Martin Lewis issues stark warning to anyone planning to bulk buy stamps

Martin Lewis has issued a warning to anyone thinking about stocking up on stamps before a big price rise on October 2. The money saving guru, speaking on his BBC podcast told listeners that a key tip he is giving this month is that people should ‘stock up’ in advance of the big price increases from Royal Mail.

Standard first class is going from £1.10 to £1.25 – a 15p or 14 per cent rise. A large first class letter size is going from £1.60 to £1.95 – a 35p increase or 22 per cent. Standard second class is remaining the same at 75p and a large second class letter is going from £1.15 to £155 – a 40p or 35 per cent increase.

However Mr Lewis gave a stark warning – if you buy the wrong type of first class stamp his suggestion won’t work. The important thing is to avoid any stamps which have the value in money on them – people must instead only buy them if they say ‘first class’ on them.

Speaking about the price increase Martin said: “It’s not good news. On October 1 we are seeing yet another rise in the price of stamps. I suspect some of this is a move from the Royal Mail to get people to use second class so it doesn’t have to use the first class system in the same way. Obviously first class delivery must be more expensive to them.

“So what do you do about it? Well for many years every time stamps go up in price I’ve simply suggested you stock up and bulk buy now in advance.” Then Martin explained his warning about making sure you only buy a stamp marked ‘first class’ and not a specific price on it. He said: “Provided the stamp doesn’t have a price on it and instead just says the postage class, so first class or second, it’s still valid after the hike.

“So that means even if you’re thinking about Christmas cards for this year or possibly next year or even for Christmas cards 2032 stock up on your stamps now and they’re cheaper because they last in perpetuity. Effectively buy now and they’re inflation proof.”

Martin Lewis was speaking on the Martin Lewis podcast on BBC Sounds – to listen to the whole broadcast click here.