On November 15, 2024, the Canada Post strike officially began, disrupting mail services across the nation at one of the busiest times of the year—just weeks before Christmas. At GT Games, a small business in Carleton Place, Ontario, specializing in trading cards and video games, the effects of this strike have been immediate and severe.
As a small business that depends heavily on online sales, this strike has thrown a wrench into our operations, cash flow, and customer satisfaction.
To share our perspective, we’ve created a YouTube video titled “Canada Post Strike DESTROYING our small business,” where we discuss the challenges the strike has brought and what it means for small businesses across the country.
Below, we summarize the main points from our video and explore how this situation could shape the future of e-commerce in Canada.
How the Strike is Affecting GT Games
At GT Games, 60% of our revenue comes from online sales, making reliable shipping services critical to our success. The Canada Post strike has created a ripple effect on our operations:
Backlogged Packages: Hundreds of our orders are currently stuck in transit or waiting to be shipped. These delays mean frustrated customers, potential refund requests, and strained relationships with our loyal client base.
Cash Flow Crunch: With parcels not being delivered, cash that would typically cycle back into our business—whether for wages, rent, or inventory—is tied up in limbo. This creates enormous financial stress during the holiday season, our busiest time of the year.
Increased Costs: The strike has forced us to shift to private courier services like FedEx, DHL, and UPS. While these companies provide reliable alternatives, their rates are significantly higher than Canada Post, putting additional strain on our margins.
The Bigger Picture: Challenges for Small Businesses
Small businesses across Canada are feeling the pinch. Here’s why this strike is such a significant issue:
Holiday Timing: The strike coincides with the critical holiday shopping period. Many businesses rely on strong November and December sales to offset slower months earlier in the year. Delays and undelivered packages erode customer trust during this key period.
Customer Expectations: Today’s online shoppers expect fast and reliable shipping. With Canada Post services halted, small businesses are left scrambling to meet these expectations. Larger companies can absorb the cost of alternative shipping services more easily, but small businesses often cannot.
Permanent Damage to Canada Post: By forcing businesses to use alternative carriers, the strike may create long-term shifts in shipping habits. Many companies, including ours, are reconsidering whether to return to Canada Post even after the strike ends.
Canada Post’s Role and the Economy
The strike highlights deeper issues within Canada Post and its relationship with Canadian businesses. Postal workers are demanding fair wages and better working conditions, while Canada Post cites financial losses of $3 billion since 2018. Both sides have valid concerns, but the timing of this disruption couldn’t be worse for the economy.
Small businesses like GT Games are the backbone of local communities, driving economic growth and creating jobs. When mail services are disrupted, it’s not just packages that get stuck—it’s also the revenue and livelihoods of countless Canadians.
Our YouTube Video: A Small Business Perspective In our YouTube video, “Canada Post Strike DESTROYING our small business,” we dive deeper into how this strike is affecting GT Games. Here are the key points we cover:
The Human Cost: We emphasize the emotional and financial toll this has taken on our team. With cash flows disrupted, we’re under immense pressure to ensure wages and rent are paid.
Adaptation and Resilience: To keep things moving, we’ve pivoted to private couriers. However, this comes with its own challenges, such as higher costs and the need to reconfigure our shipping systems.
Future Decisions: The strike has forced us to question our reliance on Canada Post. Even after operations resume, we may stick with the alternatives to avoid future disruptions.
A Call to Action: We urge policymakers to consider the broader impact of this strike and find a resolution that supports both postal workers and small businesses. Prolonged strikes harm everyone—from businesses and workers to consumers.
What This Means for the Future
The Canada Post strike is a wake-up call for businesses and consumers alike. For small businesses, it’s a reminder of the need for contingency plans and diversified shipping options. For Canada Post, it highlights the importance of modernization and balancing financial sustainability with worker satisfaction.
At GT Games, we’re committed to adapting to these challenges. While the strike has been a setback, we’re determined to continue serving our customers, whether in-store or online. As we navigate this difficult time, we appreciate the ongoing support of our community, both locally in Carleton Place and across Canada.
How You Can Help
If you’re a customer or supporter of small businesses like GT Games, here are a few ways you can make a difference:
Be Patient: Understand that shipping delays are out of our control during this strike.
Shop Early: Place holiday orders as soon as possible to account for potential delays.
Support Local: Visit our store in person if you’re nearby or explore alternative shipping options when shopping online.
Share Our Story: Help raise awareness by sharing our YouTube video and blog post with your friends and family.
The Canada Post strike is a challenging time for small businesses, but with the support of our community, we can weather this storm. Watch our YouTube video for a deeper dive into how we’re navigating this crisis, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance with your orders.
Together, we can overcome these challenges and continue to grow, one step at a time.
Facts were collected from online sources including: Global News
