Postage Rates Increase May 11: See Stamp Prices Through the Years
Because of my eBay business, I ship a LOT of packages every month. I pack and prepare them; while Steve weighs them, posts them, and drops them off at the post office each morning. We have watched postage prices climb numerous times throughout the eleven years we have been at this. Come Monday morning, May 11th, a stamp hike will take effect yet again. This is the fifth time the price of a letter stamp has been increased in the last ten years; climbing from .33 cents in 1999 to .44 cents in 2009.
The USPS says that the postage increase is essential, as they just ended the fiscal second quarter on March 31 with a net loss of $1.9 billion. Postmaster John Potter said that “the economic recession has been tough on the mailing industry, and we have seen an unprecedented decline in mail volumes and revenue.” In the second quarter, the Postal Service said that its mail volume totaled 43.8 billion pieces, down 7.5 billion pieces, or 14.7%, compared to a year earlier.
To save a little money, be sure to stock up on Forever stamps before Monday. A Forever stamp is a perpetual stamp that never expires of declines in value and is valid for first class postage no matter what the rate.
You can learn more about the price increases here.
Friday, May 8, 2009 at 9:25AM
Reader Comments (3)
And these thieves spend money on advertising for a public service that everyone knows exists. Like the antique newspapers I say let them go out of business and find modern work in front of a computer. This is the 21st Century after all, isn't it?
I agree with Jack. Maybe some competition would be healthy. We are at their mercy when it comes to postage prices and the continuous climb in the last 10 years is like no other time in the postal service history. Good point about the advertising they do too. What a waste of money - advertising stamps - like, what are we supposed to buy? Good thing they had a glossy ad to remind me how to mail my letter.
Here, here. Well spoken both of you. I am certain that with this current depression, we need to focus on our basic needs... make sure hospitals and schools are still standing, and let these corporations eat each other. For too long they have been raising rates and adding more charges and fees instead of competing for my business.
And yes, the advertising thing is hysterical. No matter how many print ads they run, an email, e-payment, or an e-card are all F R E E.