Where to Buy Stamps in NYC in 2024: A Local‘s Detailed Guide
As an NYC resident for over a decade, I learned firsthand how frustrating it can be when you need a stamp for mail and aren‘t sure where to get one nearby. With over 167 different post offices plus retailers like Duane Reade, Walgreens, and Costco selling stamps, the options got overwhelming quick!
Over the years, I perfected an approach to conveniently buy stamps across New York City while saving money. In this comprehensive guide for 2024, you‘ll discover everything needed on where and how to purchase postage stamps as a local.
By The Numbers: Post Offices Dominate Stamp Sales
While pharmacies and big box stores sell stamps, the United States Postal Service (USPS) vastly dominates the market in NYC through post office locations:
- 167 post offices in NYC versus about 100 Duane Reade/Walgreens locations
- Most retailers only sell booklets of 20 or 100 First Class Forever stamps
- Post offices offer the widest selection of stamps including specialty and single stamps
I usually visit the post office if I need anything beyond the standard Forever stamps, like extra ounce, postcard, or global stamps. See the full comparison:
| Retailer | Stamp Selection | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post Office | First Class, Forever, Global, Specialty | Booklets, Rolls, Singles | Face value |
| Duane Reade/Walgreens | Forever | Booklets | Slightly below face value |
| Costco | Forever | Booklets | Face value |
| CVS | Forever | Booklets | Sometimes below face value |
| Target | Forever | Booklets, Rolls | Face value |
Save Money on Forever Stamp Booklets
If you mail letters frequently, buying Forever stamps in bulk booklets is the most affordable approach long-term.
The face value for a book of 20 First Class Forever stamps in 2024 is $12.60 at post offices. Retailers like Duane Reade, Walgreens and sometimes CVS sell them slightly cheaper – usually around $10 per booklet.
Getting booklets at pharmacies can add up to over $50/year savings if you mail often! Just be aware that rolls and specialty stamps are still best purchased directly through USPS.
Rolls Versus Booklets – What‘s Best?
Forever stamps are available as booklets (20 per book) or on a roll (100 per roll). Rolls used to be more economical but not anymore after the 2023 USPS price hike.
Here‘s my take on which format is better:
Stamp Booklets
- Convenient for infrequent mail
- Sold practically everywhere
- Won‘t dry out if unused for long periods
Stamp Rolls
- Cheaper per stamp before 2023 rate change
- Long rolls can be hard to store
- Stamps may curl or dry out over time
I prefer to buy a few booklets so I always have stamps on hand. Rolls only make sense now if you routinely send very high volumes of mail.
Buy Global Stamps for International Mail
Sending letters abroad from the US often requires extra postage to cover higher international rates. Global Forever stamps let you mail a standard 1 oz. letter to any country for the same $1.40 price – a convenience well worth the small premium over regular $0.63 Forever stamps.
Pro Tip: Always get the global stamps if mailing overseas. I made the mistake of using regular Forever stamps once and had mail returned to me for insufficient postage.
Specialty Stamps – When You Need Them
Beyond global and Forever, you may occasionally need specialty stamps:
- Extra Ounce – $0.25 stamps to add if letter is over 1 ounce
- Postcard – Preprinted stamp for domestic postcards
- 2 Cent Stamps – To supplement postage on odd weight mail
- Certified Mail – Provides tracking and delivery confirmation
These are almost exclusively only sold at post office locations. I suggest buying them directly there rather than trying stores.
Buying Stamps Online
Ordering stamps on the USPS website takes only 5-10 mins and they ship for free to your address in 1-3 days. This option is great when you need to replenish your supply and stamps on demand aren‘t urgent.
There are also third party websites like Stamps.com and ShipStation that let you print official postage directly from a computer for convenience. Rates are the same as USPS – very handy alternative for small business owners!
Pro Tip for Underserved NYC Neighborhoods
If it‘s difficult finding stamps nearby in your NYC neighborhood, here is an insider trick:
Many local delis, corner stores, and bodegas actually do sell stamps but don‘t always advertise it visibly. Politely ask your local shopkeepers if they have booklets under the counter. There‘s a good chance they can hook you up!
Follow these tips and you‘ll always know the inside scoop on where to conveniently buy stamps across New York City. Feel free to reach out with any other NYC questions!
