Use Your Old Postage Stamps . . .

[Buenchico]

. . . within the next 12 months, as they'll cease to be valid after 31 January 2023.

If you're buying new ones though, enjoy watching Shaun the Sheep ;-)

https://www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps?iid=H1_BARCODEDSTAMPS

[Peter Pedant]

use your old postage stamps to write letters to the Prime minister because
he has been sent up before ! - ter daah

[THECORBYLOON]

I seen yesterday there would be new stamps issued and read the old ones would be phased out.

I did see in your link, however, that folk can exchange the non-barcoded stamps for new ones.

The barcodes are unique so that will prevent stamps from being removed and re-used.

[cashier]

What a nuisance, I bought 12 yesterday and am unlikely to use them all in time. Did anyone notice an address to send them to for exchanging, I couldn't see one.

[THECORBYLOON]

From the link,

"The ‘Swap Out’ scheme will open on 31 March 2022. Forms will be available via a variety of channels, including local Customer Service Points; the Royal Mail website and via our Customer Experience team. Customers will be able to use a Freepost address. ***Further details will be announced shortly.***" [emphasis added"

[cashier]

Thank you.

[vulcan42]

We used to be able to use stamps that were decades old providing they added up to the required amount.
Another example of making it easier for the operator and not the customer.
What exactly does " Each barcoded stamp will have a digital twin and the two will be connected by the Royal Mail App" mean?

[THECORBYLOON]

The barcode can be read via an app and folk can watch exclusive videos.

Would that not mean someone could take a photo of a stamp, share the image and any number could then watch the video after scanning the image?

I can understand the barcode being used to track items but fail to see the benefit of watching a video.

[tiggerblue10]

The benefit is that you get to see Shaun the Sheep ;o)

[windywillow]

Does anyone know if 'make up value' stamps will still be available please?

[THECORBYLOON]

I know folk will get to see a video but do they expect folk to buy a stamp for that reason?

[youngmafbog]

//What exactly does " Each barcoded stamp will have a digital twin and the two will be connected by the Royal Mail App" mean?//

They are selling you some old pony about an App to get you on side. What it really means is that they will hold the bar code in a Table and mark it when its used through the system. It will probably hold the Post code too I suspect.

[douglas9401]

Excellent news, longer queues to get to the surly end.

[Patsy33]

I think some people would rather stick with the postage stamps..

[Mamyalynne]

They still are postage stamps.

https://shop.royalmail.com/postage-and-packaging/barcoded-stamps

[Patsy33]

Oh yes!
Thanks Mamya :-))

[Mamyalynne]

I buy discounted stamps in bulk for my quizzes, some are old (all unused), I shall have to time it carefully this year.

[THECORBYLOON]

One of the FAQs

"What if I decide I don’t want to access the video?

You can still use a barcoded stamp for postage even if you do not attach a video to it, in which case your recipient will instead be able to watch a default video by using the Royal Mail App to scan the barcoded stamp.

I thought the videos were ones the Roal Mail allocated to the barcode but that answer suggests the sender can also allocate a video.

I'd be happier with a guarantee my item would be received on time...

[Buenchico]

Thanks for the responses.

I'm actually wondering how many people use postage stamps these days anyway? I used some to send a few Christmas cards at the end of last year but, other than that, I struggle to think of when I ever use them. I usually pay for my postage online.

[emmie]

i only use postage stamps at Christmas time.... I have a few left over that can be used at the end of the year...

[Old_Geezer]

"Non-barcoded stamps will be phased out but will remain usable until 31 January 2023. Customers are encouraged to use their non-barcoded stamps before this date."

Hmmm.... that would be an expensive error. Are they going to refuse to honour the service purchased, spend returning the letter to the sender and asking for more postage, only to be told where the letter should be put ? Talk about hastening the demise of your business.