More Information on Priority Stamp, Priority Service and New Definitives

Brochures have been sent to post offices explaining the change in services from the 4 January 2016.

Post offices have also been sent booklets of the Priority labels, as well as sheets of 20. The sheets appear to be self-adhesive with the stamps die-cut and with rouletting between the stamps.

Post offices can also now order 'Wildflower 2015' definitives in $1, $2, $3 and $5 denominations. The suggested release date is late December 2015, allowing businesses and the general public to buy the stamps in advance of the rate rise. The theme of the new definitives is also indicated by the stamp on the cover of the brochure, which shows a wildflower, with a very carefully covered denomination.

Interestingly, this is the first time Australia Post has issued self-adhesive stamps/labels in a sheet format before, and may be indicative of the future.


Update: Customers have started receiving the booklet of five labels, and they appear to have security slits in them (see Stampboards)

Postal Rates to Increase on 4 January; Priority Letter Service Introduced

The ACCC has approved Australia Post's proposal to increase the base letter rate from 70c to $1 from 4 January 2016. In addition Australia Post will introduce a two speed service, with Priority letters taking 1 to 4 business days to deliver, and Regular letters taking up to an extra 2 days. Concession card holders will still be able to post mail at 60c, and Christmas cards will still cost 65c.

To ensure an item is sent Priority a label must be added next to the stamp. The Data Matrix code on the label will be read by the mail sorting machinery, and hence the letter will be given priority. The Priority label must be attached to the letter to ensure Priority delivery. Priority stickers can be attached stamped letters (including those posted at the Concession and Christmas rates) and prepaid envelopes. The Priority service is on available for letters; parcels have their own separate delivery schedule, and are pointless on Express Post items which delivered the next business day (within the Express Post network).

Priority labels are now available for purchase via the Australia Post online shop (under Pack and Post > Postage Stamps).

Stamp Show Products now Available online

One of my pet hates with Australia Post mail order has been that miniature sheets produced for overseas shows were only available by phoning up mail order, and having to pay the extra $5 handling fee. Thankfully, Australia Post has listened to reason, and as predicted are now selling show products online.

The first product available is the $1.40 Koala miniature sheet for the China Stamp Show, with the Hong Kong sheet hopefully to follow.

Update (5 November 2015): Australia Post has confirmed the printer of the Beijing and Hong Kong show sheets is RA Printing. The original Koala stamp is printed by Ego, so this is the first time this stamp has been printed by RA Printing. Likewise the Tram stamp will be new (original is printed by McKellar Renown).

Three Personalised Stamps™ Available with Christmas 2015 Issue

Following on from last year, three more Christmas stamps have been added to the Personalised Stamps™ range. The sheet with the Present stamp, also includes the 65c Dove stamp (again there is likely to be 9 of one design, and 11 of the other). The printer, perforations and phosphor tagging are expected to be the same as before, but will be confirmed once the stamps have been examined.

Readers are reminded that I will be splitting my sheets of Personalised Stamps™ up, and collectors who are interested in a set of three should contact me.

Draft designs (subject to approval by Australia Post)

Update (5 November 2015): In a surprise change of printers, the base sheets are printed by RA Printing, rather than McKellar Renown. This might be due to the small quantities required.
Update (9 November 2015): Appears Australia Post has rejected by designs. I will redesign them and resubmit.

Alvin and the Chipmunks Pack

Readers of the latest Stamp Bulletin would have noticed the Chipmunks pack containing two sheetlets of 10 x 65c Christmas Present stamps and 10 tabs.

The format of these sheets is similar to those in the past, and for specialised collectors results in the a new variety. While it is has not be confirmed it is likely that the printer will be RA Printing (Ego Print printed the regular sheet stamps).

Update (5 November 2015): Australia Post has confirmed these stamps are printed by RA Printing.

Stamp Show Souvenirs Available Online Soon?

First seen this morning the Australia Post webshop has a new section for 'Stamp Show Products'. At the moment the listing is empty, as are the Christmas pages. Hopefully products will be uploaded for purchase from tomorrow, when the Christmas issue is available.

New Ordering System for Limited Edition Impressions™ Items

To avoid the problems in the past with phone ins and people placing multiple orders etc., Australia Post has started a new system where collectors can register their interest in buying a product, and purchasers will be selected at random.

Collectors can register at: https://auspostlimitededitions.com.au/

Registrations closed on 1 November 2015, and collectors will be advised within 5-10 days of the closing date whether they have been successful.

Registrations were extended until 3 November due to distribution problems with the Impressions catalogue to customers in Western Australia.

Victoria Cross Miniature Sheet Collection ($49.95)

This collection contains six imperforate Victoria Cross miniature sheet:

• four with foiled Sydney Stamp Expo postmarks (one for each of the four days)
• an imperforate version, similar to the one sold at the show, but without the show's logo
• a laser cut version (more information to follow)

Limited to: 120 packs

Sheet size: Same as original

Printer: Unknown

Printing Process: Unknown

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: To be advised

Available from: 2 November 2015

AE2 Commemorative Pack ($69.95)
Marking the centenary of the AE2, this pack contains three pre-stamped envelopes, and postage paid postcard and an imperforate miniature sheet containing six 70c Submarine stamps.

Limited to: 120 packs

Sheet size: Unknown

Printer: RA Printing

Printing Process: Unknown

Paper: Ordinary gummed paper

Special features: Unknown

Available from: 2 November 2015

Update 1 (5 November 2015): Printer added to the AE2 pack.