How to Save Money with USPS Postal Stamps

If you are one of the millions of Americans who need to buy USPS postal stamps in bulk, you might be wondering how to get the best deal and save some money. After all, stamp prices are not cheap and they keep increasing due to inflation. In fact, just this Jan., the price of a first-class Forever stamp went up from 60 cents to 63 cents. 😱

But don’t worry, there are some ways to save money with USPS postal stamps that you might not know about. In this article, we will share with you some tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your stamps and avoid wasting them. We will also answer some common questions that you might have about USPS postal stamps, such as:

• What are the current USPS stamps?
• How much is a postage stamp at USPS?
• Are all Post Office stamps Forever Stamps?
• Why is forever crossed out on stamps?
• Is it OK to put tape over a postage stamp?
• What stamps are being discontinued?

So, let’s get started and learn how to save money with USPS postal stamps! 🙌

What are the current USPS stamps?

The current USPS stamps are the ones that you can buy at any Post Office location or online at usps.com/shopstamps. There are many different types and designs of stamps that you can choose from, depending on your needs and preferences. Some of the most popular ones are:

• Forever Stamps: These are the most common and convenient stamps that you can use for any domestic mailing that weighs up to one ounce. They are called Forever Stamps because they will always be valid for the current first-class postage rate, no matter how much it changes in the future. This means that you can buy them in bulk and use them anytime without worrying about price increases. 🙌
• International Stamps: These are the stamps that you need to use for any international mailing that weighs up to one ounce. They are also called Global Forever Stamps because they will always be valid for the current international postage rate, no matter how much it changes in the future. They cost $1.45 each and they have a round shape with a picture of the Earth on them. 🌎
• Postcard Stamps: These are the stamps that you need to use for any domestic postcard that measures 6 inches by 4.25 inches or smaller. They cost 48 cents each and they have a rectangular shape with a picture of a postcard on them. 📬
• Special Stamps: These are the stamps that have special designs or themes that celebrate various occasions, events, people, or topics. They are usually issued in limited quantities and they can be more expensive than regular stamps. Some examples of special stamps are:
  • Tulip Blossoms Forever Stamps: These are the latest stamps that were released by USPS on April 5, 2023. They feature 10 different tulips in various colors and they cost 63 cents each. They are perfect for springtime greetings or any floral-themed mailing. 🌷
  • Toni Morrison Forever Stamps: These are the stamps that honor the late Nobel Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison. They were released by USPS on March 7, 2023 and they feature a portrait of Morrison along with her name and signature. They cost 63 cents each and they are ideal for literary lovers or anyone who admires her work. 📚
  • Art of the Skateboard Forever Stamps: These are the stamps that celebrate the culture and history of skateboarding. They were released by USPS on March 24, 2023 and they feature four different skateboard designs by artist Greg Breeding. They cost 63 cents each and they are great for skateboard enthusiasts or anyone who likes cool graphics. 🛹

You can find more information about the current USPS stamps on their website or by visiting TheUSPSStamps.com, a website that focuses on USPS stamps news and tips.

How much is a postage stamp at USPS?

The price of a postage stamp at USPS depends on what type of stamp you need and how much it weighs. As we mentioned before, the price of a first-class Forever stamp is currently 63 cents and it can be used for any domestic mailing that weighs up to one ounce.

If your mailing weighs more than one ounce, you will need to add additional postage for each extra ounce or fraction thereof. The price of an additional ounce is currently 25 cents, so if your mailing weighs two ounces, you will need to pay 88 cents in total (63 cents + 25 cents).

If your mailing weighs more than 3.5 ounces, you will need to use a large envelope or flat instead of a letter envelope. The price of a large envelope or flat starts at $1.38 for one ounce and increases by 25 cents for each additional ounce.

If you want to mail something heavier or larger than a large envelope or flat, you will need to use a package or parcel instead. The price of a package or parcel depends on the weight, size, shape, and destination of your mailing. You can use the USPS online calculator to find out how much it will cost.

You can also use Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express services if you want to mail something faster or with more features, such as tracking, insurance, or signature confirmation. However, these services are more expensive than regular first-class mail and they have different prices and options depending on the type and size of the package or envelope you use.

You can find more information about the postage rates and services on the USPS website or by visiting TheUSPSStamps.com, a website that focuses on USPS stamps news and tips.

Are all Post Office stamps Forever Stamps?

No, not all Post Office stamps are Forever Stamps. Forever Stamps are a special type of stamp that can be used for any domestic mailing that weighs up to one ounce, regardless of the current postage rate. They have the word “Forever” printed on them and they do not have a specific denomination.

However, there are other types of stamps that have a specific denomination and can only be used for the postage rate that matches their value. For example, if you have a stamp that says “55 cents”, you can only use it for a mailing that costs 55 cents in postage. If the postage rate changes to 63 cents, you will need to add an extra 8 cents in postage to use that stamp.

You can also find stamps that have a specific purpose or service printed on them, such as “Additional Ounce”, “Non-Machinable Surcharge”, “Postcard”, “Priority Mail”, or “Global Forever”. These stamps can only be used for the purpose or service that they indicate and they have different values and rules depending on their type.

You can find more information about the different types of stamps on the USPS website or by visiting TheUSPSStamps.com, a website that focuses on USPS stamps news and tips.

Why is forever crossed out on stamps?

If you see a stamp that has the word “Forever” crossed out on it, don’t worry, it is not a fake or invalid stamp. It is just a way to prevent people from using images of stamps to make counterfeit stamps.

The USPS and other stamp issuing countries have specific rules about showing pictures of stamps to avoid counterfeiting. Putting a line through the stamp value or the word “Forever” makes it clear that it is not a genuine stamp and that it cannot be used for mailing.

The actual stamp that you buy at the Post Office or online will not have the line through it and it will be valid for mailing. You can also check the authenticity of your stamps by looking at other features, such as the watermark, the perforations, the gum, or the security codes.

You can find more information about how to spot fake stamps on the USPS website or by visiting TheUSPSStamps.com, a website that focuses on USPS stamps news and tips.

Is it OK to put tape over a postage stamp?

No, it is not OK to put tape over a postage stamp. Tape can damage the stamp and make it unreadable by the postal machines or workers. Tape can also interfere with the security features of the stamp, such as the watermark or the security codes.

If you put tape over a postage stamp, you risk having your mail returned to you or delayed in delivery. You also risk losing your money if you paid for extra services, such as tracking, insurance, or signature confirmation.

The best way to protect your stamps from damage is to use self-adhesive stamps that stick directly to your envelope or package. If you use gummed stamps that need moisture to stick, make sure to apply them properly and avoid licking them. You can also use clear plastic sleeves or envelopes to protect your stamps from moisture or dirt.

You can find more information about how to apply and care for your stamps on the USPS website or by visiting TheUSPSStamps.com, a website that focuses on USPS stamps news and tips.

What stamps are being discontinued?

The USPS does not usually discontinue stamps unless they are recalled or withdrawn for some reason. This usually happens when there is a mistake or a controversy in the design or the printing of the stamp.

For example, in 1994, the USPS recalled and destroyed five million stamp panes of the Legends of the West issue because one of the stamps had the wrong picture. The stamp that was supposed to honor Bill Pickett, a famous African-American cowboy, actually showed his brother Ben Pickett instead. The USPS reprinted the issue with the correct picture and made 150,000 of the original error panes available to collectors by lottery.

Another example is the 2010 Statue of Liberty Forever stamp that accidentally used an image of a replica statue in Las Vegas instead of the original one in New York. The USPS did not recall this stamp but apologized for the mistake and said it would not reprint it.

Sometimes, the USPS also discontinues certain mailing options or services that affect the use of some stamps. For example, in 2021, the USPS discontinued production of its Priority Mail Prepaid Flat Rate Stamped Envelope, which was only sold online. Customers who bought this envelope could still use it until January 2022, but after that date, they would need to add additional postage to mail it.

You can find more information about the stamps that are being discontinued or recalled on the USPS website or by visiting TheUSPSStamps.com, a website that focuses on USPS stamps news and tips.

How to Save Money with USPS Postal Stamps

Now that you know more about USPS postal stamps and how they work, you might be wondering how to save money with them. Here are some tips and tricks that you can use to get the best value for your stamps and avoid wasting them:

• Buy Forever Stamps in bulk: One of the best ways to save money with USPS postal stamps is to buy Forever Stamps in bulk and use them for any domestic mailing that weighs up to one ounce. This way, you can avoid paying extra postage when the rates increase, and you can also save time , and hassle by not having to buy new stamps every time you mail something. You can buy Forever Stamps online at usps.com/shopstamps or at any Post Office location or authorized retailer. You can also find them on Amazon, eBay, Google Shopping, or Bing Shopping for competitive prices and convenient delivery options.
• Use online tools and apps: Another way to save money with USPS postal stamps is to use online tools and apps that can help you calculate how much postage you need, print your own labels, track your mail, and more. For example, you can use the USPS online calculator, to find out how much postage you need for your mailing based on the weight, size, shape, and destination. You can also use online services such as Stamps.com or Click-N-Ship to print your own labels and pay for postage online. You can also use apps such as Informed Delivery or USPS Mobile to track your mail and get notifications about delivery status.
• Use special stamps wisely: Another way to save money with USPS postal stamps is to use special stamps wisely and only for their intended purpose or service. For example, if you want to mail a postcard, use a Postcard stamp that costs 48 cents instead of a regular Forever stamp that costs 63 cents. If you want to mail an international letter, use a Global Forever stamp that costs $1.45 instead of two regular Forever stamps that cost $1.26. If you want to mail an additional ounce or a non-machinable envelope, use an Additional Ounce or a Non-Machinable Surcharge stamp that costs 25 cents instead of a regular Forever stamp that costs 63 cents.
• Protect your stamps from damage: Another way to save money with USPS postal stamps is to protect your stamps from damage and make sure they are readable and valid for mailing. For example, do not put tape over your stamps as this can damage them, and make them unreadable by the postal machines or workers. Use self-adhesive stamps that stick directly to your envelope or package instead of gummed stamps that need moisture to stick. Use clear plastic sleeves or envelopes to protect your stamps from moisture or dirt. Store your unused stamps in a cool and dry place away from sunlight or heat.

By following these tips and tricks, you can save money with USPS postal stamps and get the most out of your mailing experience. You can also visit TheUSPSStamps.com, a website that focuses on USPS stamps news and tips, for more information and advice on how to save money with USPS postal stamps.

We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you and help you with your mailing needs.

Thank you for reading and happy mailing! 💌

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