another Canada Post alternative? I would love to hear what has worked for your business.
— Mimi
0 comments