New Issues 2014-2019

I'm new to the hobby, so please excuse a basic question.

USPS stills offers various stamps in the issue year I cited, available at face value. However, when I look those stamps up in Scott catalog and/or certain Stamp Dealer catalog, the price to purchase is at a higher multiple of face value.

Question - why are such recent issues (last 5 years) that are available direct from USPS at face value, being cataloged much higher.

Thanks in advance

The catalog price is like a retail price - stamp dealers have to make a living.

Peter

The catalog value is a retail price. A dealer price. It takes the cost of doing business in mind. Overhead, advertising,labor, etc.

Thanks, but here's where I'm confused. Those stamps are still available at USPS at face value. Why would one purchase those from a catalog.

Scott catalog for example does not sell stamps. A catalog is just for reference for now and the future.

Also, you normally won't be able to buy just one of a stamp from the post office or their Postal Store site. It will have to be a sheet/pane or a whole booklet. Dealers will sell you singles.

gjmmaddog,

I generally buy from the post office. Be careful using the USPS Online Store. If you want a stamp (a stamp) you have to buy a sheet of twelve or twenty. Not very cost effective.

Jack Kelley

For many getting to a Post Office is difficult. Very time consuming. Difficult parking. Long lines. Will they have the stamps in stock? Will they sell singles? Hours of operation may not be convenient. Time is money. What is your time worth getting a few stamps?