Stamp program

Stamp program

The stamp program of a postal organisation is an umbrella term for the entire process of postage stamp issuance and distribution by the organization. Aspects include the decision of about stamps to issue, what postal rates they will pay, postage stamp design, printing, and publicity for the new stamps. The stamp program is generally managed by a specialized department within the organization, which balances demands from the rest of the organization, the nation's government, stamp collectors, and the public which actually buy and use the stamps.

Originally, the choice of stamps to issue was primarily driven by changes to postal rates, and by major changes in the government (for instance, the accession of a new monarch meant that the stamp portrait had to change). Results of research show that the process was often very hasty and reactive, sometimes only a few days or weeks elapsing between the identification of a need and the beginning of printing and distribution.

Through the 20th century, the process became more organized; for instance, it proved possible to sell more commemorative stamps if the public was formally informed of their availability, which inspired first day of issue ceremonies. In turn, simultaneous availability nationwide meant that everything had to be planned out ahead of time. Postal administrations also discovered that collectors were not a bottomless well of money, and that excessive stamp issues would simply go unpurchased, so they decide ahead of time how many stamps are a "reasonable" number.

The upshot is that much of a year's stamp program is known and can be announced in advance. In 2005 for instance, Canada Post announced its 2006 stamps in July 2005, while the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced at the end of November.

The existence of a preannounced program does not preclude last-minute changes; a souvenir sheet commemorating the Mars Pathfinder mission was issued by the USPS December 10, 1997, some five months after the touchdown, while the "United We Stand" stamp in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks came out on October 2, just three weeks later.

External links

* [http://www.canadapost.ca/personal/corporate/about/newsroom/pr/archive-e.asp?prid=1086 Canada Post press release for 2006 stamp program, dated July 2005]
* [http://www.usps.com/communications/news/stamps/2005/sr05_054.htm Lengthy USPS news release describing 2006 stamp program, November 2005]
* [http://www.usps.com/communications/news/stamps/2004/sr04_076.htm USPS release for 2005 stamp program]


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Food Stamp Program — The US Food Stamp Program is a federal assistance program that provides food to low and no income people living in the United States. Benefits are distributed by the individual states, but the program is administered through the U.S. Department… …   Wikipedia

  • Medallion Stamp Program — A program approved by the Securities Transfer Association that enables participating financial institutions to guarantee signatures. The Medallion programs ensure that the individual signing the certificate or stock, power is in fact the… …   Financial and business terms

  • Stamp Act 1765 — Duties in American Colonies Act 1765 Parliament of Great Britain Long title An act for granting and applying certain stamp duties, and other duties, in the British colonies and plantations in America, towards further defraying the expences o …   Wikipedia

  • Stamp Day for Superman — Infobox Film name = Stamp Day for Superman caption = director = Thomas Carr (director) producer = Whitney Ellsworth writer = starring = George Reeves Noel Neill music = cinematography = Harold E. Stine editing = Harry W. Gerstad distributor = U.S …   Wikipedia

  • STAMP — Systems Tape Addition and Maintenance Program ( > IEEE Standard Dictionary ) …   Acronyms

  • STAMP — Systems Tape Addition and Maintenance Program ( > IEEE Standard Dictionary ) …   Acronyms von A bis Z

  • STAMP — 1. Space Technology and Analysis and Mission Planning Contributor: CASI 2. Stratospheric/Troposphere Aerosol Measurement Program Contributor: CASI …   NASA Acronyms

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — SNAP logo The United States Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),[1] historically and commonly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federal assistance program that provides assistance to low and no income people …   Wikipedia

  • Federal Duck Stamp — Federal Duck Stamp, signed by hunter as required for legal use The federal duck stamp was created through a wetlands conservation program. President Herbert Hoover signed the Migratory Bird Conservation Act in 1929 to authorize the acquisition… …   Wikipedia

  • Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee — The United States Postal Service s Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) evaluates potential subjects for U.S. postage stamps and reports its recommendations to the Postmaster General, who makes the final decision. Contents 1 Purpose 2 Members …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”