Fewer US Stamps In The Future?

Family,

There is an interesting article in Linn's Stamp News by Charles Snee where he speculates that there will be fewer U.S. stamps produced in the future. He begins by stating that there will only be two vendors instead of three now that Sennett Security Products will no longer produce for the USPS. Then he cites declining demand due to the Web.

This is good news for all who collect contemporary U.S. Fewer stamps means reduced costs - right? Not necessarily.

Snee also cites reduced competition (two vendors) could result in higher costs to the USPS. The bottom line?

It appears that the Philatelists collecting contemporary U.S. will continue to be gouged by the USPS.

Jack Kelley

I think contemporary stamp collecting would be more interesting were the post office to act as though collectors don't exist.

I always find this perspective interesting. No one is making you buy the stuff. If you're using commercial album pages and seeking completion because of all those spaces, or just feel compelled to achieve completion just because the stamps exist, then you're gouging yourself. It might be better to collect only what you like, and ignore all the stickers they print that you dislike. Make your own album pages just for those items. The compulsion for completion is a trap. I once was there, but it ended forever with the FROM YOU TO ME stamp!

palermo, I hope I'm your Secret Santa this year; I know exactly what to get you!

Palermo - your post has me laughing... I no longer collect modern US stamps, but always buy commemoratives for postage - recently it's been the uncut press sheets knowing that my fellow collectors may find these covers interesting. I picked up a copy of the "From Me to You" uncut press sheet. It's been fun to use with all the combination of extra designs on the sides. I've had a few non-collectors ask me if these are even stamps!

Paul

I know. I just suck. I can't help myself. Not yet, anyway.

Jack

Why does the USPS print commeratives? Besides collectors, who uses them? On mail to our house, I see 50 t0 100 flags for every commemorative. Excepting mail from stamp dealers. Even more so, why print postal stationary? Do you ever see that?
Don

Other than to honor people, places, and things there is really no need. If they did away with them it would save a lot of money.

Family,

I just love the stamps of the 40's and 50's. I have a MYSTIC album covering the period 1940 to 1969. I have every stamp called for. Using EZStamp to catalog their value, it came to $196.08 (MNH-F). Scott 859-1386 - 500 stamps. Not a bad price for such a beatutiful collection.

I won't tell you what the value is for the 20's and 30's MYSTIC album, also every stamp called for MNH-F (unless you ask)

Jack kelley