Finding the best deals on stamps can save you money on your mailing costs, especially if you send mail frequently. While the United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a standard price for stamps, there are several ways to purchase them at a discount.
Buying stamps in bulk can be a smart way to save money, but where can you find the best deal? This article explores whether Costco is the best place to buy stamps, examining price, convenience, and membership requirements.
Key Takeaways:
- Costco Membership Savings: Save $0.75 per 100-stamp roll at Costco, with membership fees of $60 or $120.
- Bulk Convenience for Frequent Mailers: Purchase 100-stamp bundles at Costco, avoiding post office visits.
- Alternative Retailers for Savings Without Membership: Lower prices at Kosheronabudget.com; Stamps.com offers competitive online options. USPS for authenticity and convenience.
In this article:
What Stamps Does Costco Sell?
Costco sells bundles of 100 First-Class Forever stamps. Each bundle contains five booklets of 20 stamps each.
Are stamps cheaper at Costco?
Yes, Costco offers First-Class Forever stamps at a discount compared to the United States Postal Service (USPS). Here’s a breakdown of the pricing.
Costco offers First-Class Forever stamps at a discount compared to the USPS, although prices have increased slightly since 2023.
Current prices:
- Costco: $65.75 for a roll of 100 stamps (approximately $0.65 per stamp)
- USPS: $66 for a roll of 100 stamps (roughly $0.66 per stamp)
Costco savings:
- $0.75 per roll of 100 stamps
- $0.01 per stamp
Availability:
- Costco warehouses only (not online)
- Stamps can be found at checkout counters or with assistance from a Costco employee.
Benefits:
- Convenient for bulk purchases.
- No need to visit the post office.
Drawbacks:
- Discount compared to individual USPS stamps is minimal.
- Requires a Costco membership.
Other Benefits of Buying Stamps at Costco
In addition to cost savings, there are several other benefits to buying stamps at Costco:
- Discounted prices: Save money on stamps compared to the USPS.
- Bulk quantities: Purchase bundles of 100 stamps for convenience and savings.
- Extended business hours: Shop for stamps after work or on weekends.
- Convenient location: Find a Costco near you for easy access.
- Reward programs: Earn rewards with a Costco Executive Membership.
How Much Can You Save by Buying Stamps at Costco?
The savings may seem small initially, but they can significantly increase over time. For example, purchasing a bundle of 100 stamps every other month will save around $60 per year. Additionally, since the stamps are Forever stamps, they never expire, so you can continue saving even if USPS prices increase.
However, it’s important to note that you need a Costco membership to purchase stamps from the warehouse. The annual membership fee can be $60 or $120, depending on the chosen option. Therefore, whether or not buying stamps at Costco saves money depends on your needs and shopping habits.
Recommended: How Much is a Costco Membership for Seniors?
How to Buy Stamps at Costco?
There are three ways to purchase stamps at Costco:
- Visit your local Costco: Use the “Find a Warehouse” tool on the Costco website to locate your nearest warehouse. Once there, head to the membership counter and inquire about stamp availability.
- Call your local warehouse: Before going to the store, call your local Costco to check if they have stamps in stock.
- Contact Member Services: You can also contact Costco Member Services by phone or email to inquire about stamp availability at specific locations.
Does Costco Sell Stamps Online?
No, Costco does not sell stamps online. You can only purchase them at physical Costco warehouses.
Is Costco Right for You?
Whether Costco is the best place to buy stamps depends on your needs and preferences. Here are some things to consider:
- How often do you use stamps? If you mail frequently, the cost savings at Costco can be significant.
- Do you already have a Costco membership? If not, the membership fee must be factored into the overall cost of buying stamps.
- Do you prefer to shop online or in-store? Costco offers both options, which can be convenient for different shoppers.
Alternative Options other than Costco?
Discount Retailers: Significant Savings with Lower Prices
Several discount retailers offer significant savings on stamps, often lower prices than Costco. Here are a few examples:
- Kosheronabudget.com: Offers 100-count packs of USPS stamps for $59.99 ($0.6 per stamp).
- Walmart: Offers 100-count rolls of Forever stamps for $82.87 ($0.83 per stamp). They also sell books of 20 stamps for $23.87, that is ($1.19 per stamp).
Benefits:
- Substantially cheaper than other options.
- No membership is required.
Drawbacks:
- Inventory may be limited.
- Not all stores carry stamps.
Online Retailers: Convenience with Competitive Prices
Several online retailers sell stamps at competitive prices, offering convenience and home delivery. Popular choices include:
- Amazon: Offers 100-count packs of USPS Forever stamps with discounts, and the average price ranges from $60 ($0.6 per stamp).
- Stamps.com: Offers various stamp denominations and quantities at competitive prices.
Benefits:
- Convenient online purchase and delivery.
- Wider variety of stamp options.
Drawbacks:
- Shipping costs may apply, negating some savings.
- Potential for counterfeit stamps purchased from unauthorized sellers.
USPS Direct Purchase: Convenience and Consistent Pricing
Purchasing stamps directly from the USPS remains convenient, offering consistent pricing and guaranteed authenticity. You can buy stamps online, at self-service kiosks, or retail stores and pharmacies.
Benefits:
- Guaranteed genuine stamps.
- Convenient purchase options.
- No membership or shipping fees.
Drawbacks:
- Prices are higher than many discount retailers.
- Time required to visit a store or kiosk.
Other Options
Several alternative options can help you save on postage costs:
- Free postage promotions: Many businesses offer free postage when you purchase specific products or services.
- Postage meters: Businesses with high mailing volumes can benefit from postage meters, which offer discounts and convenience.
- Online postage services: Online services like Stamps.com allow you to print postage at home, often with discounted rates.
Choosing the Best Option for You
The best option for buying stamps depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider factors like:
- Frequency of mail sending: If you mail rarely, a small discount may not justify buying in bulk.
- Volume of stamps needed: Bulk purchases can offer savings, but only if you can use the stamps before they expire.
- Convenience: Online purchases or self-service kiosks can save time compared to visiting a store.
- Cost: Compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal.
Remember: Be cautious when purchasing stamps online, especially from unfamiliar sources, to avoid counterfeit stamps. Always verify the seller’s reputation and ensure the stamps are genuine.
Final Thoughts
Costco offers a competitive stamp price, making it a good option for frequent mailers with a membership. However, it’s important to consider your individual needs and weigh the membership cost and potential limitations before deciding whether Costco is the best place to buy stamps.
See also: Does Costco Do Passport Photos?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Costco sell other types of stamps besides First-Class Forever stamps?
Yes, Costco occasionally carries a selection of seasonal and commemorative stamps.
What other postal supplies does Costco sell?
You can find envelopes, labels, shipping boxes, and other postal supplies at Costco.
Where is the cheapest place to buy US stamps?
eBay offers the cheapest option, with stamps as low as $0.43 each. However, bulk purchases like rolls of 100 or 200 stamps may be required. Other discounts can be found at Stamps.com ($0.63) and Costco ($58.75 for a bundle of 100).
Does Costco still sell postage stamps?
Yes, as of 2023. You can buy them online or in-store at checkout or customer service desks. They offer various types, including First-Class Forever, seasonal, and themed.
How many stamps come in a Costco book?
Costco doesn’t sell individual books but rather bundles of 100 stamps, made up of 5 20-count booklets. Each booklet features US flag designs and is valid for domestic and international mail up to one ounce.
Are stamps cheaper at Stamps.com?
Yes, they are cheaper than at the Post Office or other retailers. Stamps.com offers a discounted rate of $0.63 per stamp, compared to the retail rate of $0.66. You can also save on other services like Certified Mail, Priority Mail, and insurance. Additionally, they offer a digital scale, a free trial, and $5 in postage upon signup.
Can I use Costco stamps for international mail?
No, Costco stamps are only valid for postage within the United States.
Does Costco offer any discounts on stamps besides the regular price?
Costco occasionally offers special promotions on stamps, so it’s worth checking their website or app for the latest deals.
Do I need a membership to buy stamps at Costco?
Yes, you need a valid Costco membership to purchase any products from the warehouse, including stamps.
What are some alternatives to buying stamps at Costco?
Other retailers where you can purchase stamps include CVS, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart.
Can I use Costco stamps for international mail?
No, Costco only sells First-Class Forever stamps for domestic mail. You will need to purchase specific international stamps from the USPS for international mail.
