So I Went To The Post Office..

And the guy behind the counter was willing to sell me individual stamps!

So I asked for one of everything, which he was more than happy to sell me. There were even a few that were marked to be sent back that he let me buy.

Only ran into one small problem. One of the stamps has about 1/4 of it's backing paper removed from the way he tore it. What's the best way to deal with this?

I have other backing paper around. Should I just cut a small piece and cover over the exposed adhesive?

Funny Andy I was just thinking about doing the same thing this morning. I know one of our P.O. clerks keeps a money bag full of loose odds and ends of stamps. I was thinking it might be a good way to get some modern stamps. Singles. As far as your question I dont see what would be wrong with it. It depends on what your going to do with the stamps I guess.

What stamp was it? If simply a "Forever" stamp currently available at most post offices, I'd try to get another one and use the one with the damaged backing paper for postage. (Of course, that's the perfectionist in me talking.) After all, it's only 49-cents and since you don't want to risk damaging an album page or mount because of the defect, that's the way to go.

On the other hand, we all know that virtually all modern US issues are worth less than face value on the secondary market, so if the damage doesn't bother you, then just hold onto it.

You're right. A new stamp would only cost me $0.49. It would be stupid of me not to just go buy a new one.

It is kind of baffling to me why people still buy modern postage from the post office I have several friends in the stamp & coin biz. that sell me their overstock below face value. Most of it I've given away to kids and young adults to try to keep this hobby alive. There are to many 19th and early 20th century issues for me to look for. I gave up buying modern postage in 1976 because you had to buy half a sheet of stamps to get a plate block. Try asking your local stamp shop, most are glad to sell overstock.

Wash you obviously are not a true stamp collector but a stamp investor. I collect for the fun of collecting. I don't care how much a stamp is going to sell for 30 years from now. I won't be alive then and my family has no interest in stamps.So I am only concerned with if I want it and how much a stamp costs me now. I use the U.S. Scott Specialized Catalog so as to get an idea of how much I should spend on a stamp I want and can afford.

I try to use current commemoratives to mail ebay lots I sell as collectors seem to appreciate it. I do often use discount postage on other mailings, or for the second or third ounce, but I always try to use at least one recent issue. I know I could save a dime or so per mailing, but it's not that big of a deal. Plus recent commemoratives have the added benefit of retaining some of their value as used collectibles. About six months or so ago I sold a small kiloware lot of recent forever commemoratives on paper that I received on mail and, to my shock, ended up getting somewhere around 40-50% of FACE value (and fairly close to actual catalog value). Contrast that with a recent sale I made of a used accumulation of 3-20 cent issues (commems and defins), for which I got about $11 for an entire pound off paper. Nice used examples of current commemoratives can be hard to find, and collectors generally appreciate getting them on their mail. At least I know I do.

I've noticed postal employees get really happy when you tell them you want to use stamps.

"I've noticed postal employees get really happy when you tell them you want to use stamps."

Ha! I know you're joking, but I sent a package to Europe last week with $9.45 in stamps applied. Of course, I still had to go to the counter with my customs form to drop off the package. The clerk went into about a 5 minute grumble-thon as she took my package about how much work she needed to do with it. She looked at me like I was The Creature From the Black Lagoon or something.

Oh no! I was not joking. I mailed something to an SCF members that needed about $9.00 in postage. I asked the guy at the counter if I could use stamps, and he said "Oh, absolutely!" He then went and got some sheets of the waves of color stamps and helped me get the right postage with a smile on his face.

Sorry to ruffle some feathers here, and no I'm not a investor, I do however specialize in Scott # 331-546 and that is plenty to keep me busy for the rest of my life. I'm sorry but I'm just not interested In self adhesive labels. I think everyone here remembers the peace dove Christmas blunder. I do however collect all US stamps pre-1976 including back of the book stuff. Again I'm sorry if I offended anyone. I have to say I was quite offended being called a investor. I'm here for fun and to talk with people about a great hobby. Peace

Wash500 I don't collect self adhesives either unless they are mint from the P.O. with the backing on them. I throw away all the used ones or give them away. Also I don't collect any computer generated postage Labels.