View Full Version : Stamps up .02 to .39 each
RhodyYanksFan
01-09-06, 08:50 AM
I can't believe this. I remember when stamps were 0.25 each. It took from 1780 until 1980 for them to get to a quarter, now in 25 years it's gone up .14 more cents. Unreal. I know the USPS has lost alot of business due to email and online bill pay, but if you think about it (and maybe I'm thinking wrong) they should have so much revenue. Being conservative, everybody gets at least 1 piece of mail a day. Figure there are 100 million addresses in the nation. Every one of them averages one piece of paid postage a day. 100 million x .39 = $39,000,000.00 in revenue a day. I know mass mailing is cheaper, but even taking that into consideration, think about all the crap you get. I'm being conservative by saying one piece per address per day. How are they losing money?
I'll tell you a little secret about zipcodes, they're meaningless!
texasyankee
01-09-06, 08:58 AM
I can't believe this. I remember when stamps were 0.25 each.
I remember when it cost me a nickel to mail a letter to Barry Goldwater.
I'm being conservative by saying one piece per address per day. How are they losing money?
They got too many deadbeats on their payroll like Mickey.......
Buckeye Yank
01-09-06, 09:52 AM
I'll tell you a little secret about zipcodes, they're meaningless!
What do you mean? :dunno:
I have to go to the post office because I have 3 things to mail and I only have 37 cent stamps. I have 6 more stamps in the book, so I have to get some more 2 cent stamps, but I do most of my billpaying online, so it takes me awhile to go through a book of 10 or 20 stamps.
What do you mean? :dunno:
Its from Seinfeld, sorry.
I think 39 cents to deliver a letter anywhere in the country is a good deal. Besides, there are e-pay options for just about everything, so my postal expenses have dropped in half. BTW, I remember stamps costing less than 10 cents. Unless you're in the business of sending out hundreds of letters a month, this is small stuff........and we can't be sweating the small stuff, especially with energy prices taking big gobs of our money.
Its from Seinfeld, sorry.Newman? :)
Buckeye Yank
01-09-06, 10:04 AM
Its from Seinfeld, sorry.
It flew right over my head. I can't work and lurk at the same time. :lol:
Newman? :)
Yes
It flew right over my head. I can't work and lurk at the same time. :lol:
Nah, I should probably stop posting random Seinfeld quotes that pop into my head. :)
yankeesAZ
01-09-06, 10:27 AM
I can't believe this. I remember when stamps were 0.25 each. It took from 1780 until 1980 for them to get to a quarter, now in 25 years it's gone up .14 more cents. Unreal. I know the USPS has lost alot of business due to email and online bill pay, but if you think about it (and maybe I'm thinking wrong) they should have so much revenue. Being conservative, everybody gets at least 1 piece of mail a day. Figure there are 100 million addresses in the nation. Every one of them averages one piece of paid postage a day. 100 million x .39 = $39,000,000.00 in revenue a day. I know mass mailing is cheaper, but even taking that into consideration, think about all the crap you get. I'm being conservative by saying one piece per address per day. How are they losing money?
I'm much more outraged by the price of gas.
jonnyc39
01-09-06, 10:38 AM
I can't believe this. I remember when stamps were 0.25 each. It took from 1780 until 1980 for them to get to a quarter, now in 25 years it's gone up .14 more cents. Unreal. I know the USPS has lost alot of business due to email and online bill pay, but if you think about it (and maybe I'm thinking wrong) they should have so much revenue. Being conservative, everybody gets at least 1 piece of mail a day. Figure there are 100 million addresses in the nation. Every one of them averages one piece of paid postage a day. 100 million x .39 = $39,000,000.00 in revenue a day. I know mass mailing is cheaper, but even taking that into consideration, think about all the crap you get. I'm being conservative by saying one piece per address per day. How are they losing money?
Think of how many mail trucks you see on the road every day. Now think of how much the price of gas has gone up.
I'd say that's just one reason we're paying a few more cents for stamps these days.
RhodyYanksFan
01-09-06, 10:42 AM
I'm much more outraged by the price of gas.
Don't get me wrong, I am too. I probably only mail 20 things in a year so it's not a big deal to me.
Think of how many mail trucks you see on the road every day. Now think of how much the price of gas has gone up.
I'd say that's just one reason we're paying a few more cents for stamps these days.
I know. I was hoping somebody could tell me if my math is logical or not. Very few companies make $37 million minimum a day in revenue like my math showed.
Jersey Yankee
01-09-06, 12:25 PM
I'm surprised nobody thought of this already. Anyways, here's my cheesy 2¢ (two red cents at that):
:-2cents-:
So get this....I go to the Post Office to get 15 2-cent stamps, and they're sold out.....no 1 cent stamps either. So, I buy 15 3-cent stamps instead. You know there are people bent way out of shape over the fact that they're out of 2-cent stamps? It amazes me that people will piss away all kinds of money on stupid things, but get all nuts over having to spend a few pennies more than they should because the post office isn't fully prepared. Principle goes just so far, don't you think?
Jersey Yankee
01-09-06, 12:58 PM
http://shop.usps.com/cgi-bin/vsbv/postal_store_non_ssl/display_products/productCategory.jsp?prodCat=/Stamps+by+Rate/Additional+Postage
So get this....I go to the Post Office to get 15 2-cent stamps, and they're sold out.....no 1 cent stamps either. So, I buy 15 3-cent stamps instead. You know there are people bent way out of shape over the fact that they're out of 2-cent stamps? It amazes me that people will piss away all kinds of money on stupid things, but get all nuts over having to spend a few pennies more than they should because the post office isn't fully prepared. Principle goes just so far, don't you think?
If someone overpays for gas, food w/o coupons, it's up to them. How could each post office station not have enough 2 cent stamps? That's beyond ridiculous.
PettittesPrincess
01-09-06, 02:35 PM
Maybe if I actually got my mail instead of my neighbors, or didn't have to wait nearly 2 weeks for packages to arrive I wouldn't mind paying extra for postage.
RhodeyYankee2638
01-09-06, 02:37 PM
I never use stamps
26 and counting
01-09-06, 03:27 PM
Newman? :)
"When you control the mail, you control... information!"
Jerry: What do you do for a living, Newman?
Newman: I'm a United States Postal Worker.
Jerry:Aren't those the guys that always go crazy and come back with a gun and shoot everybody?
Newman: Sometimes.
Jerry: Why is that?
Newman: Because the mail never stops. It just keeps coming and coming and coming, there's never a let-up. It's relentless. Every day it piles up more and more and more! And you gotta get it out, but the more you get it out the more it keeps coming in. And then the bar code reader breaks and it's Publisher's Clearing House day!
I was at the post office earlier today (didn't buy stamps) and EVERYONE and their mother were there to buy 2c stamps. Haha, joke was on them. The post office was out of 2c stamps so they all had to buy twice the number of 1c stamps.
I was lovin' it :D
Took forever too.
26 and counting
01-09-06, 03:47 PM
I never use stamps
How do you glue the coins on the envelope without having them fall off?
yankeeschic12324
01-09-06, 08:00 PM
This is already in effect?
corynnmarie
01-09-06, 10:05 PM
They could at least give us a little warning for this kind of stuff. I actually have a significant amount of mailing to do over the next few days, and an entire book of 37 centers left. Grawr.
I mail about 6 letters a week. I asked my boss for a 12 cent raise. He's taking it under advisement.
Stick Michael
01-10-06, 01:57 AM
Considering how efficient USPS is I have no problem whatsoever with the 2 cent hike. At 39 cents per common mailpiece they're a bargain...and they'd be worth every penny at 10-11 cents more. Until common letters cost more than 50 cents to mail I won't bitch...and it's not like it would do any good if I did!
James
Jersey Yankee
01-10-06, 02:34 AM
Interestingly, at the Post Office on Saturday, there was a long line. When I stopped by the PATH Station, I checked their stamp machine and watta ya know? They had 2 cent stamps. Now I can use the last of my stamps.
This crap wouldn't have been so bad if the Post Office had the 2 cent stamps, rather than my having to go to the train station. I guess that the train station hadn't run out simply becuz people figured that the post office would have this.
Too logical.
How are they losing money?
They're not, they're breaking even. But Congress told them they had to build a $3 billion dollar "emergency fund." The extra 2 cents will help them do that.
They're not, they're breaking even. But Congress told them they had to build a $3 billion dollar "emergency fund." The extra 2 cents will help them do that.Thanks for adding that. Makes you wonder though, who may someday get their hands on the $3 billion? It doesn't seem to be a contingency for the Post Office alone.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-04-08-stamp-rates_x.htm
Apparently the $3 billion is to buffer their retirement plan. It's currently overfunded, but the buffer is in case the pension plan runs into trouble later. When USPS filed for the increase, they told Congress "If you get rid of that requirement we'll withdraw our rate increase request." As you can see, they didn't eliminate the requirement.
Also note, if the pension plan does NOT run into problems, who knows what will happen to the $?! I couldn't find anything that specified that answer.
P.S. Another link showed that USPS did make a profit in 2005, and would likely break even in 2006 without the increase.
Hitman23
01-11-06, 04:28 PM
At least gas is going down and I get a $1 off when I buy 2 packs of smokes at Sevs.
RhodyYanksFan
01-11-06, 04:30 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-04-08-stamp-rates_x.htm
Apparently the $3 billion is to buffer their retirement plan. It's currently overfunded, but the buffer is in case the pension plan runs into trouble later. When USPS filed for the increase, they told Congress "If you get rid of that requirement we'll withdraw our rate increase request." As you can see, they didn't eliminate the requirement.
Also note, if the pension plan does NOT run into problems, who knows what will happen to the $?! I couldn't find anything that specified that answer.
The pension plan will eventually run in to problems. There is no way to avoid that. Just like what we saw in NYC with the MTA, unions will keep demanding insane rates and get them.
In Providence, the old fire chief is making more now on pension then the current chief is working.
Jersey Yankee
01-11-06, 04:55 PM
So how many here, besides myself, have been able to purchase 2 cent stamps?
Buckeye Yank
01-12-06, 09:52 AM
So how many here, besides myself, have been able to purchase 2 cent stamps?
Apparently they're nonexistant in Northern Ohio as well. I'm willing to bet that $.03 ARE available though. A "conspiracy"??? Like somebody else said, I personally maybe mail 50 things a year? That'll cost me an extra $1.00 per year. Whoopty woo.
Irascible Yankee Fan
01-12-06, 10:04 AM
You can buy the .02 cent stamps from the Postal website.
http://shop.usps.com/cgi-bin/vsbv/postal_store_non_ssl/display_products/productCategory.jsp?prodCat=/Stamps+by+Rate/Additional+Postage
yanksrule69
01-12-06, 10:30 AM
I just take my mail to work and put it through the mail machine there. Easy and free.
So how many here, besides myself, have been able to purchase 2 cent stamps?
I needed 3 2cent stamps the other day and I was behind a woman who asked for 25 of them. The postal guy told her he didn't have them, but that she could have 50 1 cent stamps, So she got those.
When I got to the window, I then asked for 6 ones and he said, Oh, I have 3 twos, I just didn't have enough for her.
So I got my 2s.
RhodyYanksFan
05-20-08, 06:16 PM
I know this is a way old thread, but I had a question. If I have those "forever" stamps with the liberty bell on them, will they still work or do I need to buy 1 cent stamps now too?
In Mo I Trust
05-20-08, 06:18 PM
I know this is a way old thread, but I had a question. If I have those "forever" stamps with the liberty bell on them, will they still work or do I need to buy 1 cent stamps now too?
The forever stamps are always good, no 1 cent stamps needed.
RhodyYanksFan
05-20-08, 06:19 PM
The forever stamps are always good, no 1 cent stamps needed.
Good to know. Thanks.
I know this is a way old thread, but I had a question. If I have those "forever" stamps with the liberty bell on them, will they still work or do I need to buy 1 cent stamps now too?
That's why they're called Forever stamps. ;)
4bronxbombers
05-20-08, 06:28 PM
That's why they're called Forever stamps. ;)
Love em!
Love em!
Me too. I wish they were available in rolls of 100 like other stamps. I'd never run out! :lol:
I guess I could just buy 5 books of 20.
xenadanielle
05-20-08, 06:44 PM
Me too. I wish they were available in rolls of 100 like other stamps. I'd never run out! :lol:
I guess I could just buy 5 books of 20.
:confused:
When I was at the post office last week I thought someone in front of me bought a roll but I could be wrong.
yankeesAZ
05-20-08, 07:12 PM
Me too. I wish they were available in rolls of 100 like other stamps. I'd never run out! :lol:
I guess I could just buy 5 books of 20.
Costco sells them by the 100s.
I really don't understand why all first class stamps aren't forever stamps. Once they decided to sell forever stamps, who would intentionally buy non-forever stamps (except stamp collectors)?
Last time I bought 100, I had to buy 5 books, they didn't have them as rolls.
RYMASTER or Ryan_Yankees
05-20-08, 10:00 PM
I really don't understand why all first class stamps aren't forever stamps. Once they decided to sell forever stamps, who would intentionally buy non-forever stamps (except stamp collectors)?
Last time I bought 100, I had to buy 5 books, they didn't have them as rolls.
It's pointless if you buy them one-at-a-time.
It's pointless if you buy them one-at-a-time.
Even if it's pointless, there is no harm in buying forever stamps. And it costs the Post Office more to print two different versions, I would think.
If you buy one at a time, would you go out of your way to NOT buy a forever stamp?
In Mo I Trust
05-21-08, 06:19 AM
I really don't understand why all first class stamps aren't forever stamps. Once they decided to sell forever stamps, who would intentionally buy non-forever stamps (except stamp collectors)?
I went to buy some stampes yesterday and they said I had to buy the Forevers in a book of 20. I only had enough money on me for 14 so now I have 14 42 cent stamps.
How much do they charge for the Forever stamps?
I rarely buy stamps anymore...I pay nearly all of my bills online.
TheDynasty26
05-21-08, 07:28 AM
How can they make money...email is free...at this point with scanners and faxes, and acrobat reader you can email legal documents. Nearly everyone recieves their paychecks by direct deposit.
Other than Birthday cards from Grandma i hardly recieve any mail. Credit card bill is online, utilities bills are online...
honestly im surprised its still so cheap. The part that sucks is the raise seemingly without notice...
How much do they charge for the Forever stamps?
I rarely buy stamps anymore...I pay nearly all of my bills online.
Whatever the going rate for postage is at the time. I bought a book before they went up, so I guess I paid $.041.
I really don't understand why all first class stamps aren't forever stamps. Once they decided to sell forever stamps, who would intentionally buy non-forever stamps (except stamp collectors)?
Last time I bought 100, I had to buy 5 books, they didn't have them as rolls.
Because then the post office wouldn't make money on the increases.
Whatever the going rate for postage is at the time. I bought a book before they went up, so I guess I paid $.041.
Oh I see. I thought they were more, to make up for any increases in postage.
Why would anyone buy anything other than forever stamps if that's the case? :lol:
Oh I see. I thought they were more, to make up for any increases in postage.
Why would anyone buy anything other than forever stamps if that's the case? :lol:
Well, I guess for special things like wedding invitations and such, people would want a nicer looking stamp than one with a liberty bell on it. :lol:
Also, as some others have mentioned, you can't buy them individually, so if you don't want a book, you have to get a regular stamp. But seeing as they will never require extra postage, it's practical to have a book sitting around even if it takes a year to use it.
Well, I guess for special things like wedding invitations and such, people would want a nicer looking stamp than one with a liberty bell on it. :lol:
Also, as some others have mentioned, you can't buy them individually, so if you don't want a book, you have to get a regular stamp. But seeing as they will never require extra postage, it's practical to have a book sitting around even if it takes a year to use it.
:lol: What, the liberty bell isn't romantic??
I see what you're saying about the people who want to buy an individual stamp.
But if you're buying a book or a roll, why would anyone buy conventional stamps if they offer a forever stamp?
Oh God, I'm sounding like Brad.
:lol: What, the liberty bell isn't romantic??
I see what you're saying about the people who want to buy an individual stamp.
But if you're buying a book or a roll, why would anyone buy conventional stamps if they offer a forever stamp?
Oh God, I'm sounding like Brad.
:lol: I don't know why people do what they do. I think there might be people out there who aren't aware of the forever stamp.
philleotardo
05-21-08, 09:17 AM
:lol: I don't know why people do what they do. I think there might be people out there who aren't aware of the forever stamp.Ha, I'm a mailman....I can tell you that if you know about the forever stamp, you are only in the slight majority.
4bronxbombers
05-21-08, 10:10 AM
:lol: What, the liberty bell isn't romantic??
I see what you're saying about the people who want to buy an individual stamp.
But if you're buying a book or a roll, why would anyone buy conventional stamps if they offer a forever stamp?
Oh God, I'm sounding like Brad.
:roflmao: :lol: :roflmao:
But if you're buying a book or a roll, why would anyone buy conventional stamps if they offer a forever stamp?
Exactly my point.
Because then the post office wouldn't make money on the increases.
Then don't offer forever stamps! Either offer them, and make them all forever stamps, or don't offer them. But don't offer them, charge the same price, and make some of them not forever stamps.
Plus, if I buy the stamp today, and the USPS gets my money today, but I don't mail the letter until next year, the USPS has had my money that whole time, so they (should) have been earning interest on it.
The reason I am annoyed by this is because I was burned by it. I went to the Post Office a month ago and asked for "a roll of 100 forever stamps." The woman gave me a roll of 100 stamps, but I didn't notice until later that they were just 41 cent stamps, not forever stamps.
So, I went back the next day to complain and the guy said "We don't offer forever stamps in rolls, only in books of 20."
First of all, that's dumb. The whole point is so you can buy a bunch at one time and not have to worry about the rate changing.
Second, the woman the first day should have told me that instead of pawning off something different than I asked for without even telling me she was doing it.
Luckily the guy agreed to swap them for 5 books of forever stamps.
Jersey Yankee
05-21-08, 11:06 AM
:lol: What, the liberty bell isn't romantic??
I see what you're saying about the people who want to buy an individual stamp.
But if you're buying a book or a roll, why would anyone buy conventional stamps if they offer a forever stamp?
Oh God, I'm sounding like Brad.
I was going to reply to your post anywayz, then noticed that you had Brad moment. :eek: :D
I would buy conventional stamps just to use, then add the extra postage as needed. I'm tempted to just go on ebay and pick up one of those rolls of a hundred 37¢ stamps, then add a 5¢ stamp to each envelope. If you're not impressing anyone, why not do it cheaply like this? I believe they go for less than face value if you buy a pack of 100, but I'm unsure if they are of the peel-off variety or you have to spit on it. :thatsodd:
If I feel like buying lots of stamps, I would likely use the Forever stamps when the postage increases a bit more, since I would not have to ever add any additional postage to them.
Now then, if you could ever say that and mean it, you truly would be having a Brad moment ... and then some!!! :gulp::O :P :rockin: :wtf: :cheer:
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