For anyone in Zimbabwe who may be interested in receiving things from Canada

[u/coatedchocolate]

My family has been shipping items from Canada to Zimbabwe for my mother since 2022, usually in 50-gallon drums or large totes. We typically send shipments about three times a year, and the process has always been straightforward and well organized. The only downside is that it takes some time to arrive, with about 4 months being the average. The one that was shipped in May arrived some time last month.

Recently, I needed to send something home urgently and was looking into different options. People were charging per kg to take things home and I thought was unnecessary but to each their own. In the process, I realized that there may be people in Zimbabwe who would love to receive certain things from Canada but don’t necessarily have family or friends abroad who can help them.
So I thought, why not offer some space in our next shipment?
If there’s something you’d like from Canada, we’d be happy to add it to my mom’s shipment, provided there’s space. If you’d prefer your own drum/tote, that’s also something we can discuss.
This isn’t a business or a paid service, we’re already doing the shipping for my mom, and we’re simply happy to help if we can. My sister and I handle the organizing and packing, so we’re very used to the process and keep everything properly documented. We rely on a small business that ships goods to Zimbabwe several times a year. Things get delivered directly to my mom’s address and the people that deliver bring the items to the area she prefers so she never needs to worry about how she will move or carry something.
The next shipment is expected to leave next month, so I realize that’s fairly short notice. If November doesn’t work, the following shipment will likely be around April.
If you’re interested or have questions, I can provide more in depth details…feel free to DM me. My inbox is open!

[u/Deep_Machine_7176]

Thanks so much!

[u/metalboat]

Thanks for this. Is there an option for Zim to Canada?

[u/coatedchocolate → u/metalboat]

Unfortunately I haven’t found options from Zim to Canada. The only thing was people who happened to be travelling to and from who were charging per kg. That was all I could find. Also, I was told that Ethiopian airways can take suitcases as cargo. I will have to find out more details and provide an update.

[u/AppleFine6868]

Can you do airfreight?

[u/coatedchocolate → u/AppleFine6868]

Personally, I have never used this method, but it’s not impossible. When I looked into it, I found it can be extremely expensive compared to shipping by sea. They now include fuel surcharges as well, which can significantly increase the overall cost by a lot. But if it’s within someone’s means, then it can be done.

[u/AppleFine6868 → u/coatedchocolate]

Weight to value misconception: if it is extremely valuable but extremely light, then shipping cost as a percentile of value is good.whst would be your fee ?

[u/coatedchocolate → u/AppleFine6868]

That’s a fair point. I wouldn’t charge a fee for myself. You would only be responsible for the cost of the items and the air freight charges. The shipping cost would depend on the weight and dimensions of the package, so I’d need to know what you’re looking to ship before I can look into the costs.

[u/AylmerQc01]

I left Zim years ago and at the time shops were well stocked. What items would be unavailable or in short supply nowadays? (out of curiosity..)

[u/coatedchocolate → u/AylmerQc01]

You’re absolutely right to ask! It actually has nothing to do with me thinking Zimbabwe is poorly stocked or that certain items cannot be found there. Not at all. My relatives can find many of these items locally, but for them, it’s more about value for money. Sometimes, buying certain things in larger quantities works out better for them and means they have enough to last longer for the fraction of the cost. I think a lot do this with some that travel to South Africa?

[u/throwawaydollx → u/AylmerQc01]

This is a common practice and unrelated to things being out of stock.

[u/paradoxymoron_ → u/AylmerQc01]

$20 dollars in one country is not economically equivalent in another. Availability means little if it’s not affordable.