eBay

bunnycubed · ‎08-11-2022

My local Post Office in Northwestern Ontario says Canada Post is no longer printing demonination stamps.

Any truth to this and how does one go forward? I use these to make $3.19 and $4.44 postage which happens fairly regular..They suggest lining up there and buying labels...seems inefficient...

marnotom! · ‎08-11-2022

Given that there are a number of stamp sellers who post on these discussion boards on a regular basis, I'm sure we'd have heard about this development loudly and clearly.

I suspect that someone has misinterpreted some information from Canada Post HQ. It may be that Canada Post is no longer going to be issuing stamps that have the current letter mail rate printed on them and will be issuing only "P" stamps for use with regular letters. Otherwise, it's business as usual.

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎08-11-2022

@bunnycubed wrote:
My local Post Office in Northwestern Ontario says Canada Post is no longer printing demonination stamps.
Any truth to this and how does one go forward? I use these to make $3.19 and $4.44 postage which happens fairly regular..They suggest lining up there and buying labels...seems inefficient...

I've purchased the 3.19/4.44/5.05 in the past on request. (Have a few dated 2018>>>Supposed to be no expiry). From recent experience finding additional denomination stamps in any kind of local depot has become next to impossible. If that is the case (3.19/4.44 etc and pre-printing) what you may have to do is purchase the smaller denomination stamps directly through your SSB and use with with the 1.94/1.30 to make up the difference. 1 to 10 cents are available along with 2.71 for international. 1.30 is the only denomination available specifically for USA.

https://store.canadapost-postescanada.ca/store-boutique/en/5/c/postage-stamps

Clicking on filters you can sort Canada/USA/Intl.

I can't recall if there was a minimum order for free shipping. Have only ordered once using that method.

-Lotz

PS. Will check with my depot to see if I get an issue with pre-printing.

reallynicestamps · ‎08-11-2022

Post Office or postal outlet?
As I remember the deal, the postal outlets, which are privately owned and run, must buy their stamps and other Canada Post stock from Canada Post.

And they cannot return anything they buy.

I suspect that, if that is a postal outlet, the owner/manager has decided to to tie up capital in slow moving stock (how often would they have a demand for a penny stamp to make up a rate, for example?).

You can print your own labels at home.

You need a Solutions for Small Business card, if you don't already have one.

https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/business/small-business.page?

which also gives you small discounts on some services.

And of course, there are eBay listings for postage at more substantial discounts (10-30% below face).

Avoid those who advertise No Gum, those are previously used and not valid for use.

Canada Post issues stamps with the current US and International rates. I can't see making those into P stamps, since the rates vary so much with weight and destination.

The P stamp pays the lowest (30g) domestic letter rate.

Go over 50g and you need to pay more.

bunnycubed · ‎08-11-2022

it is a Post Office...it's a town of 4,000 and no home delivery...

How do I print a $1 stamp...or 25 cent stamps...I do print parcel labels at home already.

My business model uses a ton of oversize lettermail, thus the need for denomination stamps...this is a puzzling move by Canada Post, with not much news from them about it.

edubb101 · ‎08-11-2022

Hello,

About a year ago I was told at a Canada Post Outlet that they were phasing out the 10 cent stamp. This was also confirmed to me about 3 months ago at another Canada Post Outlet. These were both at Shoppers. I've heard nothing else about any of the other demonminations. Currently I can still by the 10 cent stamps but I have been told that no more will be coming in.

All the best

bunnycubed · ‎08-11-2022

this is the same as I was told, other than everything is phased out except for 8 and 10 dollar stamps....

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎08-11-2022

@bunnycubed wrote:
My local Post Office in Northwestern Ontario says Canada Post is no longer printing demonination stamps.
Any truth to this and how does one go forward? I use these to make $3.19 and $4.44 postage which happens fairly regular..They suggest lining up there and buying labels...seems inefficient...

@reallynicestamps

@marnotom!

@edubb101

Confirmed with my local SD outlet. The answer was yes that is the go to going forward. Reason being if package is under postage agent that generated stamps is on the hook for the shortfall. He used to the term almost but wouldn't let me purchase 3.19 for my own future envelops. I've had small packages returned over the years for that issue. Just added the additional and recent.

In checking his stock of misc stamps. He had some but not all. Everyones results may vary.

-Lotz

bunnycubed · ‎08-11-2022

I am really looking forward to standing in line to buy 5-15 labels every week...sounds like a blast...

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎08-11-2022

@bunnycubed

I guess the difference being if the envelop or parcel is short postage with stamps it gets returned to sender....(If and it's a big one if, if there is a return address.) When it's pre-printed curious to know what the process would be? Dead letter or on its merry way? Now many folks bin and run or have access to stamps purchased in bulk online from sellers. Won't name names. We know who you are!!! 🙂

In days gone by anyone that mailed alot had a PB (or similar) postage printer. You loaded it with postage (meant bringing it in to reload). You need to have a volume to do that. Many sellers do not or want to tie up mega bucks in funds on potential postage.

I know with purchasing postage in the USA (ebay or otherwise) options vary per method and are updated/obsoleted regularly. It is possible in those parts to purchase the el cheapo tracked letter service. Something we don't have access to.

-Lotz

reallynicestamps · ‎08-11-2022

Do you have a printer?

If you do, you can print out your shipping labels at home.

If you don't, the Dominion of Canada has never demonetized any stamps so you can use older ones. If you don't have a stamp dealer in your area (and stamp shows are starting up again too) you can buy older stamps at a discount on eBay.

If you are exporting you will need the printer because the shipping label includes the customs form.

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎08-11-2022

@reallynicestamps wrote:
Do you have a printer?
If you do, you can print out your shipping labels at home.
If you don't, the Dominion of Canada has never demonetized any stamps so you can use older ones. If you don't have a stamp dealer in your area (and stamp shows are starting up again too) you can buy older stamps at a discount on eBay.

If you are exporting you will need the printer because the shipping label includes the customs form.

I believe these are the ones being referred to. Many seller had them printed at a PO in the past as required.

You could use at your discretion for oversized letters only as per the label. You could request for USA but I never did.

-Lotz

flipistics · ‎08-11-2022

@bunnycubed wrote:
it is a Post Office...it's a town of 4,000 and no home delivery...
How do I print a $1 stamp...or 25 cent stamps...I do print parcel labels at home already.
My business model uses a ton of oversize lettermail, thus the need for denomination stamps...this is a puzzling move by Canada Post, with not much news from them about it.

Get a Canada Post business account if you don't already have one (Solutions for Small Business). You can then create a free Postal Indicia template. I print mine out on 1x2" labels (make sure you use a laser or thermal printer in case they get wet). They have your business account number on them. You stick the same label on all your lettermail items regardless of weight or whether they're regular or oversize.

When you're ready to take them to the post office you weigh each one (which you'd have to do anyway) and input the results into a form on EST Online, pay, and print out the 3 sheets you get in return (my post office told me to only print out the first 2). Sign them, take them up to the counter, and give the sheets and the lettermail items to the person at the counter.

There's very little difference timewise. The only real downside is that you can't just drop them in a mail slot, but have to give them to the person at the counter. The advantage is that you will never have to worry about whether or not you have the right stamps, nor do you have to prepurchase rolls of them in advance. Canada Post also gives you a monthly statement online showing your lettermail purchases, which makes the bookkeeping lightning fast.

kawartha-ephemera · ‎08-12-2022

@reallynicestamps wrote:
Canada Post issues stamps with the current US and International rates. I can't see making those into P stamps, since the rates vary so much with weight and destination.
The P stamp pays the lowest (30g) domestic letter rate.
Go over 50g and you need to pay more.

I would be very surprised if CP were to completely stop offering low value definitives. the reason being as @reallynicestamps stated above. Although imo the primary necessity for continuing to isssue low value definitives is because CP usually adjusts the USA and International regular letterpost rates every year. I'm referring here to USA 30g letterpost (current face value is 1.30) and International 30g letterpost (current value 2.71) stamps sold in booklets etc. Now, next January 2023 CP will no doubt adjust the USA and Intl letterpost rates somewhat higher than they've been during 2021 and 2022. At that point CP will need to offer customers a means of using any unused stamps issued in past years that no longer have the correct face value for the intended purpose. This is I believe the primary reason CP makes available a few low value definitives, they're meant to be used in conjunction with the previous years leftover inventory of USA and Intl letterpost stamps. Say i find myself holding a few books of Intl 30g 2.71 letterpost stamps after a rate hike I could esaily need to add a 20 or 25 cent definitive alongside to match the annual rate increase.

The CP store is still offering a selection of low value definitives in sheet format, I checked, nothing has a face value above 25 cents. I do note though that CP has had that same beneficial insect definitives series in use for several years now, it would not be surprising if the insect series is to be discontinued, it's time for a new issue possibly timed for release in January 2023. If so it would not be surprising if the current insect series start to disappear from POs ahead of the arrival of a replacement issue. The thing is CP cannot know what new face value definitives are required until 2023 postage rates are set.

For the most part, the low value definitives exist for use with regular USA and Intl leterpost.

For me to use discount postage for Oversize mail I prefer to use multiple $1 face value stamps, addiing adding a few 20s or 10s usually gets the job done. CP doesn't seem to have those on offer at the moment, Vintage discount stamps are more fun anyway.

femmefan1946 · ‎08-12-2022

You can't print labels for LetterMail at home.

Since most of my shipments use LetterMail, I do sympathize.

Frankly, in the short run your best bet is to start buying denominated postage now.

A sheet of 100 x 1c stamps would be an investment of $1.00.

Of 25c stamps $25.00.

Plus GST.

Or you can buy packets of older denominated postage here on eBay.

Here's one current listing.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/255672174488?hash=item3b873fc798:g:cjUAAOSwEoth5chi

Weeda Stamps here in Victoria are very reliable, both Andrew (former owner) and Firman (current owner) have excellent reputations.

You might have to ask if they have any other postage lots currently available since that particular one is of the dreaded "P" stamps.

Full disclosure, DH has worked with both men, as a buyer and as a seller, for decades.

bunnycubed · ‎08-12-2022

Great reply!!! Got tired of answering the "print it at home" answer, you are absolutely correct...

I went today and started buying them out of stamps...got all their 0.25's, 0.22's and 0.10's ...lol...

To me it seems odd that this is happening without any fanfare or outcry...

reallynicestamps · ‎08-12-2022

Write your MP -

MP

House of Commons

Ottawa K1A 0A6

Bonus -- you don't need a stamp. Mark it OHMS.

lotzofuniquegoodies · ‎08-12-2022

@bunnycubed wrote:
I am really looking forward to standing in line to buy 5-15 labels every week...sounds like a blast...

Just got back from post office. Couple in front of me with 3 pkgs to Cuba and no discount. Options per package 143 for surface and 195 for Xpresspost. They were not impressed. Because their ducks weren't in a row waited close to 30 mins while parcels got processed. Can only imagine how bad it will get with so many people running home businesses. Will have to remember to pack your patience.

-Lotz

bunnycubed · ‎08-12-2022

I don't think the Post Office front counter is modelled on efficiency...it is painfully slow and hard to watch from 4 back in the line...future me problems, but jeez...

I agree with reallynicestamps...write your MP...

what was the issue?...major business model change...I'm sure they did the government equivalent of a "Management of Change" evaluation...oh, what?...

But I rant....