How Much Is a Book of Stamps?
Navigate essential postal costs. Discover the current price of a book of stamps, its contents, and where to easily acquire them for your mailing.
Postage stamps are a fundamental component of the United States mail delivery system, enabling individuals to send letters and packages across the nation. They represent the most common method for consumers to cover postal service costs. Understanding the current pricing for stamps is helpful for managing everyday mailing needs.
Current Price of a Book of First-Class Stamps
A single First-Class Mail stamp, valid for a one-ounce letter, costs $0.78. A standard book of First-Class Forever Stamps contains 20 individual stamps, costing $15.60. Forever Stamps are designed to retain their value, always being equivalent to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate, regardless of future price adjustments. This means a Forever Stamp purchased today remains valid for a standard letter even if the postage rate increases. These prices apply to standard domestic First-Class mail.
Understanding a Book of Stamps
A “book of stamps” typically refers to a compact booklet containing a specific quantity of postage stamps. For First-Class mail, a standard book holds 20 individual self-adhesive stamps. This format provides a convenient supply for common mailing tasks. The self-adhesive nature of these stamps enhances their ease of use for consumers.
Where to Purchase Stamps
The most direct option for purchasing stamps is visiting any United States Post Office (USPS) branch, which offers the widest array of stamp designs and denominations. Beyond postal facilities, stamps are widely available at numerous retail establishments. Major grocery store chains and pharmacies commonly stock First-Class Forever Stamps at their customer service desks or checkout counters. Additionally, office supply stores, such as Office Depot and OfficeMax, are reliable sources for purchasing books of stamps. For convenience, stamps can also be purchased online directly from the official USPS website, and retailers like Walmart also offer USPS stamps.
How Stamp Prices are Determined
The authority for setting postage rates in the United States rests with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), an independent federal agency. Prices are subject to periodic adjustments, influenced by various factors affecting the postal service’s operations. These factors include operational costs, general inflation, and the overall financial health of the USPS. The USPS primarily relies on revenue generated from postage sales to cover its extensive operational expenses. Declining mail volumes coupled with rising operational costs often lead to price increases to ensure the agency’s financial viability. Consequently, stamp prices can change multiple times within a year to address these economic pressures.