By
Sarah Harris
If you’ve heard of or used Forever stamps, you might be familiar with how convenient they are. Like standard USPS stamps, Forever postage stamps come with various image options to choose from, allowing you to customize your post.
But what makes USPS Forever stamps different from other stamps? Are they worth using? Let’s find out.
What Are Forever Stamps?
Forever postage stamps are valid forever. Known generically as non-denominated postage or non-value indicator (NVI) postage stamps, they do not show a monetary value. The United States Postal Service debuted its first Forever stamp in 2007. They are valid on First Class® letters.
Not showing the monetary value on the stamp does not mean it is free; it means that you can still use it when the cost of postage increases without having to stick additional stamps on your envelope.
In other words, a Forever stamp is a way to lock in a postage rate now for future use. Its value remains the same as the current value of a single First Class stamp, regardless of how much postage increases over time. They are stamps that never expire.
How Do Forever Stamps Work?
Unlike regular postage stamps, which typically increase in price when the cost of postage goes up, Forever stamps are valid for mailing letters no matter how much the price of postage increases. This feature makes them a convenient and economical option for anyone who needs to send out frequent mailings.
A USPS Forever stamp is valid to use on a normal-sized, one-ounce letter sent within the United States. If you’re looking to mail an international letter, you may face additional shipping costs. Likewise, if your letter is more than one ounce, it may need additional postage. Likewise, if you’re looking to send a box or a larger parcel, a Forever stamp won’t be enough to cover your shipping costs.
Forever stamps are not 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.
Global Forever stamps all tend to work in the same way in that they create convenience for consumers and save money for the postal service industry.
The USPS offers this type of postage stamp to reduce the costs to print excess top-up stamps. These low-value stamps (at values of one cent or two cents) supplement old stamps that no longer equal the current amount necessary for standard postage. These kinds of stamps often cost more to print than they are worth. USPS Forever stamps alleviate this need, which ultimately saves the postal service money.
It’s also important to note that Forever stamps are not for expedited shipping or letters that need to be sent out and received quickly. When time is of the essence you may be better off exploring other fast-shipping options, such as UPS Next Day Air Saver.
What Are the Benefits of Forever Stamps?
USPS Forever stamps offer a number of benefits for savvy consumers. Take a look at the most noteworthy.
Save Money
The most obvious benefit of Forever stamps is that they save consumers money. It may only be a couple of cents at a time, but those amounts can add up over the years.
For example, when they first debuted in April 2007, they cost 41 cents each. As of January 2019, the cost to send a one-ounce First Class® letter rose to 55 cents.
This means that if you purchased a Forever stamp in 2007 but waited to use it until now, you saved 14 cents. Postage prices are continually increasing, so your level of savings will continue as time progresses.
Convenience
In addition to creating long-term cost savings, Forever stamps are convenient. Gone are the days of running to the post office for a two-cent stamp or trying to determine what the current rates are and whether you have the same amount in standard stamps.
Save Time
One of the biggest benefits of using Forever stamps is that it saves you time. You no longer have to keep up with price changes for regular postage stamps or worry about buying new stamps when prices go up. Forever stamps make it easy to just grab a few and be good to go – no matter what the cost of postage is.
Where to Buy Forever Stamps
The best place to buy Forever stamps is at your local USPS post office. If that option is too far away or inconvenient, you can also check your nearest grocery store, bank, pharmacy or office supply store. Each of these locations should have Forever stamps in stock, as they are the most popular stamp option.
If printing from home is more convenient, you can also check out stamps.com, which will send you digital versions of shipping labels.
You can purchase Forever stamps individually, in sheets of 10, booklets of 20 or rolls of 100 (where available). It’s not possible to buy them in rolls of 500 or 1,000.
What Are Forever Stamps Worth?
Forever stamps don’t have a specific monetary value; their value is equal to what it currently costs to send a one-ounce First Class letter. For this reason, you won’t see a set amount printed on the stamps. Instead, on the stamp, you’ll see the word “forever” with a slash through it to indicate that it is a Forever stamp.
By doing things in this way, the postal service doesn’t have to worry about changing the printing templates or designs for Forever stamps. They can simply keep printing the same indicator on the stamps…well…forever.
To know the current price to send a one-ounce letter, you can check USPS.com or keep an eye out for an announcement about an increase. Increases tend to happen yearly, with the latest increase set for January, 21st 2023, to 68 cents.
Do Forever Stamps Expire?
That is the selling point of Forever stamps – they never expire. The key to being able to use them is verifying that they are in good condition. In other words, the stamp cannot be ripped, wrinkly, stained or too faded. Also, stamps cannot be attached with tape or glue, as they may be rejected.
In addition, the non-denomination indicator “Forever” must also be visible for the stamp to be valid. If this portion of the stamp is cut off, illegible or covered, the USPS will likely not accept it.
Make Shipping Easier with Print Bind Ship
Forever stamps are a helpful and easy way to mail letters to the average consumer. Unfortunately, they won’t do much for businesses that deal with shipping products worldwide. That’s where Print Bind Ship can step in.
As a third-party logistics (3PL) partner, Print Bind Ship can assist your company with printing, packing, warehousing, shipping and inventory for your products. We can also help out with marketing and offer other fulfillment solutions. We’re the ideal partner when it comes to getting products and items to recipients in the most cost-effective and convenient way.
Have a project in mind? Get in touch with us for a free quote today!
The price for Forever stands as of January 21st, 2024 is 68 cents. Note that the USPS tends to increase the price of Forever stamps every year or so. Which means that, if you’re looking for a deal, you may want to consider purchasing them sooner rather than later to lock in your proce.
Forever stamps never expire and are able to be used on any 1 oz. letter at any time, no matter the current price of Forever Stamps.
One Forever Stamp is enough for a 1 oz. letter. You can add an additional stamp for every oz the letter or envelope weighs to efficiently cover postage.