The New Stamps

No this has been extended until the summer no need to panic.

I actually got my box of Christmas cards out tonight and found a whole load of old stamps. I was thinking what a waste but was relieved to read I could use them til January.

Apparently themed and commemorative stamps will be exempt and can be used indefinitely.

Floradora9

No this has been extended until the summer no need to panic.

Unfortunately I cannot find anything online to verify this.
There are, however, dozens of articles and notices stating that you must use them by 31 January 2023

These stamps can be used until July. Read it somewhere yesterday.

Stop the press!!!
Yes, you’re right! Apologies
www.timeout.com/uk/news/how-do-you-swap-your-stamps-before-they-go-out-of-date-102422

Yes, you can use them until the end of July 2023

On moneysavingexpert website as well.

Quote from the Royal Mail website today 'We’re adding barcodes to our regular stamps. After 31 January 2023, regular stamps without a barcode* will no longer be valid. You can either use up these stamps before this deadline or swap them for the new barcoded stamps.'
Would have thought that they would know when you need to use your stamps by??

www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps

Martin Lewis has said this has been extended to July 2023. I sent off the Swap Out form to Royal Mail to exchange 202 first class stamps to receive a letter informing me that I hadn’t enclosed the stamps. I knew I had. I wasn’t very happy, managed to talk to someone after an hour’s wait who apologised and said not to worry they will replace the stamps. Very odd. Fingers crossed the new stamps are replaced.

Daisymae it’s changed now - we’ve got until the end of July 2023

I found 3 books of first class stamps in a drawer bought by dh and would prefer second class so asked at a post Office if that was possible. Sadly it’s not. (Yes I know I am a Cheapskate). but look after the pennies and all that. ...

I might be a bit thick, but, on the new stamps, are you meant to tear the barcode off before using them? I've just been sticking the whole thing on, but now I notice that the barcode part is perforated, so am I meant to remove it?

I sent mine back for replacements a month ago and have heard nothing.

Keep the barcode on Dempie

I sent mine off soon after the swap scheme was introduced as I thought it would be busy nearer the cut off.

Gave them quite a while, but heard nothing. Rang up and they checked, said mine had never been received. I had taken copies of what I had sent, and she asked for the details and sent me the replacements.

According to the website, they didn’t have to do that, so was grateful. But my cynical side wondered if unscrupulous delivery people could just keep the special envelopes with the stamps in and claim themselves, thus not showing as being received from oneself.

I sent mine off ages ago and was just wishing I had taken copies of what I had sent when they appeared in the post.

They are massive aren't they?!

Thanks for the information about the extension. I was only telling a friend yesterday she needed to make sure she found and used any she had hanging around, so I'll update her tomorrow. I only had a few old stamps and used them up myself. The new ones are big, I'll have to be careful to leave plenty of space for them when writing the address. I know I could put the stamp on first, but then I can guarantee I'd make a pig's ear of the address with crossings out etc

I am wondering if someone has half-inched the stamps I sent back. I made no record, and do not know how many there were. Perhaps I am too trusting.

I've sent two lots in because I had over £200 worth. One lot was posted in the post box and I did wonder if they would go missing in the post. It took a while but the replacement stamps did arrived back. Next door signed for them because we were out.

I paid and sent the second batch special delivery. We tracked them and know they arrived. Still not had the replacements.

I sent some 80 odd stamps of varying values last week and today received 85 new first class stamps so I am delighted. Should keep me going next year!

You clearly have honest postpersons in your area!!

Luckygirl3

You clearly have honest postpersons in your area!!

That reminds me of a joke I heard about postal workers - there's probably variations of it.

A young boy sent a Christmas 'wish' list addressed to Santa. The postal workers opened it feeling a bit sad at the childish handwriting - and they had a whip round and enclosed a small amount of money sending it back with the reply, "from Santa".
The boy wrote back and thanked Santa, saying, "I know you probably sent me more money but my Dad says those thieving toads in the post room probably stole some of it".