Obtaining Free Stamps from the USPS: A Guide

Stamps and postage are not free, and acquiring them without cost is generally impossible. Over the years, various methods have been attempted, but the US Postal Service (USPS) has consistently found ways to prevent such practices. This article explores the legality and practicality of obtaining free stamps from the post office.

Historical Attempts and Current Practices

Years ago, one common method involved using company business envelopes without free postage by placing the company's address as the return address. However, USPS quickly caught onto this practice. When I tried this in the 1990s, my mail was opened, my address was extracted, and it was returned to me. Most attempts to find free stamps have been met with similar results.

It's worth noting that the only legal and ethical way to obtain free stamps is to bum them from a friend. If you work for a company that uses metered mail, you might be tempted to sneak a letter or two in, but that puts your job at risk for an insignificant saving of 60 cents.

Current Legal Guidelines

The USPS is a business and operates on the principle of delivering mail in exchange for payment. This means that there is no room for freebies. Stamps and mailing services are considered monetary value, and any attempt to bypass this system is not only unethical but also illegal.

Even the government has strict controls over the production and distribution of stamps. Stamps that fall off before they are postmarked are not to be used, and any unauthorized use constitutes stealing. Users found guilty of such actions are immediately fired.

Unfortunately, the only legal way to obtain stamps is to purchase them from the post office. While there might be some deals where you can sign up and receive a meter machine with some free postage off your account, the universal rule remains: free stamps are not available.

Conclusion

While the idea of obtaining free stamps is appealing, it's important to remember that it can lead to legal and ethical complications. The USPS has strict regulations and enforcement to prevent such practices. The best approach is to legally purchase stamps from the post office or use metered mail services offered by your employer if you work for a company that uses them.

If you encounter any practices that you believe can provide free or discounted stamps, it's advisable to verify their legality and ethical implications before attempting them.