Say It Isn't So!

Stamp collectors will soon not be able to get their midnight stamp buying fix at United States Post Offices. Apparently the USPS is phasing out stamp machines. Stamp machines are no longer being made. Most of the machines in the United States are now over 20 years old. With replacement parts becoming harder and harder to find, stamp machines will be disappearing from daily life forever.

In all actuality, these machines are mostly used by the general public. It has been a huge convenience for Americans to run in and buy stamps out of a machine whenever they needed to. In years past, the USPS was the only place you get to buy stamps, but not so any longer. In an effort to become accessible to all, stamps can now be purchased in various locations around the United States. You can purchase stamps online at the USPS or can call their toll free number and have them shipped straight to you.

The USPS has further diversified their stamp selling locations for customers. The USPS has the “Stamps by Mail” program. Many retail sites are also licensed vendors of postage stamps. In addition, some bank and credit unit ATM’s also sell postage stamps, although I have never seen any sold where I bank. Rural carriers are also known to carry stamps so that consumers do not need to make a trip to an actual post office.

Before any machine is permanently removed, you will see a sign 30 days prior advising you of its removal. The USPS will also list nearby post offices and other places where you can purchase stamps.

I can’t help by feel that by removing these machines it is just one more loss from our American past. Of course you can still visit Stamp Center for your entire stamp collecting purchases.