Specialty Stamps Boost Business
The U.S. Postal Service earns an extra $150 million to $200 million annually from collectors who buy and don't use stamps.
Ref. https://cnn.netscape.cnn.com/ns/news/us.jsp...tamp_collecting
U. S. Postal Services - United States Postal Service (Hover)
I don't fault the post office for putting out specialty stamps. I used to collect stamps when I was a kid. Despite the large amount of money that the post office makes, for a collector, its actually quite inexpensive of a hobby. You can buy a set of ten stamps that are in a new release for under four dollars. Can you name another hobby that you can actively collect for so little tender?
Seems like the rate for a US stamp is going up and the postmaster general also wants to cut back mail delivery to five days a week.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 3231 100%
United States Postal Service
Postal Service Is Nearing Default as Losses Mount:
The United States Postal Service has long lived on the financial edge, but it has never been as close to the precipice as it is today: the agency is so low on cash that it will not be able to make a $5.5 billion payment due this month and may have to shut down entirely this winter unless Congress takes emergency action to stabilize its finances. Ref. Source 7
Shock Doctrine at U.S. Postal Service: Is a Manufactured Crisis Behind Push Toward Privatization?:
Postal workers say the much touted crisis facing the U.S. Postal Service isn't what it seems. Rather, they point to a 2006 law that forced the USPS to find enough money to fund 75 years of retiree health benefits over just a 10-year span. Ref. Source 3
Doomed: Post Office solution? More junk mail
If anyone wasn't sure why the Post Office is losing $8 billion a year, their latest solution should give some indication why they are floundering. Facing massive and increasing deficits the genius thinkers at the Post Office have come up with a solution. The future of their business will now depend on -- more junk mail. Yup, not making it up - that's the new plan. More junk. Ref. Source 5
The financially struggling U.S. Postal Service says it plans to stop delivering mail on Saturdays, but it will continue delivering packages six days a week. In an announcement scheduled for later Wednesday, the government agency is expected to say the cut, beginning in August, would mean a cost saving of about $2 billion annually. Ref. USAToday