Stamp Prices Rise Again [POLL]

Effective Jan. 22, the price of U.S. postage stamps rose again.

The price of Forever Stamps, which can always be used to cover first class postage as they never expire or decline in value, have increased from 44¢ per stamp to 45¢.

Postcards have gone up three cents to 32¢. Meanwhile, mailing a letter (1 oz.) to Canada or Mexico will cost you an extra five cents, now 85¢, and other countries will cost you even more. Letters sent to other international destinations underwent a seven-cent increase to $1.05

Prices also will change for other mailing services, including Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Extra Services (see chart above), but Express Mail and Priority Mail prices will not be affected.

“The overall average price increase is small and is needed to help address our current financial crisis,” said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. “We continue to take actions within our control to increase revenue in other ways and to aggressively cut costs. To return to sound financial footing we urgently need enactment of comprehensive, long-term legislation to provide the Postal Service with a more flexible business model.”

Do you think the prices increases are justified in this weak economy? Will this change your mailing practices? Vote in the poll below.