Most retailers (including the Post Office) won’t allow the return of postage stamps for a cash refund, and typically only offer exchanges. Instead, you can use a postage buying service to get a cash refund for your stamps.
Selling your stamps to postage buyers
There is a type of service that most people are not aware of. So-called postage buyers, or postage brokers, will offer to purchase your unused postage stamps for a portion of the face value.
Unlike with retail vendors, postage buyers typically do not require a receipt or proof of purchase. And while you may not get the full face value for your postage, you will get a cash refund opposed to being limited to an exchange or store credit.
Popular places to sell your postage stamps include ReturnMyStamps.com, SellUnusedStamps.com, and SellForeverStamps.net
If you, a friend or family member are incarcerated, there’s also a service for returning postage stamps called Prison Stamp Exchange. They are tailored to provide postage buying services for inmates.
Is it legal to resell postage stamps?
It is 100% legal to resell unused stamps. If you’ve ever purchased them from the grocery store or gas station, you’ve been resold stamps.
These places purchase their stamps from the Post Office, just like the rest of us. Learn more about reselling postage stamps here.
Returning your stamps to the Post Office
If you purchased your stamps from the source, ie. the Post Office, your options are even more limited. The Post Office does not provide cash refunds for postage, even if they are in perfect condition. They will only offer an exchange for other postage, so if you’re not in need of shipping services, you’re stuck. Learn more about the Post Office’s policies for buying back stamps here.
Returning your stamps to third-party retailers
There are many places to purchase postage stamps. Many retailers like Walmart, Costco, Amazon, and eBay offer postage stamps for sale. You can find them at your local mom-and-pop mailing stores as well.
If you find yourself in need of returning the stamps, it’s not as easy as returning a pair of socks.
First of all, they will require a receipt in order to start the return process. Second, they typically have a return window, such as 30 or 60 days from the time of purchase. Walmart requires that you have a receipt, and you must return the stamps within 90 days of the original purchase to qualify for a refund. You can read more about returning stamps to Walmart here.
On top of that, the condition of the postage stamps will come into consideration. If they are not in pristine condition, they may reject your return, as the stamps will not be able to be resold.
Whether or not you can get a cash refund also differs from store to store. Many will offer an exchange for stamps of different designs, or store credit. Be sure to check with the retailer if you can return postage stamps before buying.
