Forever stamps were introduced by the United States Postal Service in 2007 as a convenience for consumers—a stamp that never loses its value, even after postal rate increases. But what started as a simple convenience has turned into something entirely unexpected: a hidden market of buyers and sellers who deal in leftover postage. Yes, if you’ve got stacks of unused Forever stamps lying around, there’s real money to be made. And you don’t need to be a stamp collector or auction expert to cash in.
Why Forever Stamps Are More Than Just Postage
Forever stamps are unlike most consumer goods. They’re issued by the federal government, retain their full face value indefinitely, and can be used anytime to mail a one-ounce letter—no matter when they were purchased or how much postal rates have changed since. This unique trait means they’re as good as cash for mailing purposes.
And because their value is tied to the cost of postage—not the collector’s market—they attract buyers looking to save on shipping, manage business mailings, or stock up for the future. That opens up a consistent demand for unused Forever stamps, especially for those willing to sell them at a slight discount.
Where All These Stamps Are Coming From
You may be wondering why so many people have large quantities of leftover Forever stamps in the first place. The reasons are more common than you might think. Some stocked up in bulk during a rate hike. Others inherited stamps from relatives who used to collect them or were habitual couponers. Businesses often end up with excess stamps after switching to digital mailing systems or automated postage meters.
In short, the market is flooded with small and large stockpiles of Forever stamps. But these aren’t wasted or worthless. As long as they’re genuine and unused, they can be sold—and there’s a whole infrastructure out there to facilitate it.
Why Some Buyers Are Eager to Purchase Unused Stamps
There are a few specific reasons why people want to buy your stamps:
- Business Use: Small businesses that still send mail manually often look for discounted stamps to cut costs.
- Collectors and Hobbyists: Some buyers enjoy sorting through large batches of stamps and spotting oddities or unusual designs.
- Resellers: These buyers purchase at a discount and resell them for profit, often online or in marketplaces that bundle stamps for consumer use.
Buyers are looking for convenience, savings, or a supply chain opportunity. That makes your extra postage attractive—even if it’s been sitting in a drawer for a decade.
How to Tell If Your Stamps Can Be Sold
If you want to sell Forever stamps, the first thing to do is assess what you have. Not all stamps are equal in the resale world. Buyers usually prefer stamps that meet the following conditions:
- They are unused and unmarked
- They are in good condition—not damaged, torn, or stuck together
- They are Forever stamps, not denominated with older cent values
- They are in booklets, coils, or sheets (though loose stamps are often accepted as well)
Even if you only have a handful, there may still be a buyer interested in them. But larger quantities—especially full books or coils—tend to fetch better rates.
Selling Online vs. Selling Direct to a Stamp Buyer
There are two main ways people sell Forever stamps: through online platforms or directly to dedicated stamp-buying services.
Selling online often involves marketplaces like eBay, where you can list stamps for auction or fixed price. The downside is that it can be time-consuming. You’ll need to write listings, take photos, handle shipping, and possibly deal with returns or disputes.
Direct sale to a stamp buyer like ReturnMyStamps.com is much easier. These buyers specialize in evaluating and purchasing unused Forever stamps. You usually submit an online form, receive a quote, and mail in your stamps. Once verified, you get paid—often by check, PayPal, or direct deposit.
How Much Can You Get When You Sell Forever Stamps?
The going rate for selling Forever stamps varies based on several factors:
- Quantity: Larger batches tend to yield better per-stamp pricing.
- Condition: Clean, intact stamps fetch full resale value. Damaged stamps may be rejected or heavily discounted.
- Current Postal Rates: If postage has gone up since the stamps were purchased, they’re more valuable now. That means higher demand.
- Market Demand: Sometimes resellers are actively seeking more inventory, and sometimes they’re not. Timing matters.
As of mid-2025, most stamp buyers pay between 50% to 70% of face value for unused Forever stamps. That means a $100 book of stamps could net you $50 to $70, depending on where and how you sell them.
Watch Out for Counterfeit Stamps
One problem in this hidden market is the rise of counterfeit Forever stamps. These fakes are often sold on shady websites, auction platforms, and even social media. They’re priced far below face value, which is a red flag.
If you plan to sell your own stamps, make sure they’re authentic. Counterfeits are typically printed with dull ink, lack microtext, and may not have the special security features of real stamps. Selling fake stamps—even unknowingly—can lead to serious legal trouble.
When selling, choose a buyer who has a verification process in place and who knows how to properly authenticate your stamps. Reputable stamp-buying services will return or discard any counterfeits and only pay for legitimate postage.
Who’s Buying? Real People With Real Needs
It might surprise you to learn that the buyers of Forever stamps aren’t just companies or faceless resellers. Often they’re individuals with specific purposes:
- A retired teacher who mails out newsletters to alumni
- A nonprofit sending fundraising letters
- An Etsy seller who prefers real stamps on their packaging
- A parent organizing invitations for a wedding or event
These are the people fueling the demand for Forever stamps. They want authentic, usable postage at a discount—and that’s exactly what you can offer when you sell forever stamps through a reliable platform.
How ReturnMyStamps.com Makes It Easy to Sell
At ReturnMyStamps.com, the process of selling is streamlined for convenience and security. Here’s how it works:
- Get a Quote: Fill out a short form indicating what type and quantity of stamps you have.
- Send Your Stamps: Mail in your unused postage using a secure shipping method.
- Verification: Experts examine your stamps to confirm authenticity and condition.
- Get Paid: Payment is issued promptly via your preferred method.
There’s no need to deal with individual buyers, write listings, or waste time with messaging back and forth. It’s a direct, safe, and professional way to turn your old stamps into cash.
You’re Not the Only One With Leftover Stamps
The resale market exists because thousands of people, just like you, found themselves with excess stamps. Some are casual users who overbought during a holiday season. Others are small business owners who switched to paperless systems. Some inherited old collections without knowing what to do with them.
And instead of letting those stamps gather dust, they discovered a way to convert them into real money. Whether it’s $20, $200, or more, it’s money you didn’t even realize you had.
Not Just a Side Hustle—A Legitimate Postal Asset
Because Forever stamps are always worth their face value, they’re essentially a postal currency. You wouldn’t throw away a $20 bill or forget about it in a drawer. Yet that’s exactly what happens when people leave unused postage lying around for years.
When you sell forever stamps, you’re liquidating a real, tangible asset. The transaction is legal, safe, and useful for everyone involved. It helps you clear out clutter, puts money back in your pocket, and provides buyers with affordable mailing options.
It’s Time to Look in That Drawer Again
If you’ve ever cleaned out a desk drawer and found a forgotten stash of stamps, now’s the time to act. Check your old envelopes, stationary sets, and desk organizers. Look for full sheets, booklets, or coils of Forever stamps. They could be worth more than you think.
And when you’re ready to sell, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. ReturnMyStamps.com offers a straightforward, trustworthy way to turn those leftover stamps into spendable cash. Whether you’re downsizing, decluttering, or just looking for an easy way to get a little extra money—selling Forever stamps might be the answer sitting right in your junk drawer.
