ROYAL Mail is reminding customers there is less than one week to go to use up their non-barcoded definitive stamps ahead of the July 31 deadline.
Customers who use their non-barcoded definitive stamps after the deadline risk the recipient being surcharged.
The £1.10 surcharge fee will be applied to mail sent using non-barcoded stamps.
Recipients of mail sent using non-barcoded stamps will be left a grey “Fee to Pay” card advising them that they have an item of mail that requires a surcharge to be paid before the item can be delivered.
Customers who cannot use up their stock of non-barcoded stamps before July 31 will still be able to swap them for barcoded stamps through Royal Mail’s simple and free Swap Out scheme.
The Swap Out scheme opened on March 31, 2022, and there is currently no deadline for customers to swap their non-barcoded stamps.
Royal Mail encourages customers to check their purses, wallets and drawers to find any unused non-barcoded stamps.
Matthew Parkes, Managing Director, Stamps and Collectibles, said: “As we approach the July 31 deadline, we encourage our customers to use-up any non-barcoded stamps before it is too late. “Customers who cannot use their non-barcoded stamps before July 31 will still be able to swap them for new barcoded stamps through Royal Mail’s simple and free Swap Out scheme.
“Nobody should be out of pocket as a result of this change.
“A leaflet with a form was delivered to every household recently, but customers can also print out a form from our website; call our Customer Experience team to order one; or pick one up at a local Royal Mail delivery office or Post Office.”
The company aims to process applications within seven working days. However, it should be noted this is an aim and not a guarantee - as there may be times when, due to higher volumes of swap out requests, applications take longer to process.
Customers should allow 15 working days before contacting Royal Mail Customer Experience on 03457 740740.
The move is part of the company’s extensive and ongoing modernisation drive and will enable the introduction of added security features and pave the way for innovative services for customers in the future.
Stamps eligible for the Swap Out scheme:
Eligible stamps are the regular First and Second Class “everyday” definitive stamps, and all other values, featuring the profile of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
Non-barcoded Christmas and other special stamps with pictures on continue to be valid for postage and should not be submitted for swap out. Customers only need to swap out the “everyday” stamps featuring the profile of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
Stamps that have already been used for postage will not be accepted on the Swap Out scheme.
Obtaining a Swap Out scheme form:
There are four ways customers can obtain a Swap Out scheme form:
1 Via the Royal Mail website at: www.royalmail.com/barcodedstamps where customers can download a form. Customers who do not have access to a printer can instead complete a web form and request a form be posted to them.
2 By contacting Royal Mail’s Customer Experience team by telephone on 03457 740740 and requesting a form be posted to them.
3 By visiting one of more than 1,200 local delivery office Customer Service Points, where they can pick up a form in person.
4 From Post Office branches nationwide.
Customers can complete a standard Swap Out scheme form for stamps worth up to the value of £200.
Customers wishing to swap stamps with a value of more than £200 will need to request and complete a Bulk Stamp Swap Out form.
Bulk Stamp Swap Out forms can be requested from: www.royalmail.com/barcodedstamps .
Returning the Swap Out scheme form:
Customers returning the form and non-barcoded stamps can do so free-of-charge. Customers who pick up a Swap Out scheme form from a local delivery office Customer Service Point, Post Office or request one to be posted to them – will also receive a freepost envelope.
Customers who print off a Swap Out scheme form can address an envelope to: Freepost SWAP OUT. No other address details are needed.