I have been in a discussion about re-using postage stamps that have gone through the mail, without being postmarked. Is it cheating to peel them off and reuse them on another letter?

I say that the post office had the chance to cancel them at several points along the way. If they come off easily, why not reuse them? My friend says that that's cheating and there is probably a federal law against it. Granted, it doesn't happen very often, but why not.

What's the consencus of this group of highly inteligent and skilled quilters?

Not something I'd announce. I'm sure there are legallities you would be flurting with. :-o

I don't find one like that but maybe twice a year so it doesn't bother me to use it if I need it.

I rarely get one that hasn't been canceled but if you do I have always heard if you have a hard time peeling it off try putting it in the freezer. Never tried it but I guess it makes it easier to peel off :)

Here is a thread about it:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...5094134AAzw31x

For me, it's an ethical issue. The postage on a letter pays for its passage through the system once, not twice.

And here's a link to the U.S. post office poster on the subject, warning that it's a federal crime to reuse stamps:
http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/posters/pos5.pdf

Sorry, but as tempting as it may be, it is against the law.

I'm thinking it might not be a good idea.

I don't need the 42 cents that bad. Especially considering how many stamps you'd have to "find" that way to pay for a $250 fine for federal mail tampering, or whatever they'd call it!

I personally love my post office folks. They do a good job for me and all my stuff gets there on time. In one piece. And I did geez....a thousand dollars worth of postage last year?

When I think that for 42 cents (I think that's the current amount) someone stops by my house, drops off any mail sent to me, picks up my letter, carries it to the drop-off station and makes sure that it gets to its final destination, I am quite impressed. For that, I gladly pay my dues. No, I do not reuse stamps.

The only time it would be legal, is if no service has been rendered. I've seen people pull off 1st class presort postage and attempt to use those for postage. Won't work, folks. Also another tip, never use tape on stamps, it voids them..