As you likely already know, postage stamps are a necessity in the United States. Whenever you wish to send a letter, you’re required to have a stamp and an envelope.
The good news is that getting a hold of both items is fairly easy. In fact, they’re readily available at most retail locations. Below, you will find a list of locations where you can generally purchase stamps.
- CVS, Rite-Aid, and other pharmacies
- Wal-Mart
- TD Bank, Bank of America, and other financial institutions
- Amazon
- USPS
Truly, the ways to purchase stamps are plentiful. The table below will help you locate where you can buy stamps near me.
| Locations | Hours of Operation | Type | Store Locator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 24 Hours | Online Store | Store Locator |
| USPS | 9am - 5pm | Post Office | Store Locator |
| Office Depot | 8am - 9pm(varies) | Office Supplies Store | Store Locator |
| Staples | 8am - 9pm(varies) | Office Supplies Store | Store Locator |
| CVS | 8am - 10pm | Pharmacy | Store Locator |
| Walgreen's | 8am - 10pm | Pharmacy | Store Locator |
| Bank of America | 9am - 5pm | Bank | Store Locator |
| ATM's | 24 Hours | ATM | Store Locator |
| Kroger | General Store | 7am - 9pm(varies) | Store Locator |
| Walmart | General Store | 24 Hours | Store Locator |
| Rite-Aid | Pharmacy | 8am – 7pm | Store Locator |
What Are Postage Stamps?
In basic terms, postage stamps are nothing more than a receipt. Whenever a consumer wishes to send a piece of mail through the United States Postal Service, they’re required to pay certain fees.
Once the fees have been paid, they’re given a stamp in return. The stamp is then placed in the upper right-hand corner of the envelope.
This tells the postal service that the mail’s fees have already been paid for in full. While the postage stamp serves an important purpose, it can serve a wide variety of purposes for different people.
Stamps As Collectables
This is the case because the stamp itself will feature imagery. The picture on the front of the stamp can be anything from scenery to cartoons or even a historical figure.
This makes stamps incredibly popular for collectors. Over the years, stamp collecting has become a big hobby for a lot of consumers.
The stamps are collected for their image and their value. Over a period of time, the rarest stamps can easily quadruple in price. Collecting a complete set of unique series can be even more valuable.
For Mailing Purposes
Nevertheless, most Americans purchase stamps to ensure their mail is delivered to the recipient within the appropriate period of time. Each stamp will contain a denomination and the country’s name.
The stamp possesses vital information for the postal service and grants passage to the parcel at every checkpoint until it eventually arrives at its destination.
Stamps are so enormously effective that they’ve been in use since the mid-18th century. The small, adhesive papers are very affordable and incredibly efficient.
The Complexity of The Postal System
Believe it or not, sending snail mail can be far more complicated than you could ever imagine. And of course, the stamp plays a vital role in the overall picture.
For the consumer, the process is simple. Just prepare the envelope, place the stamp, and toss the parcel into the mailbox. For the postal service workers, dealing with the fine details can be very difficult. They’ll often find themselves asking numerous questions.
- How should the mail be delivered? Should it be transported via boat, automobile, plane, or train?
- Is the mail expedited or should it be transported at regular speed?
- What does the parcel contain? Is it a letter, bill, newspaper, or an important official message?
Expedited Shipping And Other Services
It is also vital to remember that the USPS offers various services to the consumer. While most will stick with the ordinary shipping service, others will want their package to be delivered as quickly as possible.
Those that feel the urgency will go ahead and upgrade to expedited shipping. This makes the postal service workers’ jobs even more complicated.
Besides expedited shipping, some postage stamps will get other amenities. For instance, the consumer can opt to have their mail shipped through first class. This is ideal for precious parcels that should not be tossed around roughly.
The consumer can also choose to have the receiver sign for the parcel when it arrives at their home. This is another fee that the consumer will pay and another hurdle that the post office worker will be forced to jump. Finally, some consumers will opt to have their mail personalized. This can include customized envelopes and stamps.
Postage Stamps Help Simplify The Process
When it comes down to it, the postage stamp is important for both sides of the arrangement. For the consumer, the stamp pays for the parcel’s passage. For the postal service, the stamp is vital for providing them with the information that is needed.
The stamp is capable of helping make the postal service much more efficient. By looking at the stamp on any given parcel, the worker will have a much easier time categorizing the stamp. This gives the postal worker the ability to look at the stamp, sort it, and send it on its way.
This also helps to make transactions for the consumer and manage far easier.
A Slowly Declining Trend
Unfortunately, stamps are no longer used as commonly as they once were. In the past, almost all long-distance forms of correspondence were delivered through the postal service.
Therefore, the stamp was a staple of society. Today, snail mail is on the decline, due to the growing popularity of the Internet and email.
Instead of sending grandma a letter through snail mail, most people will now rely on the Internet, since email is cheaper, faster, and more convenient.
With email, the user can simply login, compose their letter, and have it delivered within a matter of seconds. Social media has also contributed to the decline of snail mail in the United States and abroad.
This has changed many people’s perceptions of the stamp. Many people have now turned towards stamp collecting as the most important purpose of the stamp.
In some cases, a stamp can be just as valuable as a lump of gold. The stamp’s value depends on a variety of factors, including its rarity, design, color, originality, and age.
The sheer diversity of postage stamps around the world is absolutely enormous. This diversity helps to make collecting stamps a very exciting endeavor.
While sending letters through snail mail is on the decline, the postal service will also play a vital role in modern civilization. There are still plenty of reasons to use snail mail.
For instance, many consumers pay their bills through the mail. Businesses deliver their bills through the mail. And, politicians use snail mail to deliver political paraphernalia to their constituents. With this in mind, stamps are still a necessity for the mass majority of Americans.
Where Can I Buy Stamps Near Me 2021?
As you likely already know, stamps can be purchased from a wide variety of facilities. They’re available in post offices, retail establishments, banks, and even pharmacies.
Not all locations will offer stamps, so it is generally a good idea to call ahead first. This is the sole purpose of your local post office.
So, if you want to avoid any problems, visiting a post office is a guaranteed way to buy stamps. Simultaneously, it is possible to purchase stamps in various quantities.
It is possible to purchase a single stamp or a book. Usually, a book will consist of 20 stamps. Finally, you can also purchase a bigger role.
Limited edition stamps are often introduced to the market during the Holidays and around other special events. These types are generally available at any local USPS post office.
Stamps have been created to commemorate events, honor historical figures, and celebrate holidays. Just remember that the prices of stamps are consistently changing. Unfortunately, the prices have risen sharply over the past few years.
#1 Wal-Mart
Almost everyone lives near Wal-Mart. The company has spread its stores throughout the United States in urban and rural areas. Therefore, you should have little to no problem locating a Wal-Mart store near you.
This is a good thing because Wal-Mart offers a wide variety of services. Wal-Mart often offers banking services, a pharmacy, and of course, stamps. If you find yourself in need of a stamp, you should definitely visit your local Wal-Mart.
#2. Grocery Stores
You should also know that many grocery stores will sell stamps. The stamps are sometimes sold in the school supplies section.
Alternatively, you may be required to speak with the store’s customer service department. Be sure to call your local grocery store in advance, because not all of them sell stamps.
#3. Pharmacies
It is also a good idea to check your local pharmacy. CVS, Rite-Aid, and even Walgreens will often sell stamps to the public.
In fact, these stores have become far more versatile over the years. They now offer many of the items that Americans buy and use on a daily basis. Whether you’re in need of stamps, food, or toiletry items, you should definitely consider visiting your local pharmacy.
#4. Banks
A lot of Americans visit their bank each day to withdraw money or make a deposit. Others do so each week to have their paycheck deposited.
If you fall into this category, you’ll be happy to know that your local bank could very well sell stamps. The next time you visit your local bank, you should consider asking the clerk whether or not they sell stamps.
#5. Online Retailers
Online retailers like Amazon have become very popular over the past few years. As Americans already realize, Amazon sells almost everything.
And of course, Amazon also sells stamps. If you find yourself shopping on Amazon, you might as well add a book of stamps to your cart.
You can guarantee that you’ll use them at some point in the future. Other online retails sell stamps as well. In fact, you can buy stamps directly from the USPS’s official website.
#6. Office Supply Stores
Many office supply stores, such as Staples and Office Depot, will also sell stamps to the public. Fed Ex and UPS may also do the same.
Most consumers will reside fairly close to one of these facilities. If you do, you should call the store directly and see whether or not they sell stamps in their store.
#7. Gas Stations
Gas stations and convenience stores tend to be open 24 hours a day. Simultaneously, they often sell a little bit of everything.
This is great for consumers that find themselves in a bind. With a little bit of luck, you’ll find that your local gas station sells stamps. Find out in advance, so you can pull yourself out of a bind in the future.
#8. Check Cashing Places
Finding a place that cashes checks can be far more difficult than you might imagine. However, there are many specialty stores that will cash checks and offer loans. These facilities will sometimes sell stamps as well.
#9. ATMs
There is no doubt that the ATM is very convenient. It gives you the ability to withdraw your money from a far more convenient location.
Recently, ATMs have gotten even more convenient. This is the case because some will not offer postage stamps.
These types of ATMs are very common on the west coast and it is likely that they’ll spread throughout the country with time. Keep an eye out and you may very well find an ATM in your area that dispenses stamps.
Where To Purchase Postage Stamps Near Me?
When looking for locations near me that have stamps for sale, you truly will not have to look far. However, it is often best to purchase stamps in bulk.
This is a good idea because stamps in bulk are generally far cheaper than purchasing single stamps. Buying in bulk is always cheaper.
Just remember that stamps are available in different varieties, including rolls, books, and coils. They’ll be explained in greater depth below.
- Rolls – Each roll of stamps will normally contain 10 stamps.
- Book – In general, a single book of stamps will possess 20 stamps
- Coil – The coil is the largest set you can purchase. They’ll normally contain 10,000 single stamps.
The great benefit of buying stamps is they can be found just about anywhere. One of the most common places to buy postage stamps is at a local post office, but they can also be found at grocery and retail stores.
Many chain pharmacies, such as Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens also keep postage stamps and envelopes in stock for their customers.
Many financial institutions such as banks and credit unions also sell postage stamps, but they usually offer them in a book format. So, you should be prepared to purchase a book with 20 to 40 stamps, instead of just a single stamp.
To provide convenience to shopping and buying postage stamps, many retailers and pharmacies are allowing companies to set up vending machines in their stores.
These machines hold a variety of items, including postage stamps, money orders, and cash withdrawals. If you visit a local Wal-Mart, you will find the machine at the front of the store, near the return desk.
You can also purchase postage stamps online from the United States Postal Service and have them delivered to your home.
You will find several online businesses that sell stamps and will ship them to your home for a low shipping fee. The USPS will not charge shipping, since the mailman is responsible for delivering them to your home.
How to Mail a Letter
What Is The Purpose of A Postage Stamp?
When mailing out a letter or parcel, it must contain postage. A stamp is part of the monetary system for snail mail services.
A postage stamp represents the fees you paid to have the letter or parcel shipped to a specific destination. The postage stamp represents how the item is to be delivered.
A stamp is described as First-Class and is a cost-effective option for mailing letters, packages, and postcards that weigh less than 13 ounces, which is classified as First-Class postage.
Consumers have many options to choose from when it comes to delivery. If you are willing to invest more money in the postage, you can have your packages or letters delivered quicker than the standard 3 to 5 days.
In fact, you can have the item delivered the same day of the initial purchase of the postage if you choose to, but you will pay a hefty price for this expedient delivery.
Utilizing a stamp speed up the mailing process, because it shows each facility and entity that handles the mail the shipping fees have been paid in full and it does not need to be inspected.
The Price of Stamps
Today, a single postage stamp costs 49 cents and the price is expected to increase annually. Most consumers prefer to purchase a book or roll of stamps because they mail out a lot of letters and parcels on a daily or weekly basis.
They also do not want to be forced to go shopping for postage stamps every time they need to mail out a letter.
The difference between a book and a roll of stamps is the count. Each book contains 10 postage stamps and a roll contains 20 stamps.
If you own a business and have a lot of outgoing mail, you may want to consider investing in what is called a “coil”, which contains 10,000 stamps. The coil is only available through USPS and may only be offered as an in-store purchase.
In the older days, postage stamps were in high demand. That has changed over the past few years, but consumers still invest millions of dollars in postage each year.
With the introduction of the electronic mailing system, consumers can now do most of their mailing services online, which has driven up the cost of the postage stamp.