You generally cannot sell stamps back to the Post Office for cash. Once purchased, stamp sales are typically final. However, you do have a viable option for converting your unused stamps into cash: selling them to a Postage Buying Service.
Understanding Stamp Sales Policies
The U.S. Postal Service (and most other national postal services) does not offer refunds or buy back stamps once they have been purchased. This policy means that stamps are essentially a final sale item, much like gift cards, and cannot be returned for their face value. This is why attempting to sell stamps directly back to the Post Office will not yield cash.
Your Primary Option: Postage Buying Services
Your best avenue for cashing in stamps is to utilize a Postage Buying Service. These are specialized companies that purchase unused postage stamps for a cash payment. They then resell these stamps to businesses or individuals at a slight discount, effectively providing a market for unwanted or surplus postage.
How Postage Buying Services Work:
- Contact a Service: Reach out to a reputable postage buying service. You can typically find these online.
- Submit Your Stamps: You'll usually need to mail your stamps to them for evaluation. Ensure they are packaged securely to prevent damage.
- Receive an Offer: The service will inspect your stamps (checking for usability, condition, and denomination) and provide you with a cash offer. The offer will be a percentage of the stamps' face value, not their full value, as the service needs to profit.
- Get Paid: If you accept the offer, the service will issue payment, often via check or electronic transfer.
What Kinds of Stamps Do They Buy?
Postage buying services are generally interested in unused stamps that are in good condition.
| Stamp Type | Description | Purchase Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| Forever Stamps | Unused, in mint condition. | High |
| Denominated Stamps | Unused stamps with a specific value (e.g., 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 50¢, $1). | High |
| Rolls/Sheets/Booklets | Full, intact rolls, sheets, or booklets of stamps are preferred. | High |
| Individual Stamps | Loose, unused stamps are often accepted, though sometimes at a lower rate. | Moderate |
| Damaged Stamps | Torn, creased, canceled, or significantly dirty stamps. | Low to None |
| Collectible Stamps | Very old, rare, or collectible stamps (might be better sold to collectors). | Low (unless high face value) |
Tips for Selling to a Postage Buying Service:
- Research Reputable Buyers: Look for services with positive reviews and clear terms and conditions.
- Understand the Value: Expect to receive less than the face value of your stamps. The exact percentage varies by service and the type/quantity of stamps.
- Condition Matters: Stamps must be unused and in excellent condition to fetch the best price. Any damage will reduce their value or make them unsellable.
- Larger Quantities: You might get a better rate for larger quantities of stamps.
Other Potential Avenues
While postage buying services are the most direct way to get cash for your stamps, other less common options exist:
- Online Marketplaces: You can attempt to sell unused stamps on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. However, this requires more effort on your part (listing, shipping, dealing with buyers) and you might still end up selling below face value.
- Stamp Collectors: If you have rare, antique, or particularly unique stamps, a philatelist or stamp dealer might be interested. However, this is unlikely to apply to common, modern postage.
For the vast majority of individuals looking to convert everyday unused stamps into cash, a postage buying service remains the most efficient and reliable method.
