Attached are the history of First Class 1 ounce postage rates for the US:
http://www.prc.gov/rates/stamphistory.htm
How is it that the Post Office can take my money for a 1st class postage rate at the time I bought stamps, BUT the stamp later becomes insufficient to use?
If I bought a 13 cent stamp in 1977, I should be able to use that stamp today! After all, they've either kept my money for 3 decades and earned interest on it, or they spent the money when it was worth more than it is today.
2007-06-01 09:04:01 · 9 answers · asked by Zeltar 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
I agree ! I've still got a bunch of 27 cent stamps .
2007-06-01 09:12:25 · answer #1 · answered by eizus28 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your logic is just slightly askew.
You bought a 13 cent stamp in 1977. You did not buy 1st class postage, you bought a stamp. That stamp was worth 13 cents in 1977 and it is still worth 13 cents today.
( if it is a collectible stamp it may be worth nore money today)
Postage rates do indeed rise. But stamp prices never rise. A 1 cent stamp is the same price in 1888 as it will be in 2025.
2007-06-01 12:39:01 · answer #2 · answered by Postal Professor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately it doesn't work that way. It would be nice if it did, but the first class stamp you purchased is no longer considered sufficient funds for first class mail and you will have to add additional postage until it reaches first class status. They have now a "forever" stamp, but don't be fooled by it, that doesn't mean the stamp is sufficient postage for first class mail forever, it will be good until the next postal rate hike...just like any other stamp you may purchase now. I am still using stamps from .37 days, I just have to add .04 stamps to cover the raise in first class mail. In reality, our mere .41 cents is very cheap comparing to what other countries cost of first class mail is. One of the few things left in this country that actually costs less than a buck!
2007-06-01 09:19:27 · answer #3 · answered by robotchic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you buy a stamp, you are giving the Post Office an interest free loan. That is why there is a face value on the stamp. You are NOT buying a ticket for a letter delivery. When you mail the letter, the Post Office pays back your loan by giving you the equivalent value in letter delivery service. The price of services goes up over time, but you do not earn interest on your loan, since they never promised you any interest. A stamp is a bond with zero interest. It is a raw deal, but you knew that when you bought it. Sorry about that.
2007-06-01 09:15:12 · answer #4 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
5
2016-04-01 09:57:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They sell you a stamp. Whether you decide to use it or keep it is up to you. Some people collect stamps and never use them to mail a letter, at all. You can still use a 13 cent stamp on a letter, but you have to add more stamps with it to total to the current price rate.
2007-06-01 09:09:07 · answer #6 · answered by kj 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They have new stamps available that do just that. Unfortunately, your 13 cent stamps are worth 13 cents.
2007-06-01 09:08:38 · answer #7 · answered by thegubmint 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It would be nice if they did that, and actually they are going to start selling permanently good stamps, but they're a money making business, and raising prices is how they make money.
2007-06-01 09:10:55 · answer #8 · answered by Shinigami 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it has no face value, it should be good until used, why otherwise buy in bulk .
2007-06-01 09:59:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋