New Stamps Are Available Wherever You Are WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 30, 2002 - The price of mailing a First-Class Mail letter will increase 3 cents on June 30, 2002, from 34 to 37 cents - about 45 cents a month for the average household. "And while we're talking cents," said Vice President and Consumer Advocate Francia Smith, "it makes good sense for customers to purchase stamps before the new rate takes effect." New 37-cent First-Class Mail stamps are available now. A new 3-cent "Star" stamp is also available, to add to 34-cent stamps customers may still have on hand. "There are many different ways to purchase stamps if you can't get to the Post Office," advised Smith. "Wherever you are - at home, at work, or where you shop - you can buy stamps. Stamps are available at conveniently located stamp machines or ATMs and at many retail businesses such as banks, grocery, drug and convenience stores." If you don't want to leave your home or office, you can go online to The Postal Store at usps.com to order stamps. The Postal Store is selling special rate-change combo packs containing both 37-cent and 3-cent stamps and a handy rate card. You can also order stamps by phone by calling 1-800-STAMP24. "We are trying to make buying stamps as easy as possible for our customers," said Smith. "We have 32,000 vending machines, many of which are located in shopping malls and retail stores. We have 23,000 retail consignment locations in grocery stores, drug stores, convenience stores and office supply stores. And we have 17,000 ATMs in locations such as banks, plus 6,000 contract postal units. Customers can save time by buying the new stamps at places that are convenient to them." "Of course, your local Post Office also has the new stamps available," adds Smith. "You can easily get them from lobby vending machines or at the counter." Customers depositing mail in collection boxes should be careful to note the next scheduled pickup posted on the box. If no more pickups are scheduled before Sunday, June 30, the new postage rate should be affixed.