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Original poster

AIBU to ask why the new stamps of detachable barcodes if they don’t want you to detach them before sending?

110 replies

Blah1881 · 23/01/2023 12:38

I’m so pissed off because I’ve just sent money in a card to a relative using the new stamp which I bought at a supermarket. Nowhere on the stamp book packaging did it say ‘do not detach barcode) so I assumed it was something I should hang on to so I could track the letter. Now I learn that you have to keep the barcode on if the stamp is to be considered valid- aaargh! Why serrate the edge between the stamp and barcode if they don’t want you to detach it? Why no instructions on the bloody packaging?! Surely I am not alone in being caught out by this? AIBU?

OP posts:
EmmaEmerald · 29/01/2023 20:37

HinnyHoway · 29/01/2023 20:08

Wait, so the barcodes aren’t to track? What’s the point of them then?

I’m stumped by this one

there’s no benefit to the user if you can’t track it

it will turn out to be something that allows Royal Mail to track things I expect. Certainly there’s no good explanation so far.

WestOfWestminster · 29/01/2023 20:36

Goldpaw · 29/01/2023 20:27

I don't think it was the pilot because they were ordinary stamps, the book just had two barcodes at one side separate to the stamps.

This rings a bell for me too but this thread is making me doubt my memory!

Goldpaw · 29/01/2023 20:27

I don't think it was the pilot because they were ordinary stamps, the book just had two barcodes at one side separate to the stamps.

Luckydip1 · 29/01/2023 20:18

It's to stop people using 'old' style stamps so they have to pay for new ones.

redspottedmug · 29/01/2023 20:12

www.abps.org.uk/royal-mail-pilots-barcodes-on-stamps/

Nope, the pilot stamps had simulated perforations.

HinnyHoway · 29/01/2023 20:08

Wait, so the barcodes aren’t to track? What’s the point of them then?

WestOfWestminster · 29/01/2023 19:47

Ooooh, Goldpaw the mystery deepens! Perhaps the ones you got were part of the trial they did before it was properly rolled out?
Yes we definitely need photographic evidence from someone!

Goldpaw · 29/01/2023 19:40

WestOfWestminster · 29/01/2023 19:16

I feel like this could be a whole new mandela effect example

I've got a vague memory of buying a book of stamps and there was something like six stamps and at one end there were two bar codes that I wondered why they were there, and they peeled off seperately. But this was a couple of years ago or more. They weren't like the new sets of stamps.

Until we see a photo of one of these packs of actually perforated stamps I'm remaining sceptical!

WestOfWestminster · 29/01/2023 19:16

I feel like this could be a whole new mandela effect example

LaMagdalena · 29/01/2023 18:58

roses2 · 29/01/2023 18:26

They can't be tracked but you do get delivery confirmation. I've used this many many times!

When you send a parcel at the post office eg second class small parcel they give you a receipt with a number on. Put that in the Royal Mail tracking website and once it's delivered it shows "delivered".

Show quote history

Okay, I've checked the RM website and you're correct about parcels - you can get delivery confirmation with 1st and 2nd Class small and medium parcels. But not letters, so you would need either Signed For or Special Delivery for delivery confirmation.

violetfern · 29/01/2023 18:41

I had some perforated ones! The stamp and bar code peeled off separately and I had to stick them next to each other, I'm pretty sure they got tor where they needed to go.

WestOfWestminster · 29/01/2023 18:33

Place marking in case someone posts a photo of a perforated stamp/code.

watcherintherye · 29/01/2023 18:31

I realise from now on I need to keep checking the internet on a regular basis for all the latest stamp news though

Grin
roses2 · 29/01/2023 18:26

LaMagdalena · 29/01/2023 18:22

You can't track normal 1st and 2nd Class parcels, if you could then Special Delivery wouldn't exist.

Show quote history

They can't be tracked but you do get delivery confirmation. I've used this many many times!

When you send a parcel at the post office eg second class small parcel they give you a receipt with a number on. Put that in the Royal Mail tracking website and once it's delivered it shows "delivered".

LaMagdalena · 29/01/2023 18:22

roses2 · 29/01/2023 18:20

That's not actually correct - 1st and 2nd class parcels come with a tracking number and you can check when it's delivered on the Royal Mail website.

I received an ebay package a few days ago with a second class barcode stamp on (like in the 1st class stamp photos above but second class). The seller emailed me asking for feedback as they said it has been delivered now. I don't know how she knows this since the stamp only has a barcode and not a number?

Show quote history

You can't track normal 1st and 2nd Class parcels, if you could then Special Delivery wouldn't exist.

roses2 · 29/01/2023 18:20

LaMagdalena · 29/01/2023 17:37

No, you can't check letters have been delivered without either Signed For or Special Delivery.

Show quote history

That's not actually correct - 1st and 2nd class parcels come with a tracking number and you can check when it's delivered on the Royal Mail website.

I received an ebay package a few days ago with a second class barcode stamp on (like in the 1st class stamp photos above but second class). The seller emailed me asking for feedback as they said it has been delivered now. I don't know how she knows this since the stamp only has a barcode and not a number?

malmi · 29/01/2023 18:00

You would think that when people get confused and believe there is a perforation, and then tear along the imagined perforation, they would realise that it hasn't torn in the way that a perforation tears. But I guess that's the power of the human mind.

redspottedmug · 29/01/2023 17:49

All these folk saying their stamps are perforated - photo evidence needed!

LaMagdalena · 29/01/2023 17:37

roses2 · 29/01/2023 17:10

I've got a book - they clearly have a picture of a perforation but if you rub your finger on it it's smooth

Apparently you can check these have been delivered but how since there is no number to track??

No, you can't check letters have been delivered without either Signed For or Special Delivery.

SoupDragon · 29/01/2023 17:37

I can't find any mention of a real perforation via Google. All sources say it's simulated. Really odd!

the lozenge bits were there on the old style stamps too. It's to make peeling them off an envelope more difficult.

Goldpaw · 29/01/2023 17:28

They do have those two lozenge shaped things on the actual stamp bit, I wonder if it's those that are causing confusion?

QuestionableMouse · 29/01/2023 17:28

The ones I had were perforated - the stamps peeled off the book it two bits.

Goldpaw · 29/01/2023 17:26

Yes, I think some folk are thinking the squiggly line is a perforation because it makes no sense for there to be an actual perforation - how would the machinery do that if it's set up for printing and making a single sticker?

Why wouldn't there be talk of it somewhere on the interwebs as stamps with real perforations must be worth a fortune!

Toddlerteaplease · 29/01/2023 17:26

I wondered that and was removing them till I was told not too!

SoupDragon · 29/01/2023 17:24

This is the reverse which clearly shows this one is one piece

AIBU to ask why the new stamps of detachable barcodes if they don’t want you to detach them before sending?
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