2014 USPS Stamp Increases

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that every January I write about the increases in postage and what the new stamp options are (mostly specific to event and wedding invitation mailings).  I’ll still write that post in a month or so, but to pre-empt that I wanted to write this as a bit of a warning for folks who are sending out invitations in the next 30 days.

Effective January 24, 2014, the following increases will take place:

• Letters (1 oz.) — 3-cent increase to 49 cents
• Letters additional ounces —  1-cent increase to 21 cents
• Letters to all international destinations (1 oz.) — $1.15
• Postcards — 1-cent increase to 34 cents

Overall, if you’re sending 200 invitations you will pay an extra $6-8 on postage (plus an extra $6 if you plan to stamp your RSVP envelopes).

Not the end of the world, right?  But you do want to be careful not to have the wrong postage on RSVP envelopes.  If you’re sending out your invites between now and the end of January, just be sure to not just use this years postage.  Some guests will wait a few weeks to return the card.  And if they wait until after Jan. 24, the card may not get back to you because of insufficient postage.  Whatever shall you do?!  Well…

• Wait and send them on January 20 (if it’s feasible based on your wedding date and RSVP date).  You can save on using the OLD postage on the carrier envelopes, but use the NEW postage on the RSVP envelopes.
• If you’re opting not to include stamps on your RSVP envelopes or postcards, use that opportunity to have your designer add a small box that includes the postage cost.  I use something simple like “place $0.49 stamp here” on certain projects and it works well.
• If you want to get witty about it (this suggestion won’t be fitting for most people), add a line on your RSVP card that says “Your response is appreciated by January 24.  After that date, the cost of your RSVP will go up by 3 cents.”

That last one is really only a half suggestion and should only be used if you’re really funny people to begin with and can reword it in a more humorous way that your grandmother won’t be appalled by.

2013 Postage for Weddings & Events

If you’re a regular follower of my (admittedly-not-so-oftenly-updated) blog, you’ll remember that I posted information about the postage increase and stamp design options last year around this time.  Well, it’s January again which means it’s time for a USPS postage price increase and new lovely stamp design options!

New rates will be in effect starting Jan. 27, 2013. 

Increase for International First Class Mail:

• Regular Mail (under 1 ounce) is increasing to a $0.46 stamp.  Or you can continue to use or stock up on “forever” stamps.
• Mail between 1-2 ounces (many invitation suites) will increase to $0.66.
• Postcards will increase to $0.33.

Increase for International First Class Mail:

•  All International Mail under 1 ounce will now use a $1.10 stamp (sorry Canada).

What this Means for You:

• If you are mailing invitations BEFORE Jan. 27, you will save some money on your outer envelopes (aren’t you so smart!).  BUT, remember to use the higher postage rates or forever stamps on your RSVP postcards/envelopes so that your guests (who could reply after Jan. 27) will not be caught with embarrassing “returned due to insufficient postage” mail.
• If you plan to mail your invitations AFTER Jan. 27, remember to use increased postage on both your outer envelopes and RSVP materials.

New Design Options:

Other Options:

• Zazzle.com – “Create your own” and pre-designed stamp options in any postage rate.  But be prepared to pay twice as much as government issued stamps.
• Vintage Stamps – Check Etsy,Ebay, Amazon, and local flea/craft markets for vintage postage sellers.  Some great online options are Verde Studio, TreasuryFox, PreciousOwl, Kenmore Stamps, or Champion Stamp.
  • Pro Tip:  Be sure you’re purchasing stamps that are unused and uncancelled.  While postage technically never expires, if it is used or cancelled, it may not be usable.

Business Owners:

• Do you love shipping USPS Priority Flat Rate like I do?  Rates are going up for us as well.
  • Small box — $5.80
  • Medium box — $12.35
  • Large box — $16.85
  • Large APO/FPO box — $14.85
  • Regular envelope — $5.60
  • Legal envelope — $5.75
  • Padded envelope — $5.95

Other Links:

• USPS Press Release on all Jan. 27, 2013 postage rate increases
• Follow my Pinterest board all about stamps & postage
• Follow USPS on Pinterest (what?!  yes, it’s a mecca of awesome stamps – old and new)
• Updates and info on release dates for new stamps.