Can I glue stamps to an envelope/package?

[dinomitesales]

Okay, I sell a lot of items that qualify for Lettermail 100-200 g. This used to cost me $2.20, so I would just affix two $1.10 stamps, which are the peel-and-stick 'sticker' type (sorry if there's a proper name for this, I'm not a stamp guy). Boom, easy. Done.

Now, with the rate increase, it costs me $2.95 to ship the same item. But, there's no $2.95 stamp. According to the guy I talked to at the Post Office the highest denomination they have is $2.50 (which is a peel-and-stick type), which means I need to make up the remaining 45 cents using smaller denominations which are the 'lick-and-stick' type. The only issue is that I ship in poly bubble envelopes and entirely cover the front with tape - the lick-and-stick stamps won't adhere to the shipping tape. And I'm like 99% sure I can't tape over the stamps because they need to be marked by Canada Post.

Can I just take a glue stick and glue the stamps onto the package? I don't know what my other option is, unless there is some denomination of stamp(s) I can use that are all peel-and-stick, for which I am not aware of.

Thanks.

[pocomocomputing]

Go to the dollar store and buy some while sticky labels to put on the poly envelope and put the lick stamps on the white labels.

[pjcdn2005]

Yes you can glue the stamps but I don't know how well that work with a poly envelope. Poco's suggestion might work better.

[pocomocomputing]

I do not know if you can glue stamps on an envelope as far as Canada Post is concerned.

In the USA forums, I have read posts where sellers using USPS have had packages returned for invalid postage for glue residue near the stamps.

[rose-dee · Accepted solution]

I use 'poco's'  procedure if I have to put "lick-and-stick" stamps on a poly envelope, but I also tape the edges of the large white sticker down firmly onto the poly envelope, just to be sure it doesn't peel away. 

Then again, I'm a "belt-and-suspenders" type when it comes to shipping, so my solution may seem like overkill.

By the way, speaking of sticking things down, does anyone know why the 'emoticons' don't go where you put them anymore on these posts?  I've noticed they all end up at the very top left, no matter where you think you've placed them.  Am I doing something wrong, or has Lithium just messed up their programming?  Moderators, are you there???

[ricarmic]

Definitely do what Pocomo says - if you try gluing them on, unless you leave no residue, overglue etc, they will look the same to the posties as "re-used" stamps which is illegal and could cause problems for you.....

Rose: I found the same thing, I had to cut and paste the emoticon to the end of the text a day or two ago... I thought it was just me as I rarely use them....

[dinomitesales]

Thanks for the insight (poco as well!) - I never even thought of doing that. I like your idea of taping down the edges of the label too so it doesn't risk coming loose.

I actually already sent out a package by gluing down a couple stamps, so I guess that will work as a test run to see if they reach their destination safely (fingers crossed).

[tobyshitzu]

It would be easier just to switch to brown kaft style bubble mailers

[dinomitesales]

The material comprising the envelope isn't so much the issue - I like to cover the entire front of any envelope with tape to ensure that any labels I put on it are not going to come off. The lick-and-stick stamps won't stick to the packing tape.

I also personally like the poly mailers better than the Kraft mailers - I've used both and the poly mailers have the advantage of being more durable, lighter, and more weather-resistant. The idea of applying a separate label solely for stamps seems to be the best course of action moving forward.

[pjcdn2005]

if you try gluing them on, unless you leave no residue, overglue etc, they will look the same to the posties as "re-used" stamps which is illegal and could cause problems for you.....

I've never had a problem using a  glue stick.

[ricarmic]

Another suggestion, you should be able to still order the old $1.10 self adhesive stamps on the roll, one of them plus one of the new $1.00 self adhesive which comes in a roll too and the "p" stamp which is 85c = $2.95 ....the PO will let you order "old" stamps for a while after they are not in the PO.... you might be able to mix and match the various values to work in your favour.... assuming your local postie is helpful they can add them to their order, or you can order them from the Canada post site directly....

[ricarmic]

It is very very hard not to leave any excess, I've seen a lot of packages/envelopes in the last 35 years and the "reusers" are very easy to spot, one just has to hope for non-observant posties....just wave the package/envelope surface around under a light and it is almost always easy to see.....

[pjcdn2005]

These aren't reused stamps, just older ones that we've bought in bulk. I just dislike licking stamps and gluing seems to be the easiest way to go.

[ricarmic]

Well I hear you on that account some of the old stuff can have an "old" taste when licking them that is for sure!

[worrly]

I just dampened some tissue and avoid licking my stamps that way if I have a lot to stick on.

[bb_cool_stuff]

...some of the old stuff can have an "old" taste when licking them that is for sure !

Somewhere there is a joke in that statement, but I'll refrain this time.

[pjcdn2005]

Somewhere there is a joke in that statement, but I'll refrain this time.

I was thinking something similar LOL

[theafkgamer]

Retail Post Offices had to return all old stamps from 2014 ($1.10, $1.34, $1.85). Well, the one I work at was told we had to. Unless there were some left over, you won't find anything in stock. BUT, there is a feature at retail Post Offices called direct ship. As long as there is some in stock at the CP warehouse, they can order it for you and get it shipped to you. Free shipping for orders over $20. AFAIK, that would be the easiest way of finding old denominations.

[ricarmic]

theafkgame: yep that's what I meant, my wee PO orders inventory each month and I can order "old" issues, usually issued back to almost a year or so ago through that ordering process. Having said this I'm ordering more philatelic stuff like souvenir sheets so I don't know if they keep the definitives (regular) stamps for those kinds of orders or not. It also requires a helpful postie, which is no problem for me but might not be a possibility for others....

[hocotatefreight]

"I just dampened some tissue and avoid licking my stamps that way if I have a lot to stick on."
This is what I would do but a microfibre cloth, tissue will disintegrate while wet. Or, just very carefully use a glue stick. If some glue seeps out, try to clean it up asap while wet. Glue stick glue is water soluble.