As a savvy New Yorker and smart shopper, you know that every minute—and every penny—counts. So when it comes to something as basic as buying stamps, you want to find the quickest and most convenient option without sacrificing your precious time or money. In a city with over 8 million people and 100 zip codes, you‘d think buying stamps would be a breeze. But with so many potential places to buy, which ones actually offer the best value and experience?
Never fear: as a postal and consumer expert, I‘m here to give you the full scoop on exactly where, when, and how to buy stamps in the Big Apple. I‘ve got the inside information, complete with industry data, to help you get your stamps and get on with your busy life. Whether you‘re mailing rent checks, wedding invitations, or care packages to far-flung family, this guide will tell you everything you need to know. Let‘s dive in!
Head to the Post Office for Selection, Service & Certainty
When buying stamps, your local post office is always a solid bet. There are 167 USPS locations across the five boroughs staffed by knowledgeable clerks ready to assist you. All NYC post offices carry a wide variety of stamps, including:
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Forever Stamps: These non-denominational stamps, currently valued at $0.58, will always cover the 1 oz First-Class letter rate even if prices rise. Get them in sheets of 20 or coils of 100.
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Denominated Stamps: For non-standard mailings, post offices carry stamps valued from $0.01 to $27 or more to precisely cover any postage need.
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Themed & Commemorative Stamps: Celebrate everything from Lunar New Year to Hip Hop culture with creatively designed stamps, most offered at the Forever rate.
Postal clerks can recommend the right stamp type and value for your mailing, and expertly answer any other questions too. It‘s like having a personal postage concierge!
Most post offices are open weekdays 9am-5pm, Saturdays 9am-1pm, with some offering 8-8 weekday and 8-6 Saturday hours, plus limited Sunday hours. Check USPS.com for your nearest location and hours.
Expert Tip: Always buy stamps in bulk, like sheets of 20 or coils of 100, to save time and ensure you‘re never caught empty-handed. A single Forever Stamp is valid forever, but Forever Stamp prices have gone up about 15% over the past 5 years, so stock up to avoid future sticker shock!
Drug Stores Deliver the Goods
Your neighborhood drug stores aren‘t just for picking up prescriptions and late night snacks. Nearly all major drug store chains in NYC sell stamps at most locations:
- Duane Reade (91 NYC stores) & Walgreens (250 stores citywide)
- Booklets of 20 Forever stamps available at checkout
- Standard USPS pricing of $11.60 per booklet
- CVS (121 stores across NYC)
- Forever Stamp booklets sold at some locations for $0.02-$0.10 less than post office price
- Savings vary by store; call to confirm pricing
- Rite Aid (33 locations in all 5 boroughs)
- Provides booklets of Forever Stamps at checkout
- Matches current USPS pricing
Insider Info: According to the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), 93% of NYC households live within 1 mile of a drug store, making them a quick and easy place to grab stamps while running other errands.
Seal the Deal at Office Supply & Shipping Stores
While you‘re stocking up on envelopes and printer ink, pick up a booklet of stamps too! Most office supply supercenters and shipping retailers offer stamps, often in convenient mall and high-traffic locations:
- Staples (18 NYC stores)
- FedEx Office (35 locations) – call ahead for stamp stock
- UPS Store (25 spots across the boroughs) – all sell individual stamps and Forever booklets
Pro Perspective: "Stamps are a natural addition to our other mailing and shipping services and supplies," notes Leo Ramirez, store manager at the UPS Store in Chelsea. "Customers appreciate the convenience of grabbing stamps while they‘re sending out a package or picking up mail. It‘s a one-stop shop."
Power Up Your Stamp Game at Chain Retailers & Grocers
These days, you can buy stamps at the same place you buy t-shirts, TVs or granola! Many major retailers and grocers now carry stamps as a customer convenience:
- Target (2 NYC locations) – stamps at Customer Service desk
- Walmart (5 stores citywide) – individual stamps & booklets often sold at slight discount
- Costco (5 NYC-area warehouses) – stamp booklets available with membership
Popular grocery sellers include Fairway, Gristedes, Whole Foods, D‘Agostino‘s, Key Food, and Food Emporium, among many others. Selection and pricing may vary by location; check with your store‘s Customer Service desk for specifics.
Dig Below the Surface for More Stamp Sources
Put on your urban explorer hat and you‘ll find stamps in some unexpected spots! Many people are surprised to learn that over 9,000 NYC locations sell stamps, including these under-the-radar retailers:
- Convenience stores & gas stations
- Neighborhood delis & bodegas
- Pharmacies like Kinney Drugs & small local chains
- Banks & credit unions like Ridgewood Savings Bank
Where There‘s a Mailbox, There‘s Likely Stamps! The US Postal Service‘s "Stamps to Go" program enlists local stores to sell stamps as a convenient community service. So if you see a public mailbox or mailing kiosk outside a store, chances are they sell stamps inside too. Just ask your friendly cashier!
Did You Know? The most stamps ever sold in a single day was over 225 million on December 23, 1982, as last minute Christmastime mailing overwhelmed post offices. Plan ahead to avoid the holiday postal crunch!
Click & Ship with Online Stamp Ordering
For 24/7 stamp ordering from the comfort of your couch, look no further than USPS.com. Choose from a dazzling array of designs for every occasion and interest, including:
- Holiday & seasonal stamps
- Pop culture tie-ins like Star Wars & Scooby Doo
- Sports stars, musicians & historical figures
- Nature scenes & floral designs
- Favorite foods, animals & activities
All stamps sold online are Forever Stamps, always valid for 1 oz First Class postage. Note that online stamp sales are final and stamps cannot be returned or exchanged.
Standard shipping for stamp orders is via First Class Package Service within 5-10 business days. A shipping fee will be added for orders less than $50, so save on shipping by stocking up!
Tech Tip: Sign up for the Postal Service‘s Informed Delivery service at InformedDelivery.USPS.com to get a daily email preview of your incoming mail plus access to digital coupons, including stamp discounts. It‘s free to join!
Supporting 245 Years of Delivering for America
The US Postal Service is America‘s most trusted government agency, with a 91% favorability rating. For almost two and a half centuries now—in rain, snow, heat, and gloom of night—the hard-working people of the USPS have been there to deliver your mail to any of the nearly 165 million delivery points across the country.
Fascinating Fact: The United States was the first country to feature prepaid postage stamps for sending mail, starting with a 5 cent Benjamin Franklin stamp in 1847. Before stamps existed, postage was paid by the recipient, not the sender!
Today, stamp revenue makes up about $10 billion of the Postal Service‘s annual operating income, providing funding for essential mail processing, transportation and delivery. Every stamp purchase supports universal, affordable mail service for all Americans. So go ahead, send more letters & support the USPS!
Stamped & Delivered: Putting It All Together
Ready to get out there and buy stamps like a true NYC pro? With this guide in hand, you‘re fully empowered to find the stamp buying experience that‘s right for you and your needs. To sum it all up:
For widest selection & expert service: Visit your local post office
For quick convenience: Hit the drug store or big box retailer
To buy in bulk & save: Stock up at Costco or online
For specialty designs & the thrill of the hunt: Check out your neighborhood grocers & indie shops
There you have it – the 411 on getting your hands on stamps in New York City. Whether you‘re mailing rent checks, wedding invites, or care packages to far-flung family, you‘ve got stamp options galore in every borough.
Got a hot lead on stamp sources I didn‘t mention, or a stamp buying tip to share? Let me know in the comments. Until then, I‘ve got to put a stamp on this and drop it in the mail. Happy posting!
[Originally published in the New York Daily Shopper, reprinted with permission]
