Using multiple stamps to post parcles

[Ginej03]

I often use two 1st class and one large 1st class non barcoded stamps to send a small 2nd class parcel and this has always worked fine as the postage amount is correct.
Last week I tried to use the same amount but with the new barcoded stamps and the lady at the post office said this might not work as the barcodes will be scanned and not sorted by people and it will think it’s sending first class so i will have to use 2nd class stamps if I want to send it 2nd. Is this correct? I can’t see any difference as long as there is enough postage to cover sending the parcel. Thanks.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I often use two 1st class and one large 1st class non barcoded stamps to send a small 2nd class parcel and this has always worked fine as the postage amount is correct.
Last week I tried to use the same amount but with the new barcoded stamps and the lady at the post office said this might not work as the barcodes will be scanned and not sorted by people and it will think it’s sending first class so i will have to use 2nd class stamps if I want to send it 2nd. Is this correct? I can’t see any difference as long as there is enough postage to cover sending the parcel. Thanks.

As far as I know, the PSM (Parcel Sorting Machines) have the ability to scan all the stamps, and the address at the same time, so whilst no computer system is 100% accurate it should be okay. Having said that if the computer says "no" and rejects it, then it will be diverted to an operator who can properly process it.

Also inside knowledge here, in most cases, 1st and 2nd classes are processed at the same time, it's only when there is a capacity or processing issue that they may delay 2nd class. In essence 1st class is a higher priority so there should be no problems using stamps like you described above.

You could get an official ruling from @royalmailhelp or @PostOffice both on twitter.

[Ginej03]

Thank you so much True Blue Terrier for your reply, that’s really helpful

[simmo11]

I have sent multiple letters and large letters with multiple barcoded stamps (sometimes up to 5) and never had a problem as long as the stamps add up to the correct postage amount or higher.

The PO is spinning you a yarn, probably wants you to buy the postage from them instead.

[Lounge Lizard]

We're told to use up old ( non barcoded ) stamps so I recently put eleven old First Class stamps for the £10.45 rate on a 15kg Second Class Medium Parcel.
The owner of the village Post Office didn't think that was valid, 'phoned someone who said it was and even then was reluctant to accept it.
Part of the trouble is that they get next to no training nowadays, and they get so little remuneration that they're often not minded to be helpful.

[simmo11]

Had same problem with the attached.

PO inside local shop - guy was at first not happy to accept but then gave me a proof of postage with a warning that "it might not work".

Context - I had also added a completed CN22B on the back - my local Crown Office (not the one I went to in this case) keep me in stock of these and airmail stickers if I ask nicely.

Anyway, this parcel arrived safe and sound in France 9 days later.

I love stamps, I'm probably old fashioned and not Simon Thompson's target market, but I love them.

[Snaggletooth]

Old information, so might not be current...

Royal Mail are fine about you using NVI stamps for part-payment for items. But some foreign postal administrations get very funny about them, apparently, and items carrying them have sometimes got delayed.

[simmo11]

Interesting, thanks for sharing.

I've never had problems in circa 10 years with the main foreign destinations I send to (France, Germany, USA, Canada, South Africa) - indeed the Wikipedia entry for Non-denominated Postage advises that the UPU approved their usage on cross-border mail in 1995. But maybe there are some that are still funny, or maybe I've been lucky.

I partake in Postcrossing (www.postcrossing.com) and my International Cards go with 2 x First Class NVIs & an airmail sticker - I overpay 5p but it would obviously cost me more than that to travel to the PO for each card instead of just walking to the end of the road!

Thanks for the heads up though :)

[sueloom]

Can I use the old 1st and second class stamps to send mail overseas?

[Route1]

Can I use the old 1st and second class stamps to send mail overseas?

yes

[sueloom]

Can I use the old 1st and second class stamps to send mail overseas?

yes

Thank you

[Belgium]

As someone who works in revenue protection i can confirm that the lady at the post office is telling you a pack of lies, as long as the correct postage is applied you can use as many and any combination of stamps you damn well choose

[simmo11]

Sending this beauty tonight - overpaid by half a pence

letter.png

[Belgium]

Sending this beauty tonight - overpaid by half a pence

letter.png

The halfpence on the 20p stamp is now invalid, so you have paid spot on !!

[Lounge Lizard]

Someone on Revenue Protection may be able to confirm this but I understood that two halfpence on stamps, maybe only the same stamps or same value stamps, still counted as one penny. If so two 20½p stamps here means it will have been overpaid by a penny.