Royal Mail barcoding stamps - existing stamps valid only until 31 Jan 2023

Olinda99

buy your 1st / 2nd stamps now ! 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-61505862

NBLondon

Or check if you have old ones to be swapped out....

If you have older commemorative stamps with a numerical value on them - these are now the ones to use up first before price rises.

TOP_CAT

So to recap for those with stamps to be used up first  before 31st jan ....

Ideally we need to use up before Jan 31st all numerical value , all 1st and 2nd class Machin (ie queens head type) but not xmas stamps .

Which other ones or types have I forgotten or missed out ?

NBLondon

I'm suggesting to use up commemorative numerical values first - because they can't be swapped and when price rises they will lose value.

Machin obsolete values can be used up next - but check when the price rises and swap any surplus just before it happens - thus maximising the number of new barcoded 2nd class you get back.  Obsolete values being e.g. like 25p, 37p, 68p, 88p -  which don't have a barcoded equivalent. 

If you have Machin E (dark blue) then use those (= £1.85)  if you can.   If you have less than 5 - swap them and you will get more back.  If you have more - using them up is better value.   Same applies to Machin airmail stamps.

Then use up your Machin 1st (red) and 2nd (blue) and "Make-up" values  (1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p and multiples of £1 ) and/or swap them for barcoded versions if you have any left over in January.   

silvercar

I have a few books of 4 x large first class stamps (no bar code). I really would like them swapped for equivalent value in first class stamps rather than large first class. Is there any way I can do this?
Would it make more sense to sell them on Ebay?

soolin

silvercar said:

I have a few books of 4 x large first class stamps (no bar code). I really would like them swapped for equivalent value in first class stamps rather than large first class. Is there any way I can do this?
Would it make more sense to sell them on Ebay?

The official scheme will only swap them like for like . If you sell on eBay though you’ll probably end up with less thank half their value after fees etc. 

Olinda99

you could also use them as part payment for eg the next parcel you post with RM.

soolin

Olinda99 said:

you could also use them as part payment for eg the next parcel you post with RM.

If you pay any part by stamps though a standard 2nd class parcel will cost you an extra 50P. That's why I am only using my stamps on large letters as the price is the same for pre printed labels or stamps.

Olinda99

i don't post many parcels so use stamps - i don't possess a printer anyway. 🙂

soolin

Olinda99 said:

i don't post many parcels so use stamps - i don't possess a printer anyway. 🙂

That’s a shame as I think the 50p hike for 2nd class and I think it’s a £1 hike for 1st class is a huge price difference.