Do Most Recipients Of Letters And Packages Examine Stamps And Form And Impression Of You

For recipients of letters and packages that you know and who might form an impression of you, do you avoid certain using certain types of stamps besides those of political figures and religious themes? Do most people look at stamps on envelopes or packages and form an impression of you or might sneer and look down upon you if you choose a stamp of a singer or actor/actress whose songs, voice or acting they don't like?

If you acquired Thanksgiving, Halloween or Valentine's Day themed stamps and used them in their off-seasons, would most recipients you know think oddly of you? Would someone you mutually like but don't love be taken back by seeing "Love" themed stamps you got at half off?

How about non-controversial historical figures that you are indifferent about or know very little about and that most people probably have never heard of?

If you aren't into motorcycles or baseball but acquired those themed stamps for a big discount to use on envelopes to pay monthly bills, would you still affix stamps with those subjects on them to people you know?

What are your thoughts on these matters?

Well, if people dislike the Queen, they'll have a problem with post from Great Britain. Most of my outgoing post consists of ebay lots. I don't suppose most recipients take much notice of the stamps. I try to concentrate Christmas stamps around this time of year and, if I have an idle five minutes, I sometimes pick out stamps matching a buyer's interest - eg someone who has bought cigarette cards of railway engines may get railway-themed stamps. Friends will sometimes get joke assemblages of the ghastly royal wedding stamps.

I might send someone a Xmas card of letter - but it would never be sent with a religious stamp. Three reasons - I do not support religion, I would not encourage the post office by buying a religious stamp, and I would not take the chance of offending a recipient.

For people that I don't know; as an example, people who process utility payments; I really don't care what they think. For family, friends, acquaintances, if they don't know me by now, they never will. Again I don't care.

When my late father passed away at the end of 1992, I inherited an enormous amount of old 1 cent through 15 cent US stamps, mostly commemoratives. I've been using them ever since. When postage goes to 55 cents next month, I'll probably continue to use them.

Like CanadaStamp, I also don't support religion. But, thankfully, the US produces few stamps with a religious theme, other than at Christmas. Since I inherited a few, I'll use them. But would not buy such stamps for use as postage.

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I try to match interests when they are known.

I pay attention to disinterests when I buy my (discount) postage in the first place, avoiding religion (same reasons), but indulging other people's tastes by buying Hollywood etc.

It had not occurred to me to tickle a tree-hugger with dam stamps ... thank you!

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey

I have never worried about offending somebody with a stamps subject matter. If they are that immature they need help.

I am very petty and small-minded. My best qualities.I have often affixed stamps upside down if I think it will annoy people that I dont like. Around Christmas I ise "religuous stamps" if I know people will appreciate them.
I also use stamps that reflect my own views on life or to show admiration for the person/s featured.

I have had many people make positive comments when I'm able to use stamps to make a shipment more attractive. I try to use a variety of what's available and never ever had a complaint. Obviously, I wouldn't use a U.S. Warner Bros. Porky Pig stamp to Saudi Arabia or Israel. I would like people to get their mail. I've had many requests to make sure I use stamps for postage and that's my norm of operation. However, sometimes I get requested for specific topics or stamps and may not be able to fulfill that request. I can only work with what I and the post office has at the moment.

I have in the past made mixed religious/holiday covers - Christmas, Kwanzaa, Eid and Hanukkah stamps all on the same cover. It's makes for an interesting novelty.

I try and use stamps whenever I can. You can order current commemoratives from USPS ebay for little shipping cost and "stamp people" always like current stuff. Face value IS more expensive, though...

My personal favorite pet peeve is for folks who paid no shipping (i.e. free shipping) complaining about the types of stamps used. In another dimension, in my perfect world, there would be a law that says something like, "He who pays nothing for shipping cannot complain about stamps used on the letter or parcel..."

John

On personal communications (birthday cards, Christmas, etc.) I try to use an appropriate event/season stamp.

I always send things to government bodies using a 'Love' stamp. I'm sure the sarcasm is missed in the mail room.

Dan

I tend to make an effort to include stamps that reflect the character or activities of the recipient...i.e. sports figures, art, historical...and on birthday cards I usually affix a stamp that corresponds with that person's birth year.
Mail to Quebec province in Canada is posted sans any stamps depicting the Queen...and any mail going to the Western provinces of Canada are not posted with a commemorative issue featuring former prime minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau...he was not popular there...a little quirky I know..but makes posting letters, cards a bit more fun and my effort is appreciated.

Yes and no...

I don't mind the topic of stamps. In fact the more controversial the topic, the more I prefer them (just guess how many Tom of Finland minisheets/stamps I used for postage, LOL)

But what I mind is if the stamps on letter are re-used. Nothing is more sad than to receive a letter/parcel from collector with some nice stamps on top, only to discover that the stamps have been stuck with superglue etc.

-k-

I prefer to choose stamps that highlight animals, or good charitable works. Aussie stamps are often used to highlight local wild life.

However, often I'm in a rush, so my choices often end up being "Digital or deal with what I put on it" from the people behind the counter.