Following the release of their new barcoded stamps in Feburary, Royal Mail have announced a Swap Out scheme that will allow customers to swap their non-barcoded Definitive stamps for the equivalent value of barcoded stamps.
The unique barcodes can facilitate operational efficiencies, enable the introduction of added security features and pave the way for innovative services for customers.
The new barcoded stamps will have a digital twin and the two will be connected by the Royal Mail App. The barcodes match the stamp colour and sit alongside the main body of the stamp, separated by a simulated perforation line. The new trade in scheme does not affect how long you can keep using the stamps and they will remain valid to use until 31 January 2023.
Customers who want to swap their non-barcoded stamps for the equivalent value of barcoded stamps can do so by completing a Swap Out form. Customers will need to enclose the non-barcoded stamps and post the form and the stamps to Royal Mail using a Freepost service.
Eligible stamps are the regular 1st and 2nd Class ‘everyday’ stamps featuring the profile of HM The Queen and those that show any other value.
You can find a Swap out form online, by telephone, or by visiting a local delivery office Customer Service Point. Customers can complete a standard Swap Out 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 that can be found here.
As we move to this exciting new era of barcoded stamps, please check your kitchen drawers, wallets and purses for older non-barcoded stamps and make sure you use them up by 31 January 2023. If you can’t use them up by then we have set up a Swap Out scheme as a simple way to swap your old stamps for our new, digitally enabled, ones. Welcome to the new world of barcoded stamps. Download the Royal Mail App and try them out.
– Nick Landon, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Mail
One Response
Was hoping that the barcoded stamps would enable some form of delivery confirmation for stamped items, now that the price has hiked to almost £1 for 1st class and rises annually by 10%+ for airmail.
No such luck. Just gimmicks,.