Shein Canada: The Honest Guide to Fees, Sizing & Returns

Everyone knows Shein is cheap. The real question is: is it worth the headache? If you don’t know the system, a CA$15 shirt can quickly become a regret once you factor in return fees and missed sizing.

We are moving past the basic “what is Shein” overview. This is your strategic guide to navigating the Canadian storefront, bypassing the robot customer service, and ensuring you don’t pay for clothes you can’t wear.

The Real Cost: Currency and Hidden Fees

First, verify your settings. Shein Canada processes everything in Canadian Dollars (CAD). You should see “CA$” next to every price. If you don’t, you are on the wrong region setting and could get hit with bank conversion fees.

The Customs Duty Hack:
Shein collects GST/PST/HST at checkout, so you usually won’t face surprise bills at your door. However, if a courier does charge you extra duties, don’t just pay it and complain. Practitioner Tip: Customer service often grants a 50% refund on unexpected customs fees if you send them a photo of the receipt via live chat.

Shipping Realities (December 2025 Update)

Forget the old rumors about waiting two months for a package. Logistics have tightened up, but you still need to plan ahead. Unlike local flea markets in Canada where you walk away with the goods instantly, Shein is a waiting game.

• Standard Shipping: CA$3.95 (Free on orders over CA$19.00). Expect 8-16 days.
• Express Shipping: CA$26.00 (Free on orders over CA$129.00). Expect 5-10 days.

Curator’s Advice: Never pay for Express. The processing time often eats into the “speed” advantage. Build a cart over CA$19 and stick to Standard.

Stop Using Generic Size Charts

Most people fail at Shein because they rely on generic tables. A “Medium” in a hoodie is not the same as a “Medium” in a blouse. The fabric lacks consistency.

Ignore the S, M, L tags. Do this instead:

• Use the “Fit Finder”: This tool on the product page asks for your height, weight, and age to predict your size. It is significantly more accurate than the static charts.
• Check “Product Measurements”: Toggle the size chart to “Product Measurements” (not Body Measurements). Compare these numbers to a piece of clothing you already own that fits well.
• Read the Review Photos: Look for reviews from Canadians (who often have similar sizing expectations) and specifically check if they mention the item runs large or small.

Shein offers sizes from XXS up to 5XL in their “Curve & Plus” line, but trust the tape measure, not the label.

The Return Policy Trap

This is where most shoppers lose money. As of late 2025, the policy has tightened.

• The Window: You have 30 days from the receipt date to return items. (It used to be 45 daysdon’t get caught out).
• The Fee: Your first return per order is free. Use the prepaid label included.
• The Catch: Any subsequent returns from that same order will cost you a CA$7.99 shipping fee, deducted from your refund.

The Strategy: Do not return items one by one. Wait until you have tried everything on, then send back all unwanted items in a single “First Return” package to avoid the fee.

Maximizing the Points System

Shein points are actual currency. Every 100 points equals roughly 1 USD (approx. CA$1.40). You can use points to deduct up to 70% of your total order value.

Don’t just collect themuse them. Similar to how savvy shoppers scout AliExpress Spain or AliExpress Russia for deals, you can game the Shein system by checking in daily on the app and reviewing your purchases with photos to rack up points quickly.

How to Contact a Human (Not the Robot)

Shein’s customer service is guarded by a chatbot. If you need to resolve a missing package or a refund issue, the robot can be frustrating.

The Bypass Method:

• Open the “Customer Service” headset icon (or “Me” > “Support”).
• Type your issue to the bot.
• When the bot gives a generic answer, type “Agent” or select “Contact an Agent” from the options that appear. This is the only way to queue for a live human.

The Verdict: Quality vs. Price

Shein sits in a specific lane. It is not an heirloom quality retailer. If you buy a CA$5 shirt, expect synthetic fabrics like polyester. It serves the same market as wholesale markets in Chicago or budget stallsfast, trendy, and disposable.

To win at Shein: Stick to structured items (denim, jackets) and be wary of complex knits or white items, which tend to be sheer. If you treat it as a tool for seasonal trends rather than a wardrobe investment, the value proposition works.

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