The Royal Mail announced that they would be scrapping every day stamps this year.
The change will see traditional stamps - with the late-Queen's head on them - replaced with the new barcoded versions. And as the stamp deadline approaches, people should be reminded that there is an extension in place and they will still be valid even after the end of this month.
The deadline to use these stamps are July 31 of this year. The deadline was extended for a further six months to allow for more time to adjust to the change.
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So, if you need to swap them out, you can do so for free. Here's what you need to know...
How to swap your old Royal Mail stamps for the new, barcoded version
You can use the Royal Mail's 'Swap Out' scheme to exchange stamps for free - and at the time of writing this article, there is no deadline for swapping out stamps.
To do this, you will need to complete a standard 'Swap Out' form for stamps worth up to £200, or a Bulk Stamp 'Swap Out' form for stamps worth more than £200.
You will not need to swap out stamps that are for Christmas or other occasions such as this as they will remain valid until after the July deadline.
Royal Mail stamp swap out form
You can get the form through the following methods:
- Print out the form from Royal Mail's website. If you don't have access to a printer, you can instead request for a form to be posted to you by giving some details online
- Phone Royal Mail's customer services team on 03457 740740 and ask for a form to be posted for free
- Visit your local post office or delivery office where you can pick up a form and envelope in person
If you need a Bulk Stamp Swap Out form, you can print this out from the Royal Mail website (link opens a PDF) or request one online, or call the Royal Mail customer services number above.
How to send back old stamps to the Royal Mail
Doing this is free however how you return them will vary depending on the method you choose above.
If you collected your form from a local delivery office or post office, or requested one to be sent to you, you'll have been given a Freepost envelope. Simply put the stamps in here and return them.
However, if you have printed the form yourself, you'll need to send your own envelope to 'Freepost SWAP OUT'.
Whilst you cannot track the return, the Royal Mail has said that people using the Bulk Swap Out option can opt to send them via special delivery. If you do this, they will refund the additional cost to do this with barcoded stamps worth the same amount.
Once completed, you should receive you stamps within seven working days.
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