EXPIRED Stock up on stamps before 30th April

butterfly2001

how long are the gold likely to be valid unitil?

ghanagirl

As long as they have 1st or 2nd they have no expire date on them just make sure they only have 1st or 2nd and not a number ie £1. or 46p etc

tpsjrm

The silver 'new' stamps are just being printed for a one-off. You will see if you look closely that the background consists of wavy 'jubilee' words. The colour is probably supposed to reflect the 'diamond' of the Queen's jubilee this year. So the stamp colours could well revert to the old colours after the jubilee celebrations. But even if not, you can use old 1st class stamps for ever.

Hiccups_2

sumoqueen wrote: »

Looks like they are changing the colour of 1st class stamps from gold to light blue

I remember when they first changed the colour from red to gold, and I think this happened at around the time of the golden jubilee.

When the gold ones first came out, I assumed it was a one off, but maybe someone developed this idea of the stamps being updated in line with the Queen's reign / jubilee celebrations.

Does anyone know for certain whether or not this change is permanent?

GDB2222

Staples say:

Thank you for your recent online order. As per our terms and conditions. Stamps cannot be ordered as a stand alone item, nor do they qualify for free gifts, voucher redemption or free delivery. As the goods value to redeem the Gift/Voucher, has not been met excluding the stamps, on this occasion we are unable to fulfil your order. May we apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you should have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

lisyloo

Whilst I can understand everyones shock at such a steep rise just a few thoughts/facts to throw into the mix.

I agree with your post. But anything going up 30% is still going to be a shock even if it can be justified.
Personally I will considering using email/internet rather than the post.
Also I will "cull" my Xmas card list.

I expect this will make people think more about what they are posting.

It will also probably reduce my ebay selling.
It will make it less worthwhile selling 2nd hand DVDs so they'll go in the charity box instead.

All round, less work for the postal employees.
Wouldn't suprise me if some jobs are lost as a result.

I'm not saying it can be avoided or that it's not justified, just that the large increase will make people think more.

littlejem

Not everyone is aware of the massive increase for lightweight packets. For example a 70g packet that doesn't qualify for Large Letter used to cost £1.33 second class, it will now cost £2.20. A 60% increase!!!! See the prices of lightweight items on eBay soar!

quoia

littlejem wrote: »

Not everyone is aware of the massive increase for lightweight packets. For example a 70g packet that doesn't qualify for Large Letter used to cost £1.33 second class, it will now cost £2.20. A 60% increase!!!! See the prices of lightweight items on eBay soar!

BUT "Heavier Packets" (small parcels) WILL BE CHEAPER

750g 2nd class - is £2.61 - will be £2.20
750g 1st class - is £3.05 - will be £2.70

and remember the COMPENSATION level for ALL LOST/DAMAGED Mail will now be £60

STAYING at £46

50Twuncle

If you go to http://www.postoffice.co.uk/price-finder
You can pre-pay and print your own for any number of stamps - with a refund available for any unused
That will avoid any potential problems with post offices running out........

TehJumpingJawa

Presumably 1st & 2nd class stamps can be used to pay for postage of anything @ the post office?

e.g.

Sending a 2kg standard parcel (£4.41 atm) could be paid for with 10x1st, or 13x2nd?
If so, surely it's better to stock up on the stamps that have the highest % increase? (2nd->38%)

Also, if parcels are increasing by less than 38% - then paying with 2nd class stamps will actually make it cheaper!
Taking my 2kg standard parcel example; it's rising from £4.41 (13x36p 2nd's) to £5.30 (11x50p 2nd's).

When paying in stamps, how do they give change? low denomination stamps, or cash?