Picture this: You’re standing in line at the post office, clutching a stack of letters and praying that the line moves quickly. You finally reach the counter, only to discover that the stamp price has risen again. The clerk gives you a sympathetic look as you fumble through your purse for extra change. And it’s left for you alone to think: when do forever stamps go up in price?
Sound familiar? Well, fear not, dear reader!
There’s a solution to this never-ending cycle of stamp price increases: Forever Stamps. Regardless of when you bought them, you may mail a one-ounce letter using these little pieces of paper. It’s like having a secret weapon against the post office’s nefarious plans to drain our wallets!
In this article, we’ll take a look at when Forever Stamps go up in price and how you can prepare for the next increase. So, let’s dive in!
What’s the Difference Between Forever Stamps and Regular Stamps?
When it comes to postage stamps, there are two main types: regular stamps and Forever Stamps.
Regular stamps have a fixed price that depends on the current postage rate. For example, if the postage rate is 55 cents for a one-ounce letter, a regular stamp with a face value of 55 cents would be required to mail that letter.
However, Forever Stamps are a special postage stamp type with a value equivalent to the current postage rate, regardless of when they were used or purchased. This means if you purchased a Forever Stamp when the postage rate was 50 cents and used it to mail a one-ounce letter, it would still be valid even if the postage rate had increased to 60 cents.
When Do Forever Stamps Go Up in Price?
Beginning January 22, 2023, Forever stamps will cost 63 cents each.
But!
USPS has once again announced its intention to change several postage rates, and if approved, these changes will take effect on July 9, 2023!
Including Forever Stamps!
Yes, if this decision is announced, the price of Forever stamps will increase again on July 9, 2023!
The specific postage changes are as follows:
The price to mail a standard letter has increased from 63 cents to 66 cents! The postage price for each additional ounce remains the same at 24 cents, and non-machinable surcharges (for example, invitations with wax seals or squares) remain the same at 40 cents. That means a typical invitation (weighing less than 1 oz and subject to a non-processable surcharge) is now $1.06 in the mail!
This will be the second price increase for Forever stamps since 2023.
You can take a look at the table below for historical prices for Forever stamps.
Forever Stamps Historical Prices
Here is a table of Forever Stamps’ historical prices:
The table above shows the pricing history of Forever Stamps, dating back to April 12, 2007, when the USPS first introduced them.
Forever stamps have risen to $0.63 from $0.41 when they were first introduced in 2007. The increase reached 53.7%. If the Forever Stamp increases again to $0.66 in July 2023, that would be a 61% increase.
Certainly! Some people also questioned the rapid rise in stamp prices:
This increase in frequency is unprecedented and unsustainable.
Of course, that’s one of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s tactics against inflation.
What will the future price trend of permanent stamps look like?
Read on to learn more!
Forever Stamps Future Price Trends
The future price trend of Forever Stamps is expected to follow the historical trend of gradual price increases over time. The USPS has stated that they aim to keep price increases at or below 2.5% annually, but this is not guaranteed.
It’s also important to note that there may be additional factors that can impact future price trends. For example, the cost of manufacturing, transportation, and labor can all impact the price of postage, so the USPS may need to adjust the stamp pricing. Despite these variables, the steady increase in Forever Stamps’ pricing over the years indicates that they will continue to rise in the future.
While it’s impossible to know for certain what the future holds, staying informed and prepared can help navigate potential changes in the price of Forever Stamps. We also came up with some solutions to deal with the price increase of Forever Stamps. Keep reading.
How to Prepare for the Next Forever Stamps Price Increase?
You can’t miss the following specific steps to prepare for the next Forever Stamp price increase:
- Buy Forever Stamps in bulk: Buy many Forever Stamps before the next price increase. You can save money by purchasing them in bulk because the price of stamps may increase again in the future.
- Stock up on other stamp denominations: Besides Forever Stamps, you can also stock up on other stamp denominations. For example, you can buy First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or International Mail stamps to be prepared for the next postage price increase.
- Check the USPS website for updates: Keep an eye on the USPS website for any updates on the postage rates. The USPS usually announces a postage rate increase a few weeks in advance.
- Plan ahead: If you know that you will be mailing many packages soon, purchase enough stamps to cover the postage cost.
- Explore alternative mailing options: Consider alternative mailing options, such as email or online bill payments, for some of your mailing needs.
By following these steps, you can prepare for the next Forever Stamp price increase and control your mailing costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the countdown has begun for the upcoming increase in Forever stamp prices, set to take effect in July 2023.
It’s crucial to stay informed and prepared for this change to ensure smooth mailing operations.
As the cost of postage rises, investing in Forever stamps at the current price can be a wise decision, allowing you to lock in their value for future use. Whether you’re an individual sending personal letters or a business handling significant mail volumes, understanding the timing of Forever stamp price adjustments is essential for budgeting and planning.
So, mark your calendars and take advantage of the current pricing before the increase takes effect.
Secure your supply of Forever stamps and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared for any future rate changes.
Stay ahead, save on postage expenses, and continue to connect with others through the timeless tradition of mailing with Forever stamps.
