Shipping From CAN -> US = WTF?

[Sph1nx]

Mods feel free to move this. Wasn't sure where to stick so I choose general.

Anyways, Im hoping a Canadian or two can help me out here.

I haven't shipped much stuff in several months, but recently listed a bunch of crap on ebay. Anyways I went to go ship a genesis game tonight.

Here's the package:

http://www.ralphlink.com/MailTop1.jpg
http://www.ralphlink.com/MailTop.jpg

CHEAPEST POSSIBLE SHIPPING WAS NINE DOLLARS!!!
$9.00??? WTF????


That's rediculous. I remember things like this costing 4-5 bucks. I'm wondering if someone can tell me:

Is this normal?
Did something change?
Was my clerk on drugs?
Was it right, but theres a cheaper option for shipping?

If this is right I'm gonna have to pull all my auctions as I wouldnt make ANY money by eating the extra shipping costs myself.

Thanks for help in advance.

[scooterb23]

That seems high, but then again, I just sent a package to Canada, and it cost $11.25. They said 4-7 day shipping...it's been 2 weeks now and I don't think it has gotten there yet.

[Lost Monkey]

You could send it as a small packet for $5.60CDN for air service or $3.95CDN for surface - in my experience, there has been little difference in the delivery time whether air or surface. If it fits through the letter slot, which I have been able to do with SNES, GEN and Atari carts before, it should only cost $2.70CDN.

http://www.canadapost.ca/personal/offerings/small_packets/us/rates-e.asp

[felix]

I shipped a Dreamcast to a fellow DP member here who lives in Canada.. It was half the size of a shoebox and costed about $18. It was shipped about 3 weeks to a month ago and I still havent gotten confirmation from him or feedback..

[Nesmaster]

that does seem crazy... i just shipped a nes game not too long ago for $4 surface...