Over the next 12-18 months, the self-service mail kiosks that have become a familiar feature in UK post offices will be phased out. The NCR self-service units, which have served postal customers for years, will soon be replaced by new technology. While this marks the end of an era for these particular machines, it also signals new opportunities for stamp collectors as the Post Office prepares for a future of card-only payments and modernized services.

Source:- https://kioskindustry.org/post-office-kiosks-rolling-out/

The Shift to Card-Only Operations

In a significant step toward modernization, the Post Office has recently switched all existing NCR self-service kiosks to card-only operations. Cash payments have been removed as a payment option at these kiosks. This change is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and move away from cash transactions, aligning with the growing trend of digital and contactless payments.

For collectors, this change is important because the NCR kiosks have long been a reliable source of unique Post and Go stamp issues. While the removal of cash payments might be a minor inconvenience for some, it is a necessary step as the Post Office prepares to introduce more advanced machines in the coming months.

The Special Stamps from NCR Kiosks

Since their introduction, the NCR self-service kiosks have dispensed a variety of collectible stamps, making them a popular choice for philatelists. The stamps, often referred to as “Post and Go” labels, have been highly sought after due to their unique designs and the information they contain. These stamps were printed with details such as the branch where the transaction took place, making them particularly interesting for collectors.

Collectors have especially appreciated the “Open Value” (OV) stamps, which feature variable postage values depending on the weight and destination of the mail. These stamps often included machine-specific details, such as the branch code and session number, adding to their collectible value. The advice is ‘complete your sets now’ before NCR kiosks are no more.

What’s Next for Collectors?

With the old NCR units on their way out, the Post Office is preparing to introduce new self-service machines. These new machines will continue to offer a wide range of services, but with improved technology, they will likely focus on contactless and card payments. This transition could mean more convenient and secure transactions for customers, but for collectors, the big question remains: will the new devices continue to offer the same collectible “Post and Go” labels?

The new machines will be equipped with the latest technology, and while it’s unclear whether they will provide the same unique stamps, many collectors are hopeful that new, limited edition stamps and postmarks will be introduced with the new systems.

The Final Year for NCR Kiosks

For now, collectors still have a chance to visit the NCR kiosks before they are replaced. These final months will offer a last opportunity to obtain stamps from these machines, which have produced some iconic labels over the years. Whether you’re looking to add to your collection of “Open Value” stamps or seek out a machine-specific code, this is the time to make those visits to your local post office before the NCR units are retired.

Conclusion: A New Era in Postal Collecting

The transition away from NCR self-service kiosks marks the end of an era in the world of postal collecting. However, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that promises more modern and efficient systems for both customers and collectors. While the NCR units may soon be gone, the spirit of stamp collecting will continue as the Post Office introduces new machines and services.

As the Post Office evolves, collectors can look forward to the next exciting phase in the world of postal memorabilia.

EuroPhilEx Birmingham 2025 is an upcoming international philatelic exhibition scheduled to take place from May 7 to May 11, 2025, at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, England. (ABPS) This event marks a significant departure from tradition, as it will be the first time the UK’s mid-decade international stamp exhibition is held outside of London. (Canton Fair)

The exhibition is organized under the patronage of the Federation of European Philatelic Associations (FEPA) and with recognition from the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP). (ABPS) It is expected to feature over 2,000 exhibition frames and accommodate a wide range of dealers within a space of up to 10,000 square meters. (ABPS) For context, the London 2022 exhibition occupied 6,000 square meters.

In addition to the extensive displays, EuroPhilEx 2025 will offer meeting rooms for societies and a comprehensive program of lectures and entertainment. (ABPS) The NEC’s location adjacent to Birmingham Airport and the railway station provides convenient access for both domestic and international visitors. (ABPS)

As of October 2024, the exhibition was approximately seven months away, with ongoing preparations to ensure a successful event. (ABPS) For the most current information, including details on participation, schedules, and accommodations, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official EuroPhilEx Birmingham 2025 website.

There are rumours of a self-service presence and a special Royal Mail show only offer ..TBC

The Post Office has partnered with imageHOLDERS to enhance customer service across the UK by introducing self-service kiosks in branches nationwide. This initiative aims to streamline access to key services, including postal transactions, home shopping returns, electronic pre-advice, and overseas services. By automating these processes, staff can dedicate more time to addressing complex customer inquiries, thereby improving overall satisfaction.

A key focus of this collaboration is accessibility. The kiosks are designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring ergonomic screens and support for assistive technologies such as screen readers and braille interfaces, ensuring a positive experience for all visitors.

Richard Satchell, CEO of imageHOLDERS, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Post Office to help deliver more efficient and accessible services to customers across the UK.” (Image Holders)

The nationwide rollout is scheduled to commence in Spring 2025, starting with select branches before expanding across the country. This collaboration marks a significant step in modernizing service delivery and meeting the evolving needs of today’s consumers.

Neal Newbrook, Propositions Manager at Post Office, commented: “Introducing these new self-service kiosks will make it easier and more efficient for customers to access the Post Office mail products they require.” (Image Holders)

This partnership underscores the commitment of both organizations to innovation and customer-centric service enhancements.

Watch this space for new developments as they are announced

Over the past six months, significant developments have occurred in the realm of ‘Post and Go’ stamps, particularly within the United Kingdom. These self-service postage labels, introduced to streamline mailing processes, have seen notable changes and announcements affecting collectors and postal enthusiasts alike.

Royal Mail’s Decision to Cease ‘Post and Go’ Operations

In September 2023, Royal Mail announced the termination of its ‘Post and Go’ services by the end of the year. This decision followed a comprehensive review, citing factors such as the absence of new issues in recent years and the impending need to update designs due to the change in monarchy. Consequently, all remaining ‘Post and Go’ kiosks were scheduled to be decommissioned by December 31, 2023. (Norphil Blog)

Impact on The Postal Museum’s Offerings

The Postal Museum, a prominent institution housing ‘Post and Go’ machines, responded to Royal Mail’s announcement by releasing its final set of overprinted stamps. These stamps, available until December 31, 2023, featured unique designs commemorating various themes. The museum also offered limited-edition First Day Covers and Presentation Packs, marking the end of an era for their ‘Post and Go’ offerings. (Postal Museum)

Continuation of ‘Post and Go’ Services in Crown Dependencies

While Royal Mail concluded its ‘Post and Go’ services, postal administrations in the Crown Dependencies—Jersey and Guernsey—confirmed their commitment to continue offering these stamps. Both Jersey Post and Guernsey Post announced plans to maintain their ‘Post and Go’ machines and release new issues in 2024, ensuring that collectors and customers can still access these unique postage labels. (Norphil Blog)

Collecting Opportunities and Market Trends

The cessation of Royal Mail’s ‘Post and Go’ services has sparked increased interest among philatelists. Collectors are keen to acquire remaining stocks and limited editions before they become unavailable. Online marketplaces, such as eBay, have seen a surge in listings for ‘Post and Go’ stamps, reflecting their growing desirability and potential as valuable collectibles. (eBay)

Conclusion

The past six months have been transformative for ‘Post and Go’ stamps, with Royal Mail’s decision to end the service marking a significant shift. However, the continued commitment from Jersey and Guernsey Posts offers a silver lining for enthusiasts. As the landscape evolves, collectors have a unique opportunity to preserve a piece of postal history, underscoring the enduring appeal of ‘Post and Go’ stamps in the philatelic community.

Royal Mail today announced significant increases in the cost of Inland Letter mail and simplification via the removal of weight steps for international letters to take effect from 1st January 2021

1st class inland rises from 76p to 88p and 1st Class large rises from £1.15 to £1.29

For International Letters the 20g Europe weight step has been removed – a single weight step 100g and under now applies to all European Letters with a corresponding increase to the cost of posting those letters to £1.70.

For Worldwide Letters, the three existing zones have been removed with a single tariff of £2.55 applying for items over 20g but equal to or under 100g. For items 20g or under the same £1.70 tariff as European 100g rate applies.
This simplifies the values required for international letters to £1.70 and £2.55, which is likely to be reflected in future commemorative issues.

With a standard 1st Class set of four values, Royal Mail has taken the opportunity to add the two ‘missing’ International Large Letter rates for Europe and International Large Letters of £3.25 and £4.20 , resulting in a eye watering cost of £13.84 for the 1st class collectors strip.

Each of these new rates will now be reflected in the SSK and RM Museum 1st class collectors strip with corresponding Machins issued or reissued.

All Post and Go stamps will be available individually from the day of issue with all dashes removed, which will please collectors and dealers alike.

Some of the newer, smaller Post Office outlets recently trialed with single SSKs could, of course, be open on Jan 1st, so a first day strip is not beyond a possibility, as well as a first day listing on Ebay.

One of the most common questions sent to us is from readers trying to confirm the current ‘worth’ or face value of obsolete (or even current) Post and Go ‘Non Value’ or NVI stamps where used for postage. There doesn’t appear to be any official reference for this information but there has been previous confirmation of the principles used by Royal Mail’s revenue protection, which allows us to produce the following, updated and indeed simplified by the tariff change of 1st September 2020.

The rule applied is that any NVI stamp that indicates a weight step that no longer exists should be rounded up to the next weight and take on the value of that weight step. Where a zone is not indicated then all zones are covered and the stamp takes the value of the most expensive zone in that weight step.

Where these stamps are being used for pre-payment at a Post Office counter posters should consider that NVIs stamp were originally supplied for use for a particular purpose – e.g. specific inland or international mail letter rates and although techncially they are valid for use for other services, such use is exceptional and may result in refusal or re-direction to direct Royal Mail channels.

Royal Mail will increase their prices for the third time in 2020 on 1st September, generally due to the impact of COVID-19 and the knock-on effects of increased transport costs across the world. This time the price changes affect International Letter and Large letter tariffs as well as parcels and builds on the earlier changes to pricing zones on 1st July 2020 when a new ‘Zone 3’ was introduced specifically for the USA. https://www.royalmail.com/international-zones#worldzone3

From a Post and Go collector’s perspective this change will result in the introduction of three new NVI values – the first for a few years.

Firstly, the new tariff combines two previously different tariffs- Europe 100g and Worldwide 20g to the same price point (£1.70) , which allows for a new ‘Combi’ Euro 100g World 20g NVI stamp to be introduced.

Secondly, the introduction of new Worldwide pricing zone 3 earlier in the year has allowed for the applicable Letter rates, for the first time, to differ, so we have the Letter rate for zone 1 and 3 at £2.50 and zone 3 (Australasia) a rate of £2.55 – the first time for a while – certainly since Post and Go stamps have existed- that International letter rates have differed in this way.

This is accomodated by introducing two further new NVI values- a “Worldwide 100g Zone 1-3” and a “Worldwide 100g Zone 2”.

The values ‘retired’ as of 1st September as no longer required are “Euro 100g”, “Worldwide 20g”, and “Worldwide 100g”.

In summary, a comparison between existing and revised values and prices available from before and after 1st Sept 2020:-

The new NVIs will be available on 1st September from all NCR kiosks in Post Offices and IAR locations that are currently in use. (some SSKs are currently out of use to maintain social distancing in Post Office branches and some museum locations are yet to re-open).

The prices for the OV stamps will be updated in line with the tariff, without any design changes.

Machin Stamps are available here:- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174417193519

Robin Stamps are available here:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174417218960

For the NCR SSK and SFKs the ‘buy stamps’ menu will be updated, with the Worldwide 100g stamp option being removed.

Post and Go at Party Political Conference

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The Labour NVI stamps are available from our ebay site Labour Party Conference NVI Post and Go

Conservative NVIs are available here  Conservative Party Conference NVI Post and Go

SNP NVIs are available here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172925006737