UPS stores are popping up everywhere! They are easy, convenient, and many prefer them over USPS.
But that had us wondering, since UPS is a direct competitor to USPS, do they sell stamps there? We looked into it and this is what we found out…
Does UPS Sell Stamps?
United Parcel Service (UPS) has over 5000 stores in the US and Canada, and each outlet, known as The UPS Store, sells a range of post office and shipping items, including postal stamps.
As well as the humble postage stamp, you’ll also find that The UPS Stores offer stationary items, envelopes, and a range of shipping boxes, containers and packaging.
UPS store services include shredding, faxing, passport photos, shipping, personal and business mail boxes, and notary services.
A notary service is a legal service performed by an authorized professional.
However, the UPS store’s largest industry is actually printing, and products include brochures, magnets, leaflets, leaflets, yard signs, menus, manuals, and most recently, 3D printing.
Does UPS Charge More For Stamps?
Consumers report that UPS charges for postage stamps can differ from the US Postal Service and can also differ from UPS store to store. This may be because each UPS store is independently operated.
The UPS store is popular because there are so many of them and because they have very convenient opening hours.
Besides a choice of locations, consumers enjoy being able to complete a range of “chores” in-store, including purchasing (or receiving) postage items, shipping, picking up mail, and printing consumables.
Consumers also report that, although single stamps may be more expensive at UPS stores than at US Postal outlets, UPS stores often make bulk purchases of stamps cheaper than single buys.
You can also order stamps from UPS stores online. This option can be quick and convenient. Your order will be processed straight away. and you should receive it within 48 hours.
As well as US Postal stamps, UPS stores also offer metered mail.
The difference between metered mail and regular mail is in the stamping process. Stamped mail is marked with paper stamps, while metered mail is printed with a stamp directly on to each piece of mail.
Many consumers believe that metered mail is the most economical option.
Do The UPS Stores Sell Envelopes?
UPS Stores sell a range of office and mailing supplies – including envelopes. And their envelope range features express envelopes, reusable envelopes, and window envelopes. The envelopes are free provided they do not go over their weight limit.
- Express envelopes measure 12.5 inches by 9.5 inches and have a half pound weight limit. They are designed for documents only, a document being defined as written, typed or printed communication of no commercial value.
- Window envelopes also measure 12.5 inches by 9.5 inches and have a same half pound wight limit. They also have a built-in pouch for a shipping label.
- The legal express reusable envelopes measure15 inches by 9.5 inches with a half pound weight limit and are designed for mailing legal documents back and forth. This means you can move the documents between senders without needing additional envelopes. These envelopes are made from 100% recycled fiber.
On the subject of delivery, UPS offer a domestic UPS 2nd Day option, which will deliver your envelope by the end of the second business day. However, if you need it there quicker, you can choose the UPS Next Day Air option, which will deliver your envelope the next morning.
International UPS delivery times vary depending on the destination.
To work out your shipping, head to the nearest UPS store and an attendant will work out the postage for the delivery speed you’ve opted for and then label and ship your envelope for you.
What Else Do UPS Stores Offer Free?
Other free shipping supplies from UPS include packaging, (boxes, tubes, and packs) forms, stickers and labels, and hazmat supplies.
You need to be a UPS account holder to access the service, and take note that the free packaging is for selected partner express services only.
It’s important to note, too, that box sizes are limited. This means that if your item is large and/or bulky, you’ll probably have to purchase additional packaging for it.
Do UPS Stores Sell International Stamps?
You can purchase stamps for international mailing from UPS, either in-store or on-line. Customers can use these Forever Stamps for international mail in the same way they would for domestic mail.
The Forever Stamp was first issued by the US Postal Service in 2007 and are so called because they can be used “forever” and never lose their currency.
They can be used to mail one ounce letters regardless of where and when the stamps were purchased.
However, because international mail charges are usually higher than domestic mail, customers will probably need to attach additional postage.
Want to learn more about UPS? Check out our related article to learn if UPS delivers Amazon packages
Summary
The United Parcel Service Stores are useful convenience outlets for a range of postal and shipping services and items, including envelopes and stamps. With over 5000 UPS Stores to choose from in the US and Canada, the easiest way to find the nearest one is to use the handy UPS store locater.