Are you a collector looking for free stamps?
Well, we’ve got you covered. In today’s post, I’ll outline some great places that’ll send stamps right to you – for free!
But before we get to the list, you may be wondering why collectors? Isn’t there a way to get free postage stamps to use for mailing?
I did a lot of research and unfortunately it seems like there isn’t any legal way to get free stamps to use for sending mail (though there are many ways to get cheap stamps). While there are many ways to get free stamps, you won’t be able to use them for sending mail because they are either used or collector editions that don’t have any legal value. But there are great for your stamp collection.
With that explained, let’s get started on the list…
Table of Contents
Where Can I Get Stamps for Free?
Here are legit ways to score free stamps for your collection:
1. International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors
You can send a request for stamps to the International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors.
- Get the details here.
2. Vista Stamps
Vista Stamps has a Stamp Approval Club that you can join to get a customized selection of stamps mailed to you based on your interests.
You have 20 days to examine the stamps. You only buy the stamps you want, and you can return the rest.
Now, the best part about the club is that it gives you a free stamp gift when you sign up.
Return postage is at your expense. There are no club or membership fees.
- Get the details here.
3. Arpin Philately
Arpin Philately has a Stamps on Approval Club you can join to get a customized selection of stamps mailed to you. You have 20 days to check the stamps, and then you can buy only the stamps that you want and return the rest. There are no club or membership fees. The best part about the club is that it gives you a free stamp gift.
Return postage is at your expense.
- Get the details here.
4. Kidstamps
Kidstamps is a free postal club you can join if you’re in the UK. Anyone between the ages of 5 and 19 years old can join the club. You will need to enclose a stamp-addressed envelope with your application in order to get your gift pack.
- Get the details here.
5. Contact local businesses
Since businesses get lots of mail each day, they can be a great source of free stamps. Just ask a business near you if they’d be willing to save any stamps for you. Most places just throw away the stamps, so they may agree to save them for you.
6. Ask friends and coworkers
Again, all you have to do is ask your friends or coworkers to save stamps for you.
7. Ask family members
You could ask family members to save any stamps they get in the mail for you.
8. Ask at local schools
Schools get lots of mail. So ask them to save the stamps for you.
9. Pen pals
Get yourself a pen pal and you can send letters to each other with some great stamps. It’s a good way to build your collection.
10. Check the attic
There may be some old stamps on letters in the attic. Have a look because you never know what you may already have in your own home.
11. Join a local stamp club
Is there a stamp club near you? If so, consider joining it. Often, club members will give free stamps to beginning collectors.
You can search for local stamp clubs on the American Philatelic Society website here.
12. Go to a stamp show
Look out for stamp shows near you. These events are good because many people at them are willing to give stamps to beginning collectors for free.
13. Put an ad in your local newspaper
Post an ad in your local paper saying that you’re interested in any stamps that people receive in the mail. Some people may want you to pay them a small amount for the stamps, but many people are generous enough to give you their stamps for free. It’s definitely something to consider.
14. Check on Stamp Forums
Lots of stamp forums have members who are willing to give stamps to collectors who’re just starting out.
It’s important to note that this isn’t the easiest way to get stamps. You can’t just sign up for a forum and ask for stamps in your first post. You’ll need to actually participate in the forum and become an established member with a good number of posts before you ask for stamps. Otherwise, members may think you’re just spamming,
Here are some stamp forums that you can join:
15. OfferUp
Like Craigslist, there aren’t always free stamps available, but it’s still worth having a check on OfferUp. It’s a website where people can buy and sell stuff locally. But there’s a section just for free stuff. So have a search for stamps there.
- Visit OfferUp here.
26. American Philatelic Society
This is a paid membership program, which is why it’s appearing last on our list, Those aged between 6 and 17 years old can sign up for the Young Stamp Collectors of America club.
New members get a treasure package with stamps and information on collecting stamps.
- Get the details here.
17. Craigslist
Free stuff and Craigslist are just made for each other! Sure, vintage and collectible stamps don’t often pop-up on CL. Sometimes they do though. So it’s always worth having a look on there.
You can find your city’s free section, under the “For Sale” section.
- Visit Craigslist here.
18. St. Vincent Stamps
This website gives stamps away for free. The stamps you get are selected at random. You just have to send a self-addressed envelope.
- Get the details here.
19. Check the mail
Before you throw out any mail, check for stamps. If you find any, carefully remove them from the envelope, ensuring you don’t damage the stamp in the process.
20. Freecycle
On Freecycle you can find loads of freebies, including free shipping supplies and postage material. I’d recommend having a look on there to see if anyone is giving away stamps.
- Visit Freecycle here.
Closing Thoughts
If you’d like to start building up a stamp collection but are short on cash, then give the places above a try.
It’s good to know that there are so many places where you can get free stamps!
Yes, I’d like to get started in Stamp Collecting, but a little short on cash these days. Any chance you might be able to help me out? Maybe your attic, miscellaneous letters, used or un-used stamps?
Try the methods mentioned in the post. Sorry, I personally don’t have any, Bryant.