Attention: Postage Stamps not Sticking

[clarry100]

Hi all,

We have recently been having some problems with postage stamps not sticking to envelopes and falling off in transit. This has resulted in us getting some underpaid postage fines (3 times so far). In one case an item showed up with no stamps on it at all when we know it left here with 2 on it. Most of our items take 2 stamps.

We usually buy either the rolls of 200x or books of 200x. It has happened with both.

We approached our local PO and they actually acknowledged the problem existed for the rolls of 200x only. However, when we phoned AP they dont want to know about it unless we can show proof it is happeneing. How can we do that?

We have taken to taping down the stamps in an effort to overcome the problem. But this adds time to packing of course. We are mailing out approx 20 packages (large letter) each day.

Not quite sure what to do about this one. Any ideas?

[clarry100]

Yes it was the rolls of 200x that we first had the problem with. So we changed to the books of 200x. Then for a while there was not a problem. Then just recently we started having trouble with the books as well.

We did an experiment here where we moistened the back of a stamp with water and then put it on an envelope. We put another one right beside it with no water. After an hour or so the one without water started curling up on the edges but the one with water stayed stuck firm.

So it seems the self sticking stamps like a little help from water. I thought the days of lick-n-stick were gone. Seems not!

So we have started using the water trick now. So far so good. no fines.

[terroxyboy]

I have just performed an experiment with a couple of self adhesive stamps I bought this week, stuck onto the front of a paper padded envelope. One hour later, both peeled straight off the front of the envelope with zero effort whatsoever. One must assume that a bit of friction or being rubbed against another parcel while in transit might have the exact same effect.

And here was I assuming that I must be going senile - I have had 3 'insufficient postage' bills from AP in the last 12 months on large letters that I assumed I must have forgotten to put stamps on, even though I was sure that I had.

[davewil1964]

I use the prepaid envelopes. No stamps to peel off and, generally, cheaper.

[extra-keen]

I keep a postal register, The information includes what value of stamps were on each envelope. My LPO stamps that each time I go in. So when I had a problem with "no stamps" I just pulled out the register and there was the proof that my LPO received the item with stamps on it. What  happened after that who knows???

[davewil1964]

To each their own. My way works for me.

[zelly888]

How about you lick the stamps like you're suposed to do before you stick it to the envelope and then give it a few good hits with the side of your hand and bobs your uncle

[clarry100]

Yes we have found that a little moisture applied to the stamp seems to work well.

Even tho the stamps are supposed to be self-adhesive.