Almost every bad stamp purchase happens the same way: late, tired, with a deadline tomorrow and a stack of addressed envelopes already on the table.
Fraud is designed for that moment. The checklist below exists to make sure you never arrive at it.
Know what the rate is before you shop
The 78-cent rate was set in July 2025 and holds until at least July 2026.
Knowing the number is itself a defence. Once you have 78 cents fixed in mind, a listing at 60% off stops reading as a bargain and starts reading as information about the seller.
Best deals on Forever stamps
Know which stamp you need
A Forever stamp covers a one-ounce First-Class letter. It does not cover everything, and this is where most postage-due notices originate:
- Forever — standard letters, valid at whatever the rate becomes.
- Non-machinable surcharge — square envelopes, ribbons, rigid inserts, anything lumpy.
- Additional ounce — heavier letters. Cheaper than adding a second Forever stamp, which overpays.
- Priority — when speed is the requirement rather than cost.
The USPS guide to stamp types covers the full set, and holiday shipping deadlines are published each season — worth checking before December, not during it.
Judge the channel by its discount
| Channel type | Typical discount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Official postal | None | Reliable, no surprises. The default. |
| Established retailers | 0–10% | Face value, easy returns, limited stock. |
| Large marketplaces | 5–15% | Depends entirely on the individual seller's record. |
| Specialist surplus | 10–25% | Overstock and liquidation. Best for volume. |
| Anything above 50% off | — | Counterfeit. Not a judgement call. |
Four habits that prevent the bad purchase
- Never buy under time pressure. If you are out of stamps the night before, buy locally at retail tomorrow. Paying full price once is cheaper than one rejected mailing.
- Stay in the low-discount channels. The difference between 15% and 40% off is not a better deal — it is a different category of seller.
- Don't over-buy either. Forever stamps hold their value, but hundreds of dollars of postage sitting in a drawer is money doing nothing. Buy to a forecast.
- Watch design releases if it matters to you. Seasonal and commemorative issues sell out, and the surplus market for them is thinner.
The test to apply to any unfamiliar seller: would I trust this site with my holiday cards? If that feels shaky, the price is not the reason to proceed.
Where to buy
The USPS official store, or a verified surplus channel such as Forever Stamp Center in the 10–25% range where genuine discounts live.
The short version
Know the current rate, know which stamp your mail needs, buy in daylight from a channel whose discount makes sense, and keep enough stock that you are never deciding at midnight.
More on buying Forever stamps
- 👉 A Complete Guide for Buying Stamps
- 👉 Zero Scans on 20,000 Kits
- 👉 US Flag 2024 Stamps: A Collector's Guide
USPS professional based in New York with over 12 years of experience in postal operations. She writes about Forever Stamps, offering practical guidance on safe purchasing and mailing practices while closely following USPS policy updates.
