Do I need additional postage on a first class stamp?

Question

I bought a book of stamps before the recent rate increase. It's the Status of Liberty/Flag stamp and it says "first class". Since the rate increase, I have mailed a few letters without adding additional postage for the increase. I have not had any letters returned. This afternoon when I checked mail a bill I had sent was refused by the postal worker picking up the mail from the apartment mail slot. He screened it out and wrote note. It wasn't stamped insufficient postage or anything. Is this postal worker just extra vigilant and I have been lucky so far? Were they letting it slide because it probably costs more to ask for 2 more cents? What's the real policy? Do I need to buy those annoying 2 cent stamps?

Answer 1

Yes, you need the two cents. Some of your letters went through because they gave people some time to get used to the change. Your free zone has expired so buy the 2 cent or the forever stamps.

Answer 2

First of all if you have a first class stamp that you purchased before the increase, it still needs extra postage. If you now purchase a first class stamp after the increase, these new stamps will be good for life. Even if, in the future there is another increase, these new existing first class stamps are exempt from any increases. As for your postal worker, and those who work at the post office, were told to let mail still go through until the word got around about the increase. That's one reason you never received a return letter. By now I'm sure These postal workers are NOW being told to start returning these letter because it's costing the post office to much money. I hope this helped you. I also think your mail carrier should of stamped a reason why, on your letter, for not taking it.

Answer 3

It is possible the receivers of your mail had to pay the extra 2 cents when it was delivered. Yes you need to buy some 2 cent stamps until your 39 cent ones are used up. After that you can buy forever stamps, so if you buy a bunch for 41 cents, but dont use them up, if the price goes up you will still be able to use them without paying more.

Answer 4

yeah, you need the extra postage. I went to the post office the other day to mail some letters and they put on a first class stamp and a 2 cent stamp.

Answer 5

If the stamp says just first class, you can continue using them, if it shows the face value, you need to add another two cents stamp.
As far as your returned letter is concerned, what did he tell you in his note? it is not his job to make postal policy, you could take this to court and make it a test case.

Answer 6

As to the postal worker being extra vigilant ? probably , I don't know for sure, as to the need to put up with the 2 centers ? yep or risk your mail coming back, but then you know that already.............Take heart, the next time they raise the stamp price any stamps you have will be good till used up.......

Answer 7

Check with the post office, it might have been too big or too heavy. And yes, to mail the letter, you need to add 17 cents additional postage.

Answer 8

you've just been mighty lucky so far, a meter reads the postage. break down and make another trip to the post office, it'll cost you less than late fees on a bill

Answer 9

yes you have to get the 2cent things

Answer 10

no, you don't.