First Class - Forever!!

Tired of the continual increase in postage rates? Want to put a stop to it? Now's your chance.

The U. S. Postal Service has announced that first class postage will increase by 2 cents for the first ounce starting May 14, 2007. But this could be the last postage increase you pay for - if you want. The "Forever" stamp went on sale today for $0.41 a piece (or $8.20 for a 20-pack) and these stamps can be used forever for first class postage. That means that if first class postage goes to $0.45 in 2009, you can still use the stamps you purchased for $0.41. The trick is to make sure you purchase enough stamps to last the rest of your life or however you wish to define "forever" because as soon as the postage rate increases, so does the price of "forever" stamps.

I suspect that when future postal rate increases are announced there will be a moratorium on "forever" stamps or there would be a run on the market for these stamps. Alternatively, the price of the stamps will increase concurrently with the rate increase announcement and before the actual implementation of the increase - sort of like they've done this year. Either way, I think the Postal Service should be congratulated for solving the problem of having to stock up on 1 and 2 cent stamps each time the rate changes.

As a side note, I think the inscription on the stamp makes a great national motto: USA, First Class - Forever!!