The Official post.script. Guide to Forever Stamps
At post.script. we love all things handwritten and analog – hence our name deriving from the beloved “P.S.” left at the end of intimate letters. It’s no coincidence that our shop is widely known for our beautifully curated selection of handcrafted greeting cards and postcards.
What better way to serve our community who share this love of picking the perfect card and mailing it off, than to also sell individual Forever Stamps? You heard us right. We sell forever stamps in-store and online, and in honor of National Card and Letter Writing Month, we want to give you a cohesive overview of the most popular stamps for mailing.
What Are Global Forever Stamps & Why Are They So Popular?
Forever stamps have become a staple in today’s postage due to their hassle-freeness in the world of direct mail. Gone are the days of going to the post office and calculating how many stamps are needed based on their current postage value and the weight of your parcels.
Introduced in 2007, the Forever Stamp was created by USPS to increase the ease of postage use during price changes. Though they have not been around forever like their name suggests, these stamps can be used… forever! They are considered “non-denominated” postage, which is a fancy way to say that they hold no fixed monetary or denominated value. This is why you won’t find a dollar value printed on the stamp to tell you its worth, like stamps used to have.
Regardless of when the stamps were purchased, or if the postage rates have changed, you can always use one stamp to mail a one-ounce letter or postcard within the U.S. They will *forever* be worth the current value of first-class postage and forever stamps never expire.
It’s because of their convenience that they have become the most popular postage choice. The stamps have been so successful that by 2011 USPS began selling all first-class, one-ounce stamps as Forever Stamps with the exception of stamps in coils of 500, 3,000, and 10,000. Other countries have jumped on the trend as well. Forever stamps are not just unique to the United States – a variation of them is used in many countries worldwide, including Canada, India, New Zealand and several countries in Western Europe.
Forever Stamps vs Global Forever Stamps
Now that we’ve cleared up what the USPS Forever Stamps are and how you can use them nationally, they are not to be confused with the Global Forever Stamps. You’ll find both of these stamps available at post.script. online and in-store, but let’s compare the two so you know which one you might need!
What are Global Forever Stamps?
Unlike the Forever Stamp which is used for sending mail anywhere in the U.S, the Global Forever Stamp is used for sending mail anywhere in the world! Yes, you heard that right – just the one little stamp is all you would need for any one ounce letter or postcard.
The Global Forevers’ value is always equivalent to whatever the current postage rate is to send one piece of mail internationally, no matter when you bought the stamp and regardless of if the price has changed. Aesthetically, the Global Stamps are always round, which helps set them apart from their rectangular sister stamp, Forever.
Keep in mind that both stamps are for one ounce pieces of mail only! If you are sending something heavier than a standard letter or postcard, you may need an Additional Ounce Forever stamp. We should also note that if you have Global Forever Stamps on hand and need to mail something domestically, these stamps are suitable for mailing within the U.S. as well!
How To Use USA Forever Stamps
Using Forever Stamps are super convenient for all of your domestic postage needs, and post.script. makes it even easier for you to purchase a single stamp, either for the greeting card you also plan to buy or if you just need to stock up on stamps for home. We have a diverse collection of stamps to choose from, sometimes more styles than the local post office! Come visit and ask to sift through our stamp binder! Also be sure to have your envelope or postcard addressed and stamped properly.
We’ve highlighted some additional quick tips on how to use the Forever Stamps below.
- Forever Stamps (or any form of postage) should always be placed in the top right corner of your envelope
- Make sure that your mail does not exceed the standard one-ounce weight. If so, you will need to use more than one stamp
- Forever Stamps value may be eternal, but if your stamp is damaged, torn, or lost its stickiness, you run the risk of your mail getting rejected and returned
- You cannot reuse a Forever Stamp that has already gone through USPS
- Stamps that have been stuck to an envelope, but not yet mailed, may be used on a new envelope as long as it’s still sticky! *Do Not* try to cut out the stamp and tape it to a new envelope. USPS states that the use of tape will cause the post to be canceled
- It is best to store your stamps in a flat, dry place so that they remain in top-notch condition
post.script. Tip:
In our local gift shop we recently set up a signing station next to our cashwrap, so you can sign, stamp, and address your cards immediately if you’re on your way to a party or event. Need to get it to the mail? Not a problem, because there is a mailbox just across the street from our shop on California x Fillmore Street. We designed everything this way. AIl at your convenience!
Where to Buy Forever Stamps & Global Forever Stamps
Of course, we would love for you to help support our small San Francisco business and purchase your Forever Stamps at post.script. shop in-person or online! Handwritten notes and community are truly the spark behind our business.
In need of a unique card for your next celebration or event? Take a look at some of our beautiful greeting cards created by local and national, hand-selected artists, brands and makers.
Postage stamps by the sheet can generally be purchased reliably at your local USPS and some major retailers like The UPS Store, Walmart and Office Depot. Just keep in mind that you will likely need to commit to a whole sheet or stamp book, as these retailers won’t sell single stamps.
Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to know about why Forever Stamps were created, how they work for national mail, and how they differ from Global Forever Stamps, and we’d be happy to become one of your go-to shops for purchasing them!
FAQs on Forever Stamps
How much is a Forever Stamp?
As of January 1, 2024, one First-Class Mail Forever stamp is 68 cents.
How much is a Global Forever Stamp?
As of January 1, 2024, one First-Class Mail Global Forever stamp is $1.55.
What do you use Forever Stamps for?
To mail a 1 oz letter throughout the USA.
What do you use Global Forever Stamps for?
To mail a 1 oz letter or postcard to any country in the world. See the full list here.
How long are Forever Stamps and Global Forever stamps good for?
Forever! They do not expire! So long as they are not damaged or used.
Where can I buy Forever stamps and Global Forever stamps?
These stamps can be purchased at post.script. (in-person and online) ! Also available at most USPS locations.
Where to place the stamp on the envelope?
Stamps should always be placed in the upper right corner of your both envelopes and postcards.
Can I use Forever Stamps on international mail?
Yes! You simply need to know the current rate of a Global Forever Stamp, or international mail postage and calculate how many Forever stamps it would take. Currently, three Forever Stamps would be needed.
Is it worth buying Forever Stamps?
Yes, yes, and yes! Using Forever Stamps is hassle-free since you don’t need to do any calculations on postage values. Also, using Forever Stamps to mail letters to loved ones is a great way to stay connected and support USPS.
