Postage stamps

[Lynne]

I've just discovered that you can use the old ones till the end of July.  They seem to have that quiet, or have I been unobservant.

Of course, you can't do anything simple like taking them to a post office to exchange

[IlonaM]

See https://www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps

'We’ve added barcodes to all our regular stamps. Regular stamps without a barcode* will no longer be valid after 31 July 2023. This follows the introduction of a 6 month grace period from the initial 31 January deadline. You can either use up your non-barcoded stamps before this new deadline or swap them for the new barcoded ones. 

Note: Special Stamps with pictures on and Christmas Stamps without a barcode will continue to be valid and don't need to be swapped out.

Your non-barcoded stamps can be exchanged for new barcoded versions through our Stamp Swap Out scheme. To swap out your stamps, simply: 

1. Pick up or print out a swap out form 
2. Complete your form and include your stamps
3. Send free of charge to “Freepost SWAP OUT”'

[Lynne]

Thanks, IlonaM

[Froglander]

Are the firms available to pick up in the Post Offices or do you have to queue up for one?

[ianr]

I got the form and large envelope from the Post Office counter a month ago. There is a downloadable form available. I can PM you one if you can't find it easily.   It's a freepost address.

A rather mixed experience when I sent them off.  You have to specify how many stamps you're sending and their gross value.  I took care to get that right.  When they sent the new batch back there were separate discrepancies between what I'd sent and what they say I'd sent, and between what they said they were sending me and what I received.  I then had to fill in an online form reporting the errors, and got a email back that reiterated their records and asking me to correct it if need be.  Which gave me the impression there's a lot of it about.

As I was concerned about the possibility of theft en route -- it was £165.65 worth -- I'd  photographed all the stamps and marked envelope in a single shot and even video'd sealing them all in the envelope and then posting it.  I've sent them a copy of the photo, together wih an acerbic email in which I admit to having perhaps foolishly not video'd my opening of their  envelope.  Expecting to hear from them soon, I hope with at least the £9.50 worth I'm still due.

Update 15/5  

Two days later I had to send RM a grovelling apology, having found the missing two books of stamps that they'd sent, on the floor, close to the surface onto which I'd emptied their envelope.  That resolved the major discrepancy.

It still left the provable difference between what I said I'd sent, and what they claimed they'd received.  It was only the equivalent of treating two first class stamps as second class, a mere 70p, but rather odd.  I wonder if I might have been less ready to latch onto the wrong conclusion about the mislaid books if there hadn't been that definite error. It's been resolved now anyway. I'd still recommend keeping a good record of the stamps sent.

 

Edited May 15, 2023 by ianr
Update