Applying Modern Stamps To Cardboard Shipping Box

I normally apply a piece of brown paper to the address side of used cardboard shipping box (think a typical Amazon box) and then either lick and stick or self adhere modern stamps to the brown paper. Cutting and taping the brown paper to fix to a used box is tedious process and requires an assistant for best results, so I bought a pack of new normal brown cardboard shipping boxes.

Do lick and stick and self adhesive stamps stick well to cardboard or will I still need to apply brown paper to make them stick?

Self adhesive, no problem. Lick and stick, no problem if not over wet and not too much pressure used. These boxes likely need to be handed over the counter at which time ask the clerk to cancel them so if any are torn off or fall off, there is evidence postage was paid. The zero meter strip also shows the postage was paid as the clerk is to verify the correct postage before add the zero tape.

Now if using plastic tape to close the box, the self stick work very well on the tape, the water activated tend to fall off when the gum dries (just like in a high quality drying book).

Also this solution for used boxes (stamps will stick to this); might be more economic than new boxes plus you get to recycle
https://www.amazon.com/Tan-Maskout-...p/B00F8JBQMO

Straight from Uline
https://www.uline.com/BL_2/Maskout-...+spray+paint
Don

I like getting used stamps back from person sent the parcel, especially if they dont collect. I usually enclose SASE and just wrap the old cardboard box with brown paper. Than I use full sheets of 8.5x11 "white printer paper taped on edges, which you can also apply directly to the sides of the box if you dont want to wrap. Apply postage all on them, cover with plastic and tape one edge. I have the postmaster verify correct postage paid, cancel stamps by hand and tape down the other 3 sides of plastic. When parcel is received they can use a box cutter, along the edge of the sheets, lift them off and put them in the envelope back to me. Great way to obtain nice used copies of high values and souvenir sheets without more expense or the possibility of some brown staining some papers will do. .

Your other option is to have the franking cancelled by the clerk, apply a $0.00 label to the parcel confirming payment, and add the cancelled stamps to the packing slip (usually a clear plastic sleeve with backing adhesive).