In case you were not aware, postage rates will take another upward hike on May 14th. The rate increase is pretty much across the board from stamps on up... ...the standard (less than 1 lb.) Priority Rate we are accustomed to is going up .55 cents to $4.60
Sonuvabitch. That's a big hop. I heard they were also going to start selling "forever" stamps that are good no matter what the rate goes to. Smart move, especially if they're priced at a level first class won't see for another 10 years.
Wilkey
Yeppers. Here is some more info on the Forever Stamp:
Fact Sheet
Forever Stamp
The Forever Stamp will go on sale nationwide April 12, 2007, and will increase convenience for consumers by avoiding the “last minute rush” to purchase stamps when new prices are implemented in the future. The Forever Stamp will also function as one of the two nondenominated First-Class Mail stamps. The Forever Stamp will only be available in booklets of 20 for $8.20, and (beginning May 14) at Automated Postal Centers (APCs) and at select automated teller machines (ATMs) in sheetlets of 18 for $7.38. At the same time, we will also issue a nondenominated flag stamp in coils of 100 for $41 and in panes of 20 and 100, as well as individual quantities. The flag stamp is not a Forever Stamp and will always have a value of 41 cents.
The Forever Stamp will be valid for mailing any future 1-ounce single-piece First-Class Mail letter, no matter what the price may be at the time of mailing — without the addition of extra postage.
Forever Stamp Highlights
· The Forever Stamp will feature an image of the Liberty Bell (see below).
· It will be available at the purchase price of $0.41 each in booklets of 20 at a price of $8.20 and in sheetlets of 18 at a price of $7.38.
· The Forever Stamp or any nondenominated stamps (except those that bear unique markings, such as First-Class Presort, Nonprofit Org.) may be affixed to items that are sent to foreign countries.
· The postage value of the Forever Stamp is always the domestic First-Class Mail single-piece one-ounce letter rate that is in effect on the day of mailing. Since the international postage rates are always higher than the comparable domestic rates, additional postage must be affixed if such a stamp is used on international mail.
Customer Opportunities
· Customers may purchase the Forever Stamp beginning April 12 and avoid the rush to purchase stamps when new prices are implemented on May 14.
· The Forever Stamp will eliminate the need for customers to purchase make-up stamps for future First-Class Mail letter price changes.
· The Forever Stamp will also be available for purchase online at Usps.com/shop or by phone at 1-800-STAMP 24 (782-6724).
