Can You Print Stamps for USPS In 2024? (All You Need to Know)
As an ecommerce business owner shipping over 100 packages per day, I rely on buying USPS postage efficiently. So with recent changes, many clients have asked me: can you print stamps for USPS in 2024?
Below I‘ll compare the stamp buying and printing options based on convenience, security, and pricing.
USPS Shipping Tool Limitations
USPS offers online tools to purchase select shipping labels and postage:
- Click-N-Ship – Allows pre-paying for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express labels only. No stamp printing.
- Self-service kiosks – Available in many post offices for quick stamp purchases using debit/credit cards.
However, USPS ended their customized postage program in 2021. So you can no longer design and print your own custom stamps directly through USPS.
Rising Postage Demand
As ecommerce grows, more businesses need mailing and shipping solutions:
- USPS has delivered over 54 billion pieces of First Class Mail in 2022 so far, up 4.7% since 2021.
- The average US consumer receives 36 pieces of household mail per week.
- USPS expects over 12 billion stamps and retail items to be sold in 2024.
| Year | Total USPS Stamps Sold |
|---|---|
| 2023 (projected) | 12 billion |
| 2022 (YTD) | 11 billion |
| 2021 | 10 billion |
So efficient access to stamps and postage is essential for businesses and individuals alike.
Buying Stamps Online
Third party vendors authorizeed by USPS allow buying real USPS postage online and printing from home:
Stamps.com
- Monthly Fee: $17.99
- Postage Discount: 5% average
- Print Options: Directly on envelopes or Netstamps sheets
- Types: First Class, Priority, International
- Customizable with company logo/images
Netstamps
- Sold by Stamps.com
- No monthly fee
- Peel-and-stick printer sheets
- $5.89 for 5 sheets
Pros
- Save time not going to post office
- Discounted rates
- Print 24/7 on demand
- Avoid out of stock stamps
Cons
- Monthly fees (Stamps.com only)
- Printing supply costs
- Technical issues with printers
Purchasing Stamps at Kiosks
USPS offers self-service kiosks that accept debit/credit cards in most locations:
- Open 24/7 for simple transactions
- Pay with cash or card
- Purchase books of 20 or more stamps
- First class, international options
I personally use kiosks weekly to get books of 100 first class or priority stamps. It takes just minutes compared to 15-30 minutes waiting in line!
Which Option is Best?
For large ecommerce businesses, using Stamps.com software integrated with order processing results in massive time savings and discounted postage.
But for small volume needs, stopping by USPS kiosks when running other errands is the most budget-friendly option.
No matter what, buying bulk stamps saves over using metered mail orindividual stamps for each letter or package.
So in 2024, businesses and individuals have more ways than ever to conveniently access USPS postage and stamps. And remote self-service options are only continuing to expand.
What has your experience been buying or printing stamps over the past year? Feel free to share any tips in the comments below!
