A custom postage stamp is a great way to show some individuality or “color.” More and more, people are adding images to their mail, or using them as advertisements or branding of their business.
When the USPS first began to allow the customization, an estimated 2 million individual stamps were ordered within the first week, making this one of the most successful ideas in post office history.
Since the first trial-run was such a huge success, the USPS decided to allow customization on a limited run, and so far, consumers have been “eating them up.”
Photo versions are particularly popular. They allow a photo or image of practically anything you may choose to be imprinted on your stamps. Of course, there are a few common-sense exceptions; for example, you cannot for use pornographic or violent images.
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These have been embraced by the public, and to date have been used for such diverse mailings as wedding or anniversary invitations, birth announcements, business logos, environmental awareness campaigns, party invitations, and special occasions of all types.
The ability to put your image on is an irresistible idea for many people; but as usual, there are always a few “bad apples” who will take things too far. For example, a few people have attempted to order them photos of Fidel Castro, Slobodan Milosevic or other political figures. The USPS quickly denied these on the grounds that they could result in public outrage.
Along with controversial figures, other subjects deemed unfit include certain religious symbols, exploitative content and objects that are subject to copyright. Other than these exceptions and overt advertisements, the photos used on yours are entirely up to you.
There are now three primary providers in America. PhotoStamps.com is probably the best-known of these, while Endica is also competing in this market. Finally, Pitney Bowes have also jumped into this industry, and are quickly gaining market share.
But it is not just the United States that has embraced the idea; they are becoming a phenomenon in many countries around the world. In the UK, for example, the Royal Mail is adopting them, and Belgium and The Netherlands also have similar programs in the works.
Using these is a great way to celebrate your next special event, or simply to celebrate your individuality. They are simple to order at online locations like PhotoStamps.com, and can become valuable keepsakes that your friends and family will treasure for a lifetime.
For example, photos of your newborn baby will be treasured by grandparents and relatives forever. Likewise, a picture of the bride and groom-to be is a great way to announce an upcoming wedding and sets the right tone for your upcoming ceremony.
Custom postage stamps by PhotoStamps.comhave a million uses and are only limited by your creativity.