SASEs for Foreigners

[woodrunner.livejournal.com]

So the other day I realized I need stamps on a SASE that will be coming back to me from the US. I'm not based in the States. So I go to the USPS website and discover that they won't send stamps internationally.

I used to be able to buy them online, so I'm wondering how and when that happened and what fostered the decision, but that probably puts a good crimp in a lot of writers' plans to submit to agents or publishers in the USA.

So barring a bit of underhandedness to get the stamps, I came across this website: http://www.stamps.com/welcome/

And was wondering if anyone has used it and whether it works for them?

Comments

[ceirdwenfc.livejournal.com]

I have not used that web site. Have you contacted the USPS by telephone to find out what to do or possibly the person you're sending the piece to who will then send it back. I thought that the PO had International Reply coupons for just this sort of thing, but again, I've never used them.

[woodrunner.livejournal.com]

From all the agent blogs I've read, they absolutely HATE IRCs, and at least one editor that I'm aware of will toss them in the garbage rather than go through the pain of getting them changed at the post office.

Calling the USPS by telephone is not an option for me at present.

[pearls-and-blow.livejournal.com]

Have you tried e-mailing the USPS customer service department?

[clawfoot.livejournal.com]

The best way to get American stamps, I find, is to find an accomodating American friend to send you some. I know, that's not very helpful.

I had a look at that stamps site, but it looks like they'll only allow acounts within the US (their registration form only accepts States and US zip codes). Plus, it's $20/month for the service.

I'm afraid it's either IRCs or finding an American to send you some themselves.

[woodrunner.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm starting to get the feeling that there's not a lot of room in there to actually get stamps. I wonder why the USPS changed their policy.

Oh, well. Thanks! :)