Buying stamps sounds simple... until you’re running a shop, sending art, or shipping orders regularly. Suddenly the questions pile up: How many stamps do I need? When is tracking worth it? Should I buy in bulk? Am I underpaying postage?
This guide breaks it all down, so you don’t lose money or packages.
Where to Buy Stamps
One of the easiest ways to buy stamps for your art business is directly through your local post office, either online or in person. If you’re in the U.S., the USPS website is a reliable option. You can create an account, which makes it much easier to track receipts for budgeting and future tax purposes, and order stamps to be delivered straight to you.
Buying directly from USPS ensures you’re getting official postage, current rates, and access to specialty stamps when you need them.
Why You Should Buy Stamps at All
Stamps are best for small, lightweight, and low-risk shipments. They’re cheap, fast to apply, and don’t require printing labels. Stamps are best for:
- wanting the lowest possible shipping cost
- your item is flat (letters, postcards, art cards, stickers.)
- The value is low
- you don’t need guaranteed tracking
If you’re mailing things like ACEOs, prints, thank-you cards, or sticker packs, stamps are often the most efficient option.
How Weight Determines the Stamp Cost
In the U.S., postage for letters is based primarily on weight.
Standard First-Class Mail and International: 1 forever stamp = up to 1oz. Each additional ounce, you should add another stamp. If you are adding card backings, packaging fluff, always reweigh the package.
Non-Machinable Mail: If your package is rigid, has uneven thickness, surfaced decor (wax seals, strings, clasps, or buttons,) and cannot bend easily, you will need to purchase a non-machinable surcharge (extra postage).
For artists and small shops, it’s typically:
-
- A greeting-card style envelope with a rigid insert
- A print + backing board combo
- A flat cardboard mailer
that classifies as non-machinable package.
I'd recommend buying an affordable scale to make sure the package is the right weight.
How Many Should You Buy
Forever stamps never expire and if you are on a budget, 1-2 books/ sheets should be fine. I typically do this and buy more as I start to run low. I have 1 regular forever stamp and 1 non-machinable. Bulk buying works if you are shipping out orders consistently. Buying in larger quantities protects you from future increases and requires less stamp runs.
When to Offer Tracking
I'd recommend if you're having a lot of high value orders, frequent lost-mail messages, or the buyer requests proof of delivery (they'd select tracking options at checkout) to offer tracking. What I like to do as a strategy is offer free shipping as default and offer tracking over a certain amount.
Note: when using this strategy, use a local amount and an international amount to cover international tracking costs.
Stamps, used correctly, save money, reduce friction, and keep small businesses profitable.
I hope this blog helped you find the right stamps and knowing when to move up to tracked shipping.
If you ship smart, stamps stay one of the best tools in your seller toolkit.
-Sug :)
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