Buy US Postage Stamps sounds simple—until you realize the market is full of choices, risks, and even scams. In 2026, Forever Stamps remain at 78 cents (unchanged since July 2025, with no increase until July 2026). That stability is rare. But the real challenge isn’t the price—it’s knowing where to buy safely, and how to avoid counterfeit traps.
🚨 Why Fake Stamp Sites Are Everywhere
Counterfeit stamps are flooding online marketplaces. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has warned repeatedly: scam sites are multiplying.
Typical signs of fake sites:
- Sloppy design: blurry logos, broken English, missing contact info.
- Unrealistic discounts: anything over 50% off is fake.
- Seller ignorance: scammers confuse 1‑oz vs. 2‑oz rates, or mislabel postcard stamps.
- Payment red flags: requests for crypto, gift cards, or unsecured checkout.
Buyer’s thought: “If they can’t even tell the difference between a 1‑oz and 2‑oz stamp, why would I trust them with my mail?”
🏪 Offline Buying Channels
- USPS Post Offices
- Pros: 100% authentic, full catalog.
- Cons: Limited hours, queues.
- Best for: Collectors, formal mailings.
- Retail Stores (Walmart, Target, CVS, Gas Stations)
- Pros: Convenience, extended hours.
- Cons: No discounts, limited to booklets.
- Best for: Casual senders, emergencies.
💻 Online Buying Channels
- USPS.com
- Pros: Guaranteed authenticity, full catalog.
- Cons: No discounts, shipping wait.
- Amazon & eBay
- Pros: Convenience, bulk options.
- Cons: Counterfeit risk from third‑party sellers.
- Tip: Always check seller ratings carefully.
- Authorized Dealers
- Examples: Forever Stamp Store, The USPS Stamps, Forever Stamp For Sale.
- Pros: Discounts up to 30%, verified authenticity.
- Cons: Limited designs, occasional shipping delays.
- Best for: Small businesses, bulk buyers.
👥 Community & Secondhand Channels
- Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Local Groups
- Pros: Flexible quantities, sometimes cheaper.
- Cons: High counterfeit risk, no clear authentication.
- Advice: Only buy if verified by USPS or from trusted acquaintances.
⚖️ Comparative Snapshot
| Channel | Price | Safety | Convenience | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS Post Office | Standard | ✅ Safe | Moderate | Collectors, formal mail |
| Walmart/Target/CVS | Standard | ✅ Safe | High | Casual senders |
| USPS.com | Standard | ✅ Safe | Moderate | Full catalog |
| Amazon/eBay | Discount possible | ⚠️ Medium | High | Bulk buyers (with caution) |
| Authorized Dealers | 10–30% off | ✅ Safe | High | Businesses |
| Community/Secondhand | Cheap | ❌ Unsafe | Variable | Avoid unless verified |
🎨 Recommended Stamp Styles for 2026
Stamps aren’t just functional—they’re cultural.
- Floral Stamps Choices
- Wedding Roses Stamps – Elegant, timeless, perfect for invitations.
- Garden Delights Stamps – Bright, versatile, everyday use.
- Flag Stamps Choices
- 2017 US Flag Forever Stamp – Patriotic, widely recognized.
- 2019 US Flag Forever Stamp – Clean, modern, suitable for business mail.
Tip: Stick with floral or flag designs for universal use. Commemorative issues are beautiful but less versatile for everyday mailing.
📚 External Resources
- USPS Inspection Service: Counterfeit Stamp Warning
- USPS News: No Price Changes Until July 2026
- Wall Street Journal: Small Business Mailing Costs
📝 Final Encouragement
Buying stamps is about more than saving pennies. It’s about ensuring your words, invoices, or greetings arrive safely. The cheapest price is meaningless if the stamp is counterfeit. Choose channels that match your volume, frequency, and trust level. And yes—stocking up is smart. Forever Stamps never expire, and history shows they only rise in value.
Stamp enthusiast and part‑time columnist based in Los Angeles. With a background in office administration and a personal passion for collecting Forever Stamps, she provides readers with practical tips on buying, storing, and using stamps effectively.