Why Postal Strikes Matter for Shopify Merchants in Canada
Canada Post handles a significant portion of last-mile delivery in the country. When workers go on strike, delays ripple across every province, impacting customer satisfaction and trust. For Shopify store owners, this isn’t just a shipping issue—it’s a business risk. Canadian consumers are loyal but expect clear communication and timely service. If deliveries are late, even by a few days, many will seek alternatives next time. Search trends show a spike in keywords like “order late Canada Post” and “Shopify delays” during strike periods. This is your cue to act, not react. Want to launch your e-commerce brand now? Create your store for free
Offer Alternative Shipping Carriers Before It’s Urgent
While Canada Post is convenient, it shouldn’t be your only delivery option. Diversifying your shipping methods can make or break your store’s performance during disruptions. Top alternatives trusted by Canadian businesses include UPS Canada for reliable tracking and weekend delivery, Purolator for strong national reach, FedEx Canada for express options, and Canpar for affordable regional shipping. Shopify makes it easy to integrate these services using apps or through the Shopify Shipping interface. Future-proof your logistics—Create your store for free
Communicate Proactively to Earn Trust
Canadians appreciate clarity. If your orders are impacted by postal delays, don’t wait for customer frustration. Update your store with real-time alerts, banner notices, and revised delivery estimates. Be transparent on your product pages, stating when delays might occur. Use email and SMS marketing tools like Klaviyo, Omnisend, or SMSBump to send updates automatically. Add shipping delay disclaimers to your checkout and order confirmation emails. A clear message like “Due to Canada Post service disruptions, deliveries may take longer than usual” goes a long way in reducing cancellations and refund requests. Want to use Shopify’s built-in tools for automation? Create your store for free
Enable Local Pickup and Delivery Features
If you sell in a specific city or region, local fulfilment options are your best friend during a postal strike. Shopify POS lets you offer “Local Pickup” or “Same-Day Delivery” using your own team or apps like Zapiet. This adds a layer of convenience your customers will appreciate—especially in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal. A growing number of Canadians prefer local solutions, particularly when postal services are unreliable. Make sure these options are clearly displayed at checkout, and incentivize them with a discount or freebie. It’s easy to enable these features when you Create your store for free
Use Preorder and Back-in-Stock Apps to Keep Selling
Strikes don’t just slow down shipping—they also impact inventory flow. If certain items take longer to restock, use Shopify apps like Pre‑Order Manager or Back in Stock Alerts to manage customer expectations. Allow shoppers to buy now with a clear notice about delayed dispatch times. This helps preserve your sales volume while showing transparency. It also gives you a predictable flow of revenue even when you’re facing supply chain hiccups. Canadians are willing to wait—if you’re honest with them. Need tools like these? Create your store for free
Create a Dedicated Shipping Update Page
When delivery systems are down, your customer service inbox fills up fast. Instead of handling every question manually, create a “Shipping Updates” page on your store. Use it to post live information about delivery timelines, alternate carriers being used, FAQs, and contact information. Link to this page in your site footer, confirmation emails, and even in your Shopify chat widget. This simple move builds confidence and reduces support fatigue. Templates are available in most Shopify themes to get started fast. Keep your customers informed—Create your store for free
Reassure Buyers with Real-Time Tracking and Guarantees
The number one concern among Canadian online shoppers during strikes is losing track of their order. Offer tracking links as soon as items ship and include expected delivery windows. Use apps like AfterShip or Route to provide real-time tracking and delivery insurance. If possible, add a “Delivery Guarantee” for key products, where customers receive a partial refund if the parcel arrives too late. Even when delays occur, feeling cared for turns a one-time buyer into a loyal customer. Protect your brand with proactive service. Want to build these experiences into your Shopify store? Create your store for free
